Where to Stay in Santiago de Chile – 5 TOP Areas (+ Hotels)
In the slimmest strip of country in South America, you will find Santiago, the vibrant and diverse capital of Chile. The city has so much to offer, so whether you’re a fan of architecture or you just want to enjoy stunning mountain views, Santiago will blow you away! I know this sounds intriguing and you’re probably wondering where to stay in Santiago de Chile.
I visited Santiago a few years back and had an amazing time! So, based on my knowledge of the city and some Internet deep-dives, I created the ultimate list of the 5 best places to stay in Santiago, Chile!
If you’re visiting the Chilean capital for the first time, the best area to stay in Santiago is Centro, i.e., the city center. This is where I stayed during my visit, and I can confirm that the location is ideal for exploring the city’s top attractions.
Besides highlighting the best areas, I also handpicked the best hotels in Santiago, Chile, for each recommended neighborhood. You’ll find options for every type of traveler, from luxury to budget, but you should hurry up and book immediately. Santiago is a super popular spot, and the best hotels are quick to go – you don’t want to miss your chance!
Ready? Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book now, these are the top hotels in Santiago, Chile, all situated in the Centro neighborhood:
Here’s a map of the 5 best neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile, I’ll be talking about in this post:
1. Centro – where to stay in Santiago, Chile for the first time
Santiago’s Centro is truly the heart of the city! As you walk along the busy streets, you’ll get to experience the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere and see many of Santiago’s top attractions. If you’re visiting the city for the first time or if you have just a short amount of time (like I did!), this is definitely the best area to stay in Santiago, Chile.
The best place to start exploring the area is Plaza de Armas de Santiago (map). This square is surrounded by impressive buildings and is a great place to get a feel of the city’s architecture. Just a short walk from the square, you’ll find the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – a must-visit for your trip!
The next stop on your adventure should be the Lastarria neighborhood. This is the artsy and bohemian part of the city center, and it’s very popular among tourists. Santa Lucía Hill (map) is situated in this neighborhood, and everyone goes there! I can guarantee you will love it – the views of the city will take your breath away!
TIP: If you’re on a tight schedule and want to see all the main attractions, I recommend going on a free walking tour. That’s what I did during my visit, and it was a great way to experience the city. I found this amazing free tour that’s offered in English, and even though it’s free, you should tip the guide at the end of the tour.
Museum buffs will have a blast in Santiago’s city center! There are plenty of cool museums you can visit, but I’d single out the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
Other noteworthy spots in Centro include La Moneda Palace (map), Chile’s presidential office, and Parque Almagro (map), a great place to escape the city’s bustle. And if you’re traveling with kids, you can’t skip Fantasilandia – an amusement park in the heart of the city!
Now, you’re probably wondering how to get around and visit all of these attractions. Well, Centro is very walkable, so you can get to all of these places on foot. However, if you want to explore a bit further, you should get the bip! card that’ll give you access to Santiago’s public transport network – buses, subway, and MetroTren Nos!
You can also choose to rent a car and drive around the city or rely on taxis and Uber – both are cheap and reliable.
Finally, for some food recs – head to the Central Market of Santiago (map) and sample the fresh and delicious seafood sold there. Or, if you’re not into fish and seafood, Los Vikingos Restaurant (map) prepares an excellent steak!
Luxury hotel
Bring your stay to another level in this modern and chic 5-star hotel, a 2-minute walk from Parque Forestal and super close to Cerro Santa Lucia. Featuring an outdoor pool, a spa, and a wellness center, The Singular Santiago has some of the best rooms in Santiago, offering city views and marble bathrooms!
Other accommodation options in Centro
Mid-Range
Steps away from Santa Lucia Hill, this boutique hotel offers room service, airport transfers, and complimentary breakfast
Budget
A budget-friendly accommodation offering rooms with private bathrooms, a 24-hour front desk, private parking, and free Wi-Fi
Airbnb
This private, cozy apartment is in a great location and features a small balcony and a comfortable bedroom
The city center is the best place to stay in Santiago, Chile, so good hotels are quick to sell out. So, in case you’re having trouble booking a spot, here are some additional hotel options, ordered from most to least expensive:
- Hotel Plaza San Francisco ($$$) – this upscale hotel boasts an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Guests can also order room service and benefit from a concierge service and currency exchange.
- Hotel Ismael ($$) – in a convenient location, this hotel has a business center and a seasonal outdoor pool. Car and bike hire are also available on the property, and a good breakfast is included in the price.
- Guest House Club Hípico ($) – a recently renovated guest house offering budget rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, every room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV.
Things to do in Centro
- Admire the architecture at Plaza de Armas de Santiago
- See the exhibitions at the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at Reyes Park (map)
- Explore the Lastarria neighborhood and go up Santa Lucia Hill
- Embark on a free walking tour of the city
- Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Memory and Human Rights
- Take the kids to Fantasilandia
- Enjoy the seafood at the Central Market of Santiago or the steak at Los Vikingos
2. Providencia – where to stay in Santiago for families
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and quiet area to have a relaxing vacation with the family, Providencia is the ideal choice for you. This neighborhood, located a 15-min drive East of Centro, is definitely the safest area to stay in Santiago, Chile. Besides safety, the area can offer many family-friendly activities and accommodations!
San Cristóbal Hill (map) is a great place to start – even getting up there is an adventure! You can choose to hike, but you can also take the funicular or the famous cable car, i.e., Teleférico Santiago. The cable car is the most fun way to get up the hill and much less demanding than the hike!
PRO TIP: Buy the cable car tickets in advance! You can get them through the official website and avoid the lines, but more importantly, make sure that you get a spot on the cable car!
Once you reach the top of San Cristóbal Hill, you can head to Parque Metropolitano de Santiago (map) and the National Zoo (map) – amazing fun for the kids! If I were you, I’d definitely check out the Japanese Garden (map) and, of course, stop at one of the many viewpoints to enjoy the city views and snap some photos!
If you can’t resist a good view, then you also have to go up to Sky Costanera – the highest observation deck in South America! The observatory is located on the 61st and 62nd floors of the Costanera Tower and provides 360-degree panoramic views of the city. When you get down from the deck, move on to Cenco Costanera (map) and indulge in some shopping!
But if all you want to do is relax, then head to Inés de Suárez Park (map) and enjoy a stroll along the palm-lined avenue. I also recommend roaming the streets of Barrio Italia and snapping some photos of the colorful buildings. And yes, you should grab a bite at one of the many Italian restaurants around here.
Luxury hotel
This upscale hotel is connected to the convention center in Providencia and boasts both an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as 4 restaurants. The hotel features family rooms and a children’s playground and perks such as room service, free bikes, and a 24/7 front desk.
Other accommodation options in Providencia
Mid-Range
Offering air-conditioned rooms, a tour desk, and several breakfast options, this hotel is a great choice for family stays
Budget
At this property, you can choose among family rooms, apartments, and dormitory beds, get complimentary Wi-Fi and free baby cots
Airbnb
A 2-bedroom apartment with 2 baths, perfect for up to 5 people, offering panoramic views of the city
Things to do in Providencia
- Take the cable car up to San Cristóbal Hill
- Visit the National Zoo and Japanese Garden at Parque Metropolitano de Santiago
- Enjoy the panoramic views from Sky Costanera
- Do some shopping at Cenco Costanera
- Go on a relaxing walk in Inés de Suárez Park
- Explore the Barrio Italia and get some Italian food
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3. Las Condes – where to stay in Santiago for luxury
Located a 30-min drive Northeast of the city center, the residential neighborhood of Las Condes is basically the impersonation of the economic growth of Santiago. This is a very upscale and safe area, so if you want to splurge on your trip to Santiago, this should be your go-to choice!
Las Condes is also the city’s financial district, so it’s teeming with business people all throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any tourist-friendly activities to fill your time!
FUN FACT: Las Condes is often referred to as Sanhattan, the Manhattan of Santiago!
Shopping enthusiasts will have plenty to do around Las Condes. The Alto Las Condes (map) and Mallplaza Los Dominicos (map) are amazing shopping malls that offer everything from designer stores to food courts.
The Los Dominicos Craft Centre (map) is the ultimate place to get some souvenirs; here, local artisans sell various handicrafts, paintings, and clothes! Araucano Park (map) is a good place to unwind a little before you continue your shopping spree at the Parque Arauco (map), the shopping mall!
Also, Las Condes is geographically the closest area to the Andes, so the perfect spot to take a break from the city and access the major ski centers in Eastern Santiago! Did I convince you?
Let’s check out the top-rated hotels in Las Condes:low hotels for an amazing stay:
Luxury hotel
Guests at the Ritz will enjoy room service, access to a pool, upscale dining, and stunning city views. Private parking is also available at the property, as well as at a business center and in a currency exchange.
Other accommodation options in Las Condes
Mid-Range
Each of the hotel rooms is air-conditioned, with a private bathroom and a TV, plus Wi-Fi access
Budget
A lovely inn with private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a tour desk that can help you organize your trip
Airbnb
This 3-bedroom apartment features a nice garden overlooking the mountains, a comfy living area, and a full kitchen
Things to do in Las Condes
- Go shopping at Alto Las Condes and Mallplaza Los Dominicos
- Get souvenirs from the Los Dominicos Craft Centre
- Relax in Araucano Park, then keep shopping at Parque Arauco
- Go hiking in Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón (map)
- Take a day off from the city and go skiing in the Andes!
- Join a guided wine tour of the Maipo Valley
4. Bellavista – where to stay in Santiago for nightlife
Just a 15-min drive from Centro, the vibrant neighborhood of Bellavista awaits with numerous bars, colorful buildings, and expressive murals. And if you want to experience the city’s booming nightlife scene, Bellavista is the best place to stay in Santiago, Chile. Whether you’re looking for cultural events or cool spots to grab a drink, this is the place to be!
The Centro Cultural San Ginés is a performing arts theater that always puts on something creative and unique. If you can overcome the language barrier, you should definitely catch one of the shows.
Now, on to some foodie spots – the Restaurant Viva La Vida (map) serves authentic Chilean dishes, while Galindo (map) is a laid-back bar and grill – both great places to get some dinner. Everyone will enjoy the Bellavista restaurants, but I’m sure they’ll be especially great for couples and romantic dinners!
The Patio Bellavista (map) is a large shopping mall where you can find many unique shops but also cool cocktail bars where you can enjoy a drink on the patio and people-watch.
However, you might want to take a break from partying and shopping, and that’ll be the perfect time to visit La Chascona! This museum is the former house of the famous poet Pablo Neruda, and you should stop by – the house is designed to resemble a ship!
Take the time to just walk around the neighborhood (it’s quite small, so you won’t have trouble walking) to admire the amazing street art! I’m sure you’ll discover some great photo spots! And if you’re still looking for things to do, San Cristóbal Hill is very easily accessible from Bellavista!
Luxury hotel
An upscale boutique hotel with a bar and a restaurant, providing accommodation in nicely decorated rooms and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers concierge service, organized airport transfers, and provides free parking.
Other accommodation options in Bellavista
Mid-Range
Uniquely designed rooms, a restaurant, and à la carte breakfast are just some perks you can enjoy at this hotel
Budget
Pick between private rooms and dorm beds, and get access to shared bathroom facilities and a communal kitchen
Airbnb
A nice 1-bedroom apartment with a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the city
Things to do in Bellavista
- Attend a performance at the Centro Cultural San Ginés
- Grab dinner at Restaurant Viva La Vida or Galindo
- Explore the unique shops at the Patio Bellavista shopping mall
- Visit the Pablo Neruda house, La Chascona
- Walk around the neighborhood and admire the street art
- Embark on a guided day trip to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
5. Barrio Brasil – where to stay in Santiago on a budget
Contrary to what its name may suggest, Barrio Brasil is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city: low budget, super safe, and very artistic! Located a 10-min drive West of the city center, this area hosts the hippest bars, some great parks, and squares, and it’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Santiago, Chile, if you’re traveling on a budget!
In this area, you will find street art and musicians on every corner, mixing with real working-class Chileans in their routine lives to create a magic vibe! The main hotspot in the neighborhood is Plaza Brasil (map), where you can just walk and relax, or you can attend a live music performance or a craft market – it depends on the day!
Another cool square is the Plaza Libertad de Prensa (map), a small but very picturesque spot that’s been portrayed in several movies and commercials.
Barrio Brasil also hosts quite a few restaurants, but the most popular one by far is the Ocean Pacific’s Buque Insignia (map). This nautical-inspired restaurant is just as famous for its decorations as it is for the food – and the food is top-notch!
As I mentioned, Barrio Brasil is one of the best areas to stay in Santiago, Chile for budget travelers. Even though there are a few luxury and mid-range options, this area has the largest concentration of good hostels and budget hotels in Santiago – check out my
Luxury hotel
In a central location, this 4-star hotel features a business center and a 24/7 front desk. A bicycle rental service is available on-site, and airport transfers can be arranged for an extra charge.
Other accommodation options in Barrio Brasil
Mid-Range
This charming B&B serves continental breakfast and offers free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and luggage storage
Budget
An amazing hostel, with an outdoor pool, a garden, and a terrace, plus car and bike hire
Things to do in Barrio Brasil
- Enjoy a street performance at Plaza Brasil
- Snap some photos of Plaza Libertad de Prensa
- Make dinner reservations at Ocean Pacific’s Buque Insignia
- Spend a fun night at D’angelus karaoke bar (map)
BONUS: Where to stay in Santiago near the airport
If you’re in town for business or just for a few days and you don’t want to stress about missing your flight, stay close to Santiago airport (Airport Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez)!
And good news: the airport is quite close to Santiago, about a 20-min drive from the heart of the city! So, it has the perfect position for exploring Santiago city center while being a few minutes away from your flight at the same time!
Here are the best hotels near Santiago airport, divided by price category:
Luxury:
- Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal – this hotel offers luxurious rooms right opposite the International Airport of Santiago, literally a 2-minute walk from the terminal! Here, you’ll have free access to Wi-FI, an indoor pool, and on-site parking.
Mid-range:
- La Quinta by Wyndham – this 4-star hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the airport and it offers a free airport shuttle service! On top of that, you’ll have access to a swimming pool, a great on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and business facilities!
- Courtyard by Marriott – guests at the Marriott hotel can benefit from a free airport shuttle service, enjoy a good breakfast, and make the most of the pool. Other hotel facilities include a restaurant and a bar.
Budget:
- City Express Aeropuerto – this great budget hotel has free private parking and shuttle service by reservation to the airport. The rooms are spacious and comfy, breakfast is delicious, and the service is excellent!
- Hostal S&G – a pet-friendly hostel offering cozy family rooms (and airport shuttle service, in a beautiful and unique house! The hostel also has a tour desk and currency exchange to help you make the most of your stay.
FAQs about where to stay in Santiago
📍Which is the best neighborhood to stay in Santiago, Chile?
👪 Which hotels in Santiago are good for families?
🏨 What is the best boutique hotel in Santiago, Chile?
🎒 Where should backpackers stay in Santiago?
🟢 Is Santiago, Chile safe for tourists?
Santiago is generally safe for tourists! Even though the country was once not considered safe, the safety situation has changed drastically, and it’s much safer now. Of course, you always practice some precautions, like staying alert to your surroundings and keeping valuables hidden.
📅 How many days do you need in Santiago de Chile?
If you want to really deep dive into the culture and history of Santiago, Chile, you should stay from 4 – 5 days, add extra time to also explore Santiago’s surrounding towns, Andes mountains, and wine valleys.
☀️ What is the best month to visit Santiago, Chile?
For your visit to Santiago, I recommend at least 5 days. I was there for 2 days, and I didn’t get to do everything I wanted, so 4 to 5 days should be enough to visit the top attractions and get a feel of the city.
🚶 Is Santiago, Chile, a walkable city?
Santiago is a generally walkable city, especially the city center. But even if you don’t like walking, the city has reliable public transportation and offers affordable Uber and taxi services.
✈️ What are the best hotels in Santiago, Chile, near Santiago International Airport?
Final thoughts on best areas to stay in Santiago, Chile
We made it to the end of this incredible journey through Santiago! I hope that my post was helpful and that you’ve already decided where to stay in Santiago, Chile, and (maybe?) even booked a hotel.
But I’ve talked about a lot of hotels in this post, so I know it can be difficult to decide. So, here are my 2 favorite Santiago hotels located in Centro:
- The Singular Santiago – an upscale hotel with a rooftop pool and a spa center, plus a delicious breakfast
- Hotel Sommelier Boutique – a comfortable hotel in a great location, offering air-conditioned rooms and private parking
If you’re already imagining yourself walking around Santiago’s busy streets, I strongly suggest you book at least 2 months before your trip, as this is one of the most popular destinations in Chile!
Have you been to Santiago? Maybe you have some extra suggestions? Or, you have some questions about your upcoming trip? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Have a great trip!
Yulia
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