I expected to love Santiago but it didn’t get under my skin. It is so large and spread out I just couldn’t get a feel for it. I was there 3 days but could have easily cut it to two days (or even one). Here are some of my thoughts and recommendations.
We stayed at Matilida which is a lovely old mansion. The rooms were beautiful and the breakfast was ok. There was absolutely nothing wrong but if returning I’d probably look for somewhere else to stay.
The changing of the guards was my favorite activity in Santiago. This is a big ceremony that lasts about 40 minutes. Make sure to be there about 10 minutes before 10. However, they don’t have it every day so check out the website to make sure it lines up with your trip.
Other noteworthy stops include:
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos was a great and sobering stop to learn about Chile’s history under the Pinochet regime.
Plaza de Arms and Cathedral is very much the heart of the city and a wonderful spot for people watching and some shopping.
Museum of Pre-Colombian art is fantastic museum and covers all of Central and South America.
San Cristo was our second favorite activity after the changing of the guards. It has wonderful views of the city, a small church and a path of crosses.
I would pass on the Bella Artes Museum. I have no idea why it makes most lists of things to see. We were not impressed.
I did not eat anywhere particularly noteworthy. But my good friend has a knack for picking great places. Some of her favorites were Las Vacos Gordas for traditional Chilean food, Ocean Pacific’s Burge Madre for seafood, and Restaurant Meze for Turkish food.
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