When I first moved to Santiago from the U.S., before Pride Tours even existed, my favorite thing to do was get intentionally lost. I would pick a neighborhood and just walk for hours, discovering the cafés, parks, and hidden corners that make this city so special. It’s how I fell in love with my adopted home.
One of the most common questions I get from our guests is, 'What should we do on our day off?' While our tours tell the big stories, sometimes the best memories are made just by wandering.
So, this isn't a list of every tourist attraction. This is my personal list—the places I still go to relax, explore, and feel the city's amazing energy. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Freddy
For the Best Views: See the City from Above
You can't fully appreciate Santiago until you've seen it framed by the Andes. There are two spots I always recommend for that perfect "wow" moment.
Cerro San Cristóbal & The Teleférico:
Why I Love It: This is more than just a viewpoint; it's a classic Santiago experience. I love taking the cable car (the Teleférico) up the mountain on a clear day. The ride itself is peaceful, and the views from the summit, with the massive statue of the Virgin Mary watching over the city, are breathtaking. It's my favorite way to spend a sunny morning.
My Insider Tip: Go on a weekday if you can to avoid the biggest crowds. And wear comfortable shoes—there are some lovely trails and gardens to explore at the top.
Sky Costanera:
Why I Love It: For a complete 360-degree, modern perspective, this is the spot. You're at the top of the tallest building in South America, and it really gives you a sense of the scale of this sprawling metropolis.
My Insider Tip: The best time to go is about an hour before sunset. You get to see the city in the golden late-afternoon light, watch the sun dip behind the mountains, and then see Santiago's lights begin to twinkle on. It's pure magic.
These are the neighborhoods I explore when I want to feel the creative pulse of the city.
Lastarria & Bellas Artes
Why I Love It: This is my absolute happy place. The architecture in Lastarria feels like a little piece of Europe, and it's packed with independent bookstores, art galleries, and fantastic cafés. It’s the perfect place for people-watching.
The Queer Angle: Lastarria and the adjacent Bellas Artes are incredibly open and diverse neighborhoods. I always feel completely comfortable and at home here. The vibe is artsy, intellectual, and progressive. It’s a place where you can relax, be yourself, and enjoy a pisco sour at an outdoor table without a care in the world.
My Insider Tip: Start at the GAM cultural center, walk through the beautiful Parque Forestal, and find the stunning Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Don't rush it!
Barrio Italia
Why I Love It: If Lastarria is European chic, Barrio Italia is bohemian-cool with a touch of Italian charm. It's less of a "tourist" spot and more of a "local's" favorite. It's filled with incredible design shops, antique stores hidden in beautiful courtyards (galerías), and some of my favorite restaurants in the city.
My Insider Tip: This neighborhood really comes alive in the afternoon and evening. It's the perfect place to go for a unique souvenir, followed by a fantastic dinner.
One of the things that surprised me most about Santiago is how easy it is to escape the urban hustle and find a beautiful green space. When I need to unwind, these are my three go-to parks, each with its own unique personality.
Cerro Santa Lucía
Why I Love It: This isn't just a park; it's a fairytale castle on a hill right in the middle of the city. I was captivated by its ornate fountains, stone staircases, and the charming little yellow fort at the top (Castillo Hidalgo). It’s not as massive as San Cristóbal, which makes it the perfect spot for a quick, romantic escape when you're already downtown.
My Insider Tip: This hill is right next to the Lastarria neighborhood. It’s the perfect thing to do right before or after you explore Lastarria. The climb is a bit steep but short, and it's totally worth it for the unique photos and the feeling of discovering a hidden gem.
Parque Bicentenario
Why I Love It: This is my Sunday morning spot. Located in the modern, upscale Vitacura neighborhood, this park is immaculate, beautifully designed, and incredibly peaceful. It’s famous for its two lagoons—one of which is home to flamingos! I love grabbing a coffee, finding a spot on the perfectly manicured lawns, and watching the city's residents (and their many, many happy dogs) go by.
The Queer Angle: This is one of the areas in Santiago where I feel the most relaxed and at ease. It’s a very safe, family-friendly, and couple-friendly space. It's the perfect spot for a low-key date or a peaceful morning walk where you can just relax and be yourselves.
My Insider Tip: The high-end Mestizo restaurant is located right in the park and is fantastic for a special lunch with a view, but you don't need to be fancy. Just enjoying the scenery is a 10/10 experience.
Parque Araucano
Why I Love It: When I want to see the city in action, I head here. This massive park in the Las Condes neighborhood is always buzzing with energy. It's a hub of activity with sports courts, skate parks, and frequent weekend markets (ferias). My favorite part is the beautiful rose garden (the Rosaleda) which is a calmer spot within the park.
My Insider Tip: This park is located directly across from the Parque Arauco mall, one of the best shopping centers in the city. I love to combine the two—a bit of shopping followed by a relaxing walk among the roses to unwind. It's a great way to see how the locals really live and play.
I hope this list helps you fall in love with Santiago's charm, just like I did. Exploring these places on your own is the perfect complement to the stories and history we share on our tours.
If you find you want to go deeper and hear the stories behind the landmarks from an expert, you know where to find us. Check out our signature Santiago tours—we’d love to show you around.
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