Santiago Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 7.2/10
- Best time to visit
- September to November for spring flowers and mild Andes skiing. March to May for wine harvest season in Maipo Valley. June to August for skiing at Valle Nevado (2 hours away) — best Andes snow.
- Population
- 5.5M
Overview
Santiago sits in a valley framed by the snow-capped Andes and the Coastal Range — a cosmopolitan South American capital with outstanding wine bars, innovative restaurants, first-rate museums, and the leafy Providencia and Lastarria neighbourhoods. The city is a gateway to Patagonia, the Atacama, and Easter Island — but is a compelling destination in its own right.
Getting around
Metro is modern, efficient, and safe — use the Bip! card. Cabify and Uber operate throughout. Walking is ideal in Lastarria, Bellavista, and Providencia. Day trips to the coast (Valparaíso, 1.5hr) and wine country by bus.
Local etiquette
Chileans greet with a single cheek kiss (women, and between men and women) or a handshake among men. They are polite and somewhat formal, so use titles and courteous language. Tip around 10% in restaurants, dress neatly, avoid sensitive political topics, and be patient as social timing tends to run late.
Safety
Exercise caution in the city centre and peripheral districts. Lastarria, Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura are the safest tourist neighbourhoods. Avoid displaying phones and cameras in less-touristed areas. Protests occasionally close Plaza Italia — check local news.