How to Explore the Best of Santiago, Chile in One Day on a Budget?

Is it just my imagination, or is Santiago really not that captivating, friends?

[Check-in R] I visited Plaza de Armas, a bustling hub in the heart of the city.

[Check-in R] I explored the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Chile. While the murals on the dome were impressive, they didn’t quite match the grandeur of the churches in Mexico City, Quito, Ecuador, or Lima, Peru. I also checked out a few other churches in the area, and they were fairly similar, lacking that unique charm.

[Check-in R] A visit to Santa Lucía Hill Park was a breath of fresh air. The park was quite charming, and I even caught a glimpse of a couple sitting outside the railing, serenading each other with guitar music. It was a truly romantic scene 💕

[Check-in R] At the Metropolitan Park of Santiago, I hopped on the little train and visited the zoo. However, I was a bit disappointed as I didn’t see as many unique Chilean species as I had expected 🤔

[Check-in R] The National Museum of Fine Arts was a bit of a letdown. Many areas were closed off for renovation, and there were no English descriptions, making it hard to fully appreciate the exhibits. I only spent about 20 minutes there [Facepalm R]

[Check-in R] Wandering through the Central Market, I didn’t find anything particularly new or exciting. It felt like a typical market experience without any standout features.

[Check-in R] I passed by the Palacio La Moneda Cultural Center but didn’t go inside. Across from it, there’s a lovely green pedestrian street that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll before sunset 🌄 (Photos 11/12)

[Check-in R] The Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament is a stunning sight from the outside, but it appears to be out of use. (Photos 13-15)

All these attractions are within walking distance, and I took two days to explore them at a relaxed pace. I’ll continue my exploration tomorrow to see if there are any hidden gems to discover.

It seems like, apart from the National History Museum, there aren’t many other must-see places. Does anyone who has visited Chile or Santiago have any other recommendations?