The Ultimate Santiago (Chile) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Santiago, Chile? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, with a population of around 6.9 million.
Founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541.
Divided into comunas – political divisions similar to the boroughs of New York City.
Located about 1 hour from the ski slopes and 1.5 hours from the beach.
Nicknames: known to outsiders as “La Capital.”

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency: Chilean peso (CLP).
Spoken languages: predominantly Spanish.
Best time to visit: from September to May (Santiago has a pleasant, mediterranean climate). Ski season is June through early October.
– Come in March for pleasant early fall weather with average temperatures between 12-25°C. This is considered one of the best times as summer crowds have diminished but weather remains agreeable.
Arriving via airport: two bus options exist – the Centropuerto and TurBus (both run 24/7, both cost 1,800 CLP one way).
– Centropuerto (1st floor, Gate 6): terminates at Los Heroes.
– TurBus: terminates at Santiago Central Station.
– Both follow more or less the same route and stop at the metro/bus stations in the city centre.
– Journey takes 40 minutes, buses depart every 20 minutes (or every hour at night).
A taxi ride is a bit quicker (25 minutes), but will cost 15,000-18,000 CLP. If traffic is especially bad (e.g. rush hour), expect to pay closer to 25,000 CLP.
– Go to the Vía Controlada transportation desk in Arrivals to arrange a taxi.
Middle-ground option: services like TransVIP and Delfos operate shared vans providing door-to-door service for approximately 7,000 CLP, offering good value for solo travelers
Tip: if you see a 7 digit phone number (e.g. 333-3333), you must dial “2” first (e.g. 2333-3333).

WHERE TO STAY

Best Santiago hostel for solo travelers: Hostel Forestal. In a great, central location – perfect for exploring the city.
– Very friendly staff, clean rooms, chilled atmosphere.
– Bathrooms could be a bit cleaner, but this is as good as it gets in Santiago!
If you want to be in walking distance of the old city, Santiago’s downtown (Santiago Centro) has a wide range of accommodations and prices.
Providencia is a little farther east, but you have quick access to many parts of the city via the subway (called Metro). The most exclusive hotels are located in Las Condes and Vitacura. These three are the safest areas of the city and are often recommended to new travelers.

GETTING AROUND

The systems for getting around town include the Metro (subway) and city buses. The Metro will quickly take you to most centrally located sites of interest. Buses are slower, may be crowded, and/or require a long wait.
Tip: purchase a prepaid transport Bip! card that will work on both the subway and city buses (buy one in any station). This contactless smart card makes using public transport a breeze.
Metro tickets range from $0.60 to $0.80, with higher prices during peak hours. Bus tickets cost around $0.60 per ride.
Taxis are yellow and black and can be hailed on the street. Though more expensive than the subway or buses, short trips are priced reasonably.
When using taxis, avoid hailing from the street; instead use Uber, My Ride Chile, or pre-arranged transportation through your accommodation.

SANTIAGO NIGHTLIFE

Drinking age is 18, no official last call (bars are open until early morning).
Great bars to start your night: SOCiAL, Oculto Beergarden, and Jardin Mallinkrot.
Bar Constitución: Popular spot in Bellavista for reggaeton and Latin pop, entry from 5,000 CLP
– Note: exercise caution in the Bellavista area at night!
Club La Feria: Premier electronic music venue, open Thursday-Saturday (11:30 PM-5 AM), entry from 10,000 CLP
Sala Gente: Upscale nightlife option for those seeking a more glamorous experience
Looking for dancing? Head to Bar El Túnel and/or Subterraneo.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucía Hill) is the main attraction. This picturesque hill in the heart of the city offers beautiful gardens, fountains, and monuments alongside stunning views of Santiago and the Andes mountains.
– Allow 1-2 hours to fully appreciate this historical landmark
Plaza de Armas (at Plaza de Armas Metro) is Santiago’s main square. Take a chance to visit the city’s cathedral.
El Pueblito de los Dominicos (Los Dominicos Metro Station). Old Dominican monastery and church. There’s also a crafts market, where you will find all sorts of souvenirs.
– Tip: look for goods made with lapis lazuli, a blue stone found only in Chile and Afghanistan.
Palacio Cousiño, a mansion from the 19th century that is open for tours.
Sky Costanera: offers 360-degree views from the tallest building in the region.
Barrio Italia deserves special mention not just for nightlife but as a premier shopping destination. The neighborhood features unique shops and markets selling everything from clothing to crafts, offering better souvenir options than typical gift shops. It’s also home to more upscale restaurants.

SAN CRISTOBAL HILL

One of Santiago’s premier attractions. Useful tips for travelers:

The funicular (taking to the top) was built in 1925 and is now a National Historic Monument. Prepare yourself for spectacular views of the city and Andes mountains.
The funicular costs 2,250 CLP on weekdays (2,600 CLP weekends/holidays).
A combined ticket called “Live the Park” offers unlimited trips on the Cable Car + Funicular + Panoramic Buses for 8,850 CLP, providing excellent value.
Arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid long queues.
Monday mornings are the best time to visit popular attractions like San Cristóbal Hill with minimal crowds.
Tip: buy tickets online to avoid lengthy queues, especially during peak tourist season.

INTERESTING WALKS

Walk in Santiago Centro, on the north side of the Alameda. Take Paseo Ahumada all the way to Plaza de Armas. Palacio La Moneda (the presidential palace) is another noteworthy stop.
Admire the French-style architecture and meandering streets on both Concha y Toro and Londres streets.
Take a stroll through two recently inaugurated parks: Parque Bicentenario and Parque Juan Pablo II.
Walk through the manicured gardens of Parque Forestal and stop at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to admire the art.
Feeling adventurous? Santiago is a great starting point for hiking and trekking. Try day hikes in places like Parque Nacional La Campana or even trekking in the Andes.

WHERE TO EAT

Santiago is full of fuentes de soda (soda fountains) that serve as informal cafés. Be adventurous and try the Chilean version of a hot dog – the completo. It is topped with tomato, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, and avocado paste.
Great restaurants to try: Dondoh Santiago, Baco – Nueva de Lyon ($$$ – French), Silvestre Bistro, Antigua Fuente (sandwiches), Restaurante Hansoban (Korean), New Horizon (Indian food at a great price), Holy Moly (burgers), Tanta (Peruvian – multiple locations), and Ciudadano Restaurant.
Craving chocolate? Head to Brussels Heart of Chocolate (multiple locations).

SANTIAGO SAFETY TIPS

Do not carry any valuables on you. Take only the cash you need with you. Never take your wallet out in public.
Try not to walk in Santiago Centro at night and avoid the comunas to the south, north and west of Santiago Centro.
Take particular caution in tourist areas that were previously considered safe, including Lastarria, Bellavista, Plaza de Armas, Mercado Central, and Cerro San Cristóbal park, where tourists have been attacked even during daylight hours.
The safest neighborhoods are Vitacura and the eastern end of Providencia.
Be especially vigilant on the 1st, 15th, and last day of each month, which are common paydays when pickpocketing incidents increase significantly.
When conversing with strangers, consider not revealing that you’re traveling alone – it’s perfectly acceptable to mention you have friends or family in town.

LOCAL WISDOM

Don’t forget to pack a sweater and/or a light jacket (mornings and evenings are cool, with the exception of the hottest summer days).
The core of Santiago is laid out in a grid, with streets running in straight lines. The Andes Mountains can help you get your bearings if you’re lost.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days