Where To Stay In Santiago de Chile: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Santiago catches a lot of travelers off guard. Most people land in Chile and head straight for Patagonia or the Atacama Desert. That is a huge mistake. Chile’s capital sits right in a valley framed by the snow-capped Andes mountains, and the view alone will make you stop and stare. It is also home to the Gran Torre Santiago, the tallest skyscraper in South America.

The historic center puts you close to grand plazas, old buildings, and some of the city’s biggest sights. Head east and things feel greener and more polished, especially around Providencia. Then there are the more creative corners, like Lastarria, packed with cafés, galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

You also get a completely different side of Santiago in Bellavista. Street art, bars, live music, and plenty of late-night energy fill the streets around the base of Cerro San Cristóbal. It is also home to La Chascona, the former house of poet Pablo Neruda.

The city has plenty of personality beyond the obvious tourist areas, too. Old aristocratic neighborhoods sit next to buzzing food districts and creative spaces. Some areas are great for sightseeing. Others are better for nightlife, restaurants, or simply getting a feel for everyday Santiago.

Here are the best neighborhoods in Santiago and what makes each one worth considering.

In this travel guide:

Providencia

Best area for: upscale, food, shopping

Providencia is labeled as the hippest place to stay in Santiago. The area is leafy and fairly relaxed, but there is always something going on. Avenida Providencia is the main artery, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and Metro Line 1 stations connecting you with downtown and the rest of the city.

One of the big attractions is Sky Costanera. The observation deck sits about 300 meters up the Costanera Tower and gives you a huge 360-degree view of Santiago. On a clear day, you can see the Andes stretching out behind the city.

For something with more character, we head to Barrio Italia. This historic pocket was once known as Barrio Santa Isabel. Today, its old houses and workshops are filled with design stores, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a fun place to browse without having a strict plan.

We also make time for La Chascona, the former Santiago home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It is tucked near the foot of San Cristóbal Hill and feels much more intimate than a typical museum.

For coffee, Casa Salvo Café is a good pick. It is an easy spot to settle in with a coffee and something to eat before heading out.

Best place to stay in Providencia

Meridiano Sur Petit Hotel. Sta Beatriz 256, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Santiago Centro

Best area for: history, culture, central stay

Santiago Centro gives you the real pulse of the capital. You experience historic architecture, fascinating museums, and authentic local energy right in the heart of the city.

The downtown core carries massive historical weight, tracing back to the city’s Spanish founding on Plaza de Armas in 1541. Grand colonial landmarks and busy pedestrian streets frame the entire district.

The central square hosts stunning sights like the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Just a few blocks away sits La Moneda Palace, the neoclassical presidential seat with deep political significance.

For a dose of culture, we check out the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, home to breathtaking ancient textiles and pottery. You can also walk up Santa Lucía Hill, a lush park built on a former volcanic cinder cone that offers incredible views over the cityscape.

When hunger hits, we head over to Salvador Cocina y Café on Calle Bandera. It is our go-to spot for an fantastic midday meal. The kitchen serves a creative, daily-changing three-course lunch menu using fresh local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere makes it the ultimate place to recharge.

Best place to stay in Santiago Centro

Hotel Panamericano. Address: Teatinos 320 , Downtown Santiago, 4323315 Santiago, Chile.

Lastarria

Best area for: culture, history, bohemian

Lastarria feels less South American and far more like Spain, France, Italy, and the other European nations that influenced the capital.

Lastarria sits between Cerro Santa Lucía and Parque Forestal, right in the middle of the city. The area started taking shape in the 19th century, and its old mansions, winding streets, and European-style architecture still give it plenty of character. It was declared a historic area in the 1990s.

We usually start around Parque Forestal, then make our way toward José Victorino Lastarria. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is right nearby and is worth a look, especially if you like Chilean and South American art. There’s also the Museo de Artes Visuales and Museo Arqueológico at Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro.

For something more contemporary, we stop by the Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral, better known as GAM. It hosts exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events. Then there’s Cerro Santa Lucía. Climb up for city views and a little break from the traffic below.

Food is a big part of the neighborhood, too. We’d grab coffee at Singular Coffee Roasters Lastarria on Merced. For dinner, Quitral is a good option if you want to try Chilean-inspired food. Lastarria gets busy in the evening, when the restaurants, bars, and terraces really come alive.

If you want culture, good food, and a central location, Lastarria is an easy pick.

Best place to stay in Lastarria

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria. Address: José Victorino Lastarria 299, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Las Condes

Best area for: families, parks, upscale

Perhaps the best family choice is Las Condes, an exclusive neighborhood with high-end accommodations.

Las Condes gives you smooth city infrastructure, fantastic dining, and easy access to the mountain trails just outside town. It is the easiest, most relaxing base for exploring Santiago.

What started out as a rural suburb full of countryside estates in the early 1900s has transformed into Chile’s main financial engine. Locals even call the main business district Sanhattan because of the dense cluster of glass skyscrapers rising right against the backdrop of the Andes mountains.

The atmosphere feels super clean, spacious, and extremely safe. One of our favorite spots to hang out is Parque Araucano, a massive green space complete with rose gardens, sports courts, and mountain views.

Right across the street sits Mercado Urbano Tobalaba, an impressive eco-friendly complex packed with local shops, rooftop gardens, and food venues. If you want a taste of old-world artisan heritage, stroll over to Pueblito Los Dominicos, a picturesque craft market styled like a traditional colonial village.

When we need a caffeine fix or a great meal, we pop into Cafe Ritual or hit up Mercado Urbano Tobalaba for a fresh brew and gourmet pastries. For dinner, we always book a table at Rubaiyat Chile, an incredible upscale steakhouse serving prime cuts on a beautiful leafy patio.

Best place to stay in Las Condes

Novotel Santiago Las Condes. Address: Alonso de Córdova, 5199, Las Condes, 7560873 Santiago, Chile.

Bellavista

Best area for: nightlife, culture, bohemian

Nightlife is on the menu in Bellavista. If late nights out at clubs, pubs, and bars are your thing, then book accommodation in Bellavista. The area has a young atmosphere and going out during the night allows you to experience the vibrant neighborhood.

The neighborhood sits between the Mapocho River and Cerro San Cristóbal, and it has long been associated with artists, writers, and nightlife. Its bohemian reputation really took off in the 1980s, although the area has much older roots as part of the historic La Chimba district.

We spent a good part of our time around Pío Nono and Constitución. There are murals everywhere, plus small galleries, craft shops, restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to stop for a drink. Pío Nono is also the main route toward Cerro San Cristóbal. From here, we can take the funicular up the hill for some of the best views over Santiago.

One of Bellavista’s biggest draws is La Chascona, the former Santiago home of poet Pablo Neruda. The house was built in 1953 for Matilde Urrutia and is now a museum filled with his collections and personal objects.

For lunch or dinner, we’d head to Galindo on Dardignac. It’s a casual spot for Chilean comfort food and a good place to soak up the neighborhood atmosphere. For coffee, Mezcla cafetería is an easy pick.

Bellavista is particularly lively after dark. Bars and clubs take over the streets, and weekends can get busy. If nightlife is your thing, this is one of the best areas to stay in Santiago.

Best place to stay in Bellavista

Tinto Boutique Hotel. Address: Calle, Antonia López de Bello 040, Santiago, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Where travel critics stay in Santiago de Chile

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Santiago de Chile? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Santiago de Chile.

Budget

Hostal Rio Amazonas.

“A great choice for those looking for the social life of a hostel without having to share a room. This long-running guesthouse in a mock-Tudor mansion has bright rooms.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: Vicuña Mackenna 47, Santiago, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Mid-range

Hotel Magnolia.

“This 42-room property opened in October 2016 to rave reviews. It ingeniously intertwines old and new as chequered tiles, marble staircases and reconstructed stained-glass windows appear alongside ultramodern light fixtures, geometric furnishings and vertigo-inducing glass floors.” — The Guardian.

Address: Huérfanos 539, Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Luxury

Hotel The Singular.

“A boutique bolthole in the heart of Santiago’s hippest district. Singular Santiago is a clubbable mix of cozy interior design topped off with a show-stopping rooftop pool and bar. This is the super-stylish city sibling of the wild and remote Singular Patagonia.” — Telegraph.

Address: Merced 294, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile.

FAQ: Santiago de Chile hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Santiago de Chile? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Santiago de Chile hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Santiago de Chile.

Best time to visit Santiago

The best time to visit Santiago is during the summer months (December to March). During this period, Santiago bathes in warm, sunny weather with average temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 35 °C (68 to 95 °F).

This is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as exploring the city’s stunning parks, embarking on wine tours, or venturing out to nearby coastal towns like Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.

Summer also coincides with a host of cultural events and festivals that transform the city into a lively hub of activity.

If you are a winter sports enthusiast, you should go during the winter months (June to August). The nearby Andes mountains transform into a winter wonderland, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

However, it’s worth noting that while the mountains experience snowfall, in the city itself winter is typically mild with temperatures averaging around 8 °C to 15 °C (46 – 49 °F).

Best things to do in Santiago de Chile

There are numerous things to do in Santiago de Chile and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Santiago de Chile:

Full-Day Tour of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar from Santiago

Revel in the vibrant color and culture of Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar on a full-day tour of the coastal cities from Santiago. Price: $99. More info.

Welcome to Santiago: Private Tour with a Local

Get a welcome to Santiago from a friendly and passionate local and discover the city like a resident. Learn the secrets about where to buy groceries, how to get around and much more. Price: $30. More info.

Full-Day Wine Tour from Santiago with Sommelier Guide

Visit the Maipo Valley Wine Region with a certified sommelier on a full-day wine tasting tour from Santiago. You’ll stop at three or four wineries for tastings, sampling locally-produced bottles as you learn about Chile’s winemaking heritage. Price: $170. More info.

More things to do in Santiago de Chile

Deciding where to stay in Santiago de Chile

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Santiago de Chile so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Santiago de Chile

• Centro
• Lastarria
• Bellavista
• Las Condes
• Providencia

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Santiago de Chile is important. Whether you stay in Centro, Lastarria, Bellavista, Las Condes or Providencia, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great stay in Santiago de Chile.

Santiago overview

More Santiago tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Santiago de Chile:

Hotels in Santiago de Chile

Hostels in Santiago de Chile

Boutique hotels in Santiago de Chile

Luxury hotels in Santiago de Chile

Cheap hotels in Santiago de Chile

Sustainable hotels in Santiago de Chile