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Santiago, the capital of Chile
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Santiago

Santiago, the capital and largest city of Chile, is nestled in the Chilean Central Valley between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Range. This dynamic metropolis anchors the Santiago Metropolitan Region and is one of the largest cities in the Americas, offering visitors a blend of urban culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

Photo: Miguel hernandez (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Chilean peso (CLP)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
-03 (UTC-3)
Local time now
17:59:17

Hotels in Santiago

Santiago offers a range of hotel accommodations for visitors exploring Chile's capital city. Options include established properties such as Hotel España, Hotel Santa Lucia, Gran Palace, and Tupahue, each providing different experiences for travelers. See all hotels →

Tupahue
263 m from centre
Hotel España
290 m from centre
Hotel Santa Lucia
321 m from centre

Airports in Santiago

Santiago is served by several airports for both domestic and international travel. The primary international gateway is Aeropuerto Internacional Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez, while smaller facilities like Aeródromo Municipal de Vitacura, Aeródromo Eulogio Sánchez Errázuriz, Base Aérea El Bosque, and Aeródromo de Chicureo serve regional aviation needs. See all airports →

Aeródromo Municipal de Vitacura
9.2 km from centre
Aeródromo Eulogio Sánchez Errázuriz
9.8 km from centre
Base Aérea El Bosque
14.2 km from centre

Car Hire in Santiago

Santiago offers a variety of car hire options for visitors and residents. Companies such as Bonicar Chile, Arriendo de auto, DFM, United Rent A Car, and Chilean Rent a Car provide rental services throughout the city, making it convenient to explore the capital and surrounding regions. See all car hire →

Bonicar Chile
557 m from centre
Arriendo de auto
1.4 km from centre
DFM
1.6 km from centre
United Rent A Car
1.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Santiago

Santiago offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. From cultural sites like the Museo de Arte Sagrado to historic monuments such as the Monumento a la Libertad Americana, the city's main landmarks and venues provide insight into its rich heritage and vibrant character. See all things to do →

Santiago 1646
36 m from centre
Museo de Arte Sagrado
51 m from centre
Kilómetro 0
52 m from centre
Santiago 1712
53 m from centre
Monumento a la Libertad Americana
54 m from centre
Plaza de Armas de Santiago de Chile
56 m from centre

Restaurants in Santiago

Santiago offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual eateries to more upscale establishments. Whether you're looking for City Bar Restaurant, Marco Polo, Duetto, Las Jotas, or Faisan D'or, the city provides various culinary experiences for visitors and locals alike. See all restaurants →

Faisan D’or
local;sandwich;regional · 66 m from centre
Marco Polo
73 m from centre
City Bar Restaurant
115 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Santiago

Santiago offers several public swimming pools for residents and visitors. Notable municipal facilities include Piscina Municipal Quinta Normal, Piscina Municipal de Santiago, Piscina Tupahue, and Piscina temperada, providing opportunities for swimming and aquatic activities throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscina temperada
2.9 km from centre
Piscina Municipal Quinta Normal
3.2 km from centre
Piscina Municipal Quinta Normal
3.3 km from centre

Spas in Santiago

We're still gathering spas listings for Santiago — check back soon.

Nightlife in Santiago

Santiago offers a dynamic nightlife scene with a variety of venues catering to different tastes. From clubs like Bunker and Zócalo to bars such as Night & Day, Limon, and Punta Brown, the city's after-dark entertainment options reflect its cosmopolitan character and energetic atmosphere. See all nightlife →

Night & Day
386 m from centre
Punta Brown
1.0 km from centre
Limon
1.1 km from centre

Bars in Santiago

Santiago offers a variety of bars where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Establishments such as Bar Nacional, Radicales, Bar Don Rodrigo, and El Diablito are among the drinking venues found throughout the city. See all bars →

Bar Nacional
234 m from centre
Radicales
512 m from centre
Bar
556 m from centre

Cafes in Santiago

We're still gathering cafes listings for Santiago — check back soon.

Shopping in Santiago

Santiago offers a diverse shopping experience with major retailers like Falabella and Hites, alongside commercial galleries such as Galería Comercial Bandera Centro and Galería Agustín Edwards. Explore Portal Bulnes and other local shopping destinations throughout the city. See all shopping →

Falabella
127 m from centre
Hites
128 m from centre
Portal Bulnes
131 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Santiago

Santiago offers several green spaces where visitors can experience nature and wildlife in the heart of the city. From the Jardines Congreso Nacional to charming plazas like Plazoleta Lincoyán Berríos Cataldo and Plaza Capitán Prat, these areas provide peaceful retreats amid urban surroundings. See all nature & wildlife →

Plazoleta Lincoyán Berríos Cataldo
186 m from centre
Jardines Congreso Nacional
207 m from centre
Plazoleta de La Merced
367 m from centre
Plaza de Bolsillo Santo Domingo
393 m from centre
Plaza Capitán Prat
503 m from centre
Plaza de la Constitución
531 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Santiago experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city's elevation of 500 to 650 meters above sea level contributes to pleasant year-round temperatures, though the nearby Andean foothills can experience cooler conditions.

Interesting Facts About Santiago — Weird & Wonderful

  • Santiago lies in the Chilean Central Valley between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west
  • Most of the city sits between 500 and 650 meters above sea level, with urban growth extending into the Andean foothills
  • Santiago concentrates over a third of Chile's national population and around 45% of the country's GDP
  • Greater Santiago comprises more than forty communes, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Americas

Frequently Asked Questions About Santiago

What currency is used in Santiago?

The currency used in Chile is the Chilean Peso. Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments throughout Santiago.

What language do people speak in Santiago?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Santiago. English is spoken in some tourist areas and hotels, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.

Where is Santiago located geographically?

Santiago is located in the Chilean Central Valley within the Santiago Basin, positioned between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west.

What is the significance of Santiago in Chile?

Santiago is Chile's capital and largest city, concentrating over a third of the nation's population and approximately 45% of the country's GDP.

What is the elevation of Santiago?

Most of Santiago lies between 500 and 650 meters above sea level, with recent urban expansion reaching into the nearby Andean foothills.

Map of Santiago

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