//
Capital and largest city of Chile
Photo: Gonzalo Baeza H, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Santiago is the capital and economic center of Chile. With its many museums, events, theaters, restaurants, bars and other entertainment and cultural opportunities, it is also the cultural center of the country. For visitors it's both the gateway to the country and a destination in its own right with an eclectic architecture, a vibrant culinary and cultural scene, surrounded by the mighty Andes welcoming skiers, trekkers and friends of wine. Its central location in the country makes it a great base for visiting other areas, and it is possible to ski in the nearby Andes and later be on the beach in the same day.
The traditional financial area of the city, full of colonial architecture and paseos (streets turned pedestrian walkways).
A solidly upper middle class comuna home of many of the entertainment districts, including Suecia and the area surrounding Manuel Montt. It also comprises Parque Bustamente, a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood with many hostels and cafés, and Parque de Las Esculturas, a prime park for morning runners
The new financial district of the city, full of tall buildings, swanky bars, and high-end hotels. This part of the city stretches all the way to the Andean glaciers at the city borders.
The Bohemian quarter of the city full of bars and nightclubs.
Contains Barrio Brasil, a neighborhood of students, artists, cheap restaurants, and happy hour as well as the western and southern parts of the city, including the city's airport and central railway station.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A red double-decker bus that passes through the main tourist attractions of the city, including the Central Market, Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, and Parque Metropolitana, among others. Pass is good for the day with departures every half hour during operating hours.
By plane
Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez has flights from most continents, with major flight routes to North America, Europe, the Middle East and is the only South American airport to…
By train
Trenes Metropolitanos provides multiple commuter and interregional trains from the Estación Central train station (Metro Estación Central, Line 1) to the vast wine and agriculture valley to the south.
By car
Entering Santiago by car, you'll probably find yourself on the Autopista Central (Ruta 5), the Chilean leg of the Pan-American Highway.
By bus
Buses are the main mode of transportation between cities, and most cities in Chile have a bus connection to the capital.
By taxi
Taxis are a relatively inexpensive and safe way to get around the city. Flag drop costs 300 pesos plus 120 pesos for every 100 meters. Official taxis are black and yellow and easily identifiable.
By bike
Santiago has a rapidly-growing network of bike lanes and paths. Bicineta has an up to date map of bike routes.
By tour bus
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Santiago · International · SCL
Loading places around the airport…
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.