How to Explore Santiago in 3 Days on a Budget: Best Free Activities & Tips

Santiago, the vibrant capital of Chile 🇨🇱, is a treasure trove of historical architecture that transports you to the charming streets of Europe as you wander through its enchanting avenues.

[Red Book R] For an unforgettable experience, plan your visit from mid-November to early December. During this time, the jacaranda trees are in full bloom, painting the city in a stunning shade of purple. Additionally, December marks the cherry season, offering a delightful treat for your taste buds.

🏨 Hotel recommendation: I stayed in a cozy Airbnb, a single room apartment, conveniently located near a large supermarket and even a Chinese supermarket, making it easy to stock up on essentials.

[Polaroid R] Sightseeing recommendations:
[One R] Cable car 🚠 (Photos [Two R]-[Three R])
Find the Oasis station Metropolitan Park cableway on the map, which is the starting point at the foot of the mountain. The round-trip ticket costs about 30 yuan. Photo [Two R] captures the breathtaking view from the midway station.

[Two R] Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Chile (Photo [Four R])
The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Chile ⛪ is open for free visits, and its interior is adorned with exquisite murals that are a feast for the eyes.

[Three R] National History Museum of Chile
Located near the [Two R] cathedral ⛪, the national museum offers free admission. You can also purchase stamps at the General Post Office next door and send postcards from the entrance, with postage back to China costing just 8 yuan.

[Four R] National Gallery (Photo [Five R])
This grand building hosts a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

[Five R] University of Chile (Photos [Six R]-[Seven R])
The university’s striking yellow exterior walls are a sight to behold, and the nearby Church of San Francisco (Photo [Seven R]) is a picturesque gem.

[Six R] Iglesia San Ignacio (Photos [Eight R]-[Nine R])
This beautiful church ⛪ boasts a very European architectural style, adding to the city’s charm.

[Seven R] Bandejon Central de la Alameda (Photos [Ten R]-[Thirteen R])
This long strip park is particularly stunning during the jacaranda season, and the surrounding buildings are equally picturesque, creating a perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

[Eight R] Iglesia de la Gratitud Nacional (Photo [Fourteen R])
With its green and yellow facade, this church ⛪ is best photographed in the morning light, when the colors are most vibrant.

[Nine R] Santa Lucía Hill Park
A small hill in the heart of the city, offering a panoramic view from the top. If you’re short on time, you might skip it, as the climb can be quite lengthy.

[Ten R] Central Market (Photo [Fifteen R])
Similar to a local farmers’ market, this bustling hub is where locals buy a variety of fish, cherries, and other fresh fruits.

[Eleven R] Flea Market (Photo [Sixteen R])
Get off at the Bio Bio subway station 🚄, and right outside, you’ll find this expansive flea market. I discovered some old stamps, 3 for 1000 pesos, a great find for collectors.

[Twelve R] Strolling through the streets (Photos [Seventeen R]-[Eighteen R])
If you have plenty of time, take a leisurely walk through the old town. You’ll stumble upon many hidden gems and unexpected surprises.

[Rainbow R] Recommended number of days: 3 days