72 Hours in Santiago: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Chile's Vibrant Capital

Start your Santiago adventure where the city itself began – in the historic center. Plaza de Armas forms the beating heart of old Santiago, a palm-tree lined square that's been the city's social hub since 1541. The Metropolitan Cathedral's neoclassical façade dominates one side, while the National History Museum offers a crash course in Chilean history (and some fascinating geological exhibits that had this volcano nerd geeking out over ancient lava samples).

After exploring the plaza, walk two blocks to La Moneda Palace, Chile's government house. Time your visit for the changing of the guard ceremony if possible – it happens every other day at 10 am (check current schedule) with full military band accompaniment.

For lunch, dive into Santiago's famed seafood scene at Mercado Central. This wrought-iron masterpiece dates back to 1872 and houses dozens of marisquerías (seafood restaurants). I recommend the caldillo de congrio (conger eel soup) – the same dish Pablo Neruda wrote an ode to! Skip the touristy restaurants in the center and head to the market's edges for better prices and authenticity.

Spend your afternoon wandering the pedestrian streets of Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Huérfanos, stopping for a quick caffeine hit at one of Santiago's trendy third-wave coffee shops. Café Cultura serves exceptional local beans and makes for a perfect people-watching spot.

As evening approaches, take the funicular railway up Cerro San Cristóbal for sunset views over the city. This extinct volcanic hill rises 300 meters above the city and offers panoramic vistas that showcase Santiago's unique setting between mountain ranges. I spent nearly two hours here sketching the geological features visible from this vantage point – the layered sedimentary formations in the distance tell millions of years of Earth's history!

For dinner, head to the Lastarria neighborhood, a bohemian enclave filled with colonial architecture, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Bocanariz offers over 400 Chilean wines by the glass, paired with innovative small plates. Their wine flights provide an excellent introduction to Chile's diverse wine regions.

Rise early and head straight to La Vega Central Market – Santiago's bustling food wonderland. This is where locals shop, and the sensory experience is unmatched: mountains of exotic fruits, vendors shouting prices, and the intoxicating aromas of Chilean street food. Try sopaipillas (pumpkin fritters) or a refreshing mote con huesillo (peach nectar with husked wheat) for breakfast on the go.

With full bellies, take a short walk to the nearby Quinta Normal Park, home to multiple museums. My top pick is the Museum of Natural History, which houses an impressive collection of Chilean geological specimens including a fascinating exhibit on the country's seismic activity. As someone obsessed with tectonic forces, I spent hours studying their visual displays of Chile's volcanic arc formation.

For lunch, hop on the metro to Barrio Brasil, a colorful neighborhood with beautiful architecture and vibrant street art. Peluquería Francesa, set in a former barbershop, serves traditional Chilean cuisine with a modern twist in a uniquely atmospheric setting.

Spend your afternoon exploring Santiago's largest green space – Parque Bicentenario. This modern park features artificial lagoons, flamingos, and magnificent views of the Andes. I always pack my pocket binoculars to spot Andean condors that occasionally soar above the city – these massive birds have a wingspan of over 3 meters!

As evening approaches, it's time to experience Barrio Bellavista, Santiago's bohemian heart and nightlife district. Start with a visit to La Chascona, poet Pablo Neruda's quirky Santiago home (now a museum), before wandering the neighborhood's street art-covered laneways.

For dinner, Patio Bellavista offers numerous options, but I recommend Azul Profundo for excellent seafood. After dinner, sample Chilean craft beers at Cervecería Nacional or catch live music at one of the neighborhood's many venues. If you're feeling adventurous, join a salsa class – many bars offer free lessons early in the evening before the serious dancers arrive.

Your final day deserves a special excursion, and the Maipo Valley wine region lies just 45 minutes from Santiago's center. This renowned valley produces some of Chile's finest Cabernet Sauvignons, with vineyards dramatically set against the Andean foothills.

Start with a morning tour of Concha y Toro, Chile's largest and most historic winery. Their Devil's Cellar tour explains the fascinating legend behind their famous Casillero del Diablo wine label. For a more boutique experience, I prefer Aquitania, a smaller winery with spectacular mountain views and more personalized tastings.

After your wine adventure, return to Santiago for a late lunch at Boragó, consistently ranked among Latin America's best restaurants. Chef Rodolfo Guzmán creates avant-garde dishes using native Chilean ingredients – many foraged from diverse ecosystems across the country. The tasting menu is splurge-worthy for a special occasion.

Spend your final afternoon exploring Barrio Italia, Santiago's design district filled with antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques housed in restored early 20th-century buildings. The neighborhood's hidden courtyards contain artisan workshops where you can find unique souvenirs.

For your Santiago finale, head to Sky Costanera, Latin America's tallest observation deck atop the 300-meter Gran Torre Santiago. Time your visit for the golden hour when the setting sun illuminates the snow-capped Andes in brilliant orange and pink hues. The 360-degree views reveal Santiago's unique geological setting – surrounded by mountains with the distinctive stratification of the Andean range clearly visible.

As a geology enthusiast, I spent ages identifying different peaks and volcanic formations with my compact travel telescope. The staff thought I was slightly mad until I showed them close-up views of distant volcanic features they'd never noticed!

Finish your Santiago experience with dinner at Osaka, a Nikkei restaurant blending Peruvian and Japanese cuisine – representing the cultural fusion that makes South American cities so dynamic. Their pisco sour variations make the perfect farewell toast to your 72 hours in Chile's captivating capital.

Santiago offers diverse accommodation options across different neighborhoods, each with its own character. For couples seeking a romantic weekend, I recommend focusing on three key areas.

Lastarria/Bellas Artes forms Santiago's cultural heart, where historic buildings house boutique hotels, galleries, and cafés. Hotel Cumbres Lastarria offers stylish rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows framing city views, plus a rooftop pool perfect for afternoon breaks between explorations. The neighborhood's central location puts most major attractions within walking distance.

Providencia provides a more upscale residential feel with excellent dining options and beautiful tree-lined avenues. Hotel Orly occupies a converted mansion with charming courtyards and offers a perfect balance of character and comfort. The area feels less touristy while remaining convenient to attractions via Santiago's efficient metro system.

For luxury seekers, Las Condes in eastern Santiago (part of the area known as 'Sanhattan' for its modern skyscrapers) houses international hotel chains and upscale shopping. The W Santiago features contemporary design, spectacular Andes views, and the city's most fashionable rooftop bar.

During my visits, I've found staying in Lastarria most convenient for a short weekend trip. The walkability factor is unbeatable, and the neighborhood buzzes with energy well into the evening. For light sleepers, I recommend bringing earplugs as Santiago's central neighborhoods can be lively until late, especially on weekends.

Regardless of where you stay, look for properties with air conditioning if visiting during summer months (December-February) as temperatures can climb above 30°C (86°F). In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant, but having climate control ensures comfort after long days of exploration.

Santiago boasts one of South America's most efficient public transportation systems, making it surprisingly easy to navigate despite its size. The Metro de Santiago forms the backbone of the network with seven clean, safe, and frequent lines connecting most major attractions and neighborhoods. At just 800 pesos (about $1 USD) per trip, it's also incredibly affordable.

You'll need a bip! card to use public transportation – purchase one at any metro station and load it with credit. Each card costs 1,550 pesos and can be shared between travelers (just swipe multiple times for your group). During my last visit, I purchased a 3-day unlimited transportation pass which proved excellent value for our exploration-heavy itinerary.

For destinations not served by metro, Santiago's extensive bus network fills the gaps. Buses require the same bip! card as the metro, making transfers seamless. However, bus routes can be confusing for visitors – I recommend using the TransantiagoMaster app which provides real-time arrival information and route planning.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify operate throughout Santiago and offer an affordable alternative when you're tired after a long day of sightseeing or heading out at night. I found these particularly useful when traveling to and from wineries or more distant neighborhoods.

Walking is my preferred way to explore central Santiago neighborhoods like Centro Histórico, Lastarria, and Bellavista. The city's grid layout makes navigation straightforward, and many streets in these areas are pedestrianized. Just be aware that Santiago sprawls extensively, so check distances before setting out on foot.

If you're visiting between October and April, consider renting bicycles through Santiago's bike-sharing program, Bike Itaú. With stations throughout the city and dedicated bike lanes on many major avenues, cycling offers a pleasant alternative for covering ground on nice days. I always pack my portable water bottle when exploring by bike – Santiago's tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and staying hydrated is essential, especially during spring and summer months.