Where to Go and What to Do in Santiago for a Perfect Day Trip Under $100?

After an epic journey of over 20,000 kilometers, spanning 34 hours and more than half the circumference of the Earth, I finally touched down in Santiago, Chile [Laughing R]. As a gateway to almost any city in Chile, Santiago is the perfect starting point. So, let’s dive into a one-day city exploration [Smiling R].

Our leisurely walking route is as follows (the order of the pictures matches):
Pic 1️⃣: We kicked things off with an Uber ride to Mestiere for brunch. The food was decent, but after such a long flight, even average fare tasted like a feast 😋. This stop took about 0.5 hours.
Pic 2️⃣-4️⃣: Next, we headed to Plaza de Armas🔱.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the metro, the square now features new Moai statues, a collaboration between the Santiago Metro and Easter Island. The square, though not large, is packed with history and charm, taking 0.5-1 hour to explore. Be cautious, as the area can be a bit chaotic ❗️. Keep your phone secure, and avoid wearing accessories that might catch the eye of pickpockets‼️
Pic 5️⃣-7️⃣: Our next stop was Santa Lucia Hill, a picturesque spot with the Neptune Fountain ⛲️ as its centerpiece.

For those looking to capture some stunning photos, this is the place to be! Don’t miss out on trying the local specialty, mote yellow peach oatmeal mate tea [Drinking milk tea R]. This scenic stroll will take you 0.5-1 hour.
Pic 8️⃣: A must-try in Santiago is the Antarctic sweet shrimp, available exclusively at SHU XIANG.

It’s a good idea to check their stock in advance. I inquired the day before landing, and they were out, but luck was on my side when I arrived; it had just come in! The shrimp was incredibly fresh, tender, and sweet [Thumbs up R].
Pic 9️⃣: For dinner, we indulged in Tacu Tacu, a Peruvian cuisine staple at a well-loved local restaurant.

We feasted on fried rice, shrimp soup, ceviche, and grilled octopus. The grilled octopus 🐙 was the star of the meal [Laughing R]. My previous experience with Peruvian food in Hong Kong paled in comparison to the variety and quality here!
Pic 1️⃣0️⃣: To cap off the day, I picked up a generous bowl of cherries from the supermarket to show off back home [Proud R].

It’s worth noting that achieving cherry freedom in Santiago is surprisingly affordable—this large bowl cost less than a bottle of mineral water [Facepalm R].

Patagonia beer is also a must-try, adding a refreshing touch to the day.

This condensed one-day Santiago city walk was a delightful mix of strolling and savoring, leaving us well-rested and ready for our next adventure tomorrow [Airplane R].