In this guide, I will help you to find Where to Stay in Santiago de Chile for first-timers, best areas to stay in Santiago Chile (with a map and video), the best hotels in Santiago de Chile for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed) and the safest places to stay in Santiago de Chile.
Santiago De Chile or just Santiago is the capital and largest city in Chile, as well as one of the largest cities in the entire Americas. It has incredibly diverse landscapes and scenery with the Mapocho River running through it and the Andes Mountains in the background. It also has plenty of 19th-century neoclassical buildings, historical attractions that heritage in the colonial.
Unfortunately, like many places in South America, Chile has somewhat of a reputation for crime. Purse snatching, mugging, property crime, and drink spiking are all common. While Santiago is a beautiful city, it is important to keep your wits about you at all times.
If you are sensible while you are there, keep to the populated areas, secure your belongings, and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know, you will more than likely be absolutely fine, as the vast majority of tourists are.
Compared to many other cities in Latin America, it could even be seen as somewhat safe. That said, it’s better to be prepared before you go, to make sure you can take the proper precautions.
Barrio Lastarria, Barrio Italia, Barrio Brasil, Providencia, and Barrio Bellas Artes are some of the safest areas to stay in Santiago Centro. While these neighborhoods are generally considered safe, it’s essential to remain vigilant to ensure your safety.
Where to stay in Santiago de Chile?
The best areas to stay in Santiago de Chile for tourists are Centro, Bellavista, Lastarria, Las Condes, and Providencia. These are popular neighborhoods for tourists that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
Santiago Centro is the best place to stay in Santiago for first-timers due to its prime location. Staying here offers easy access to to top tourist attractions, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops. El Centro also a wide range of accommodation options that suits all budget travelers.
In addition to Centro, Bellavista and Lastarria are also popular places to stay in Santiago de Chile. Bellavista is a vibrant and bohemian neighborhood that is known for its artistic vibe, colorful houses, and lively nightlife. It’s offers easy access to Cerro San Cristóbal, and Metropolitan Park.
Lastarria is the historic and charming neighborhood that is known for its European-style architecture, cultural centers, and boutique shops. It’s within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts, GAM, and the Santa Lucía Hill.
Where did I stay in Santiago Chile?
When I first visited Santiago de Chile, I stayed for 5 nights at the lovely Mercure Santiago Centro in the Downtown area. It was a great stay with a central location, close to a subway station. I had a spacious room with a huge window. Breakfast was also lovely.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | Santiago Centro |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Cumbres Lastarria |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Hotel Panamericano |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Santiago de Chile:
10 Best areas to stay in Santiago de Chile are:
1. Santiago Centro
Santiago Centro is the best place to stay in Santiago Chile for first-timers who want to stay in the heart of the action and proximmity to attractions such as Plaza de Arma and Mercado Central. This downtown area also offers the widest range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Santiago Centro is the oldest part of the city, first founded in 1541. As such, there is an incredible amount of historical buildings and monuments to see.
The main square, Plaza de Armas (square of weapons) is a social hub of the city. It was established by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in the 16th-century.
It’s surrounded by important buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, Municipality of Santiago and the Central Post Office, National History Museum, Ahumada & Estado, Stock Exchange, or La Moneda Presidential Palace.
If you are interested in history, there are many museums to explore such as:
- The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, an art museum dedicated to pre-Columbian artworks and artifacts from Central and South America;
- The National Museum of Fine Arts.
- The Museo de Artes Visuales (MAVI).
You can stroll along the famous pedestrian streets to the south of Plaza de Armas. Paseo Ahumada, Paseo Estado, and Paseo Huefarnos are home to the popular Chilean mega-department stores, and some American brands.
There is the Palacio De La Moneda, located at the end of Paseo Ahumada, between the Alameda and Calle Moneda. Designed by Italian architect Joaquin Toesca, as a coin mint for about fifteen years from its opening in 1805, the palace was the scene of a violent coup in 1973 that killed many Chileans. In 1845, La Moneda became the presidential palace under the Bulnes administration.
Santa Lucía Hill (Cerro Santa Lucía) offers breathtaking views from its top. Located north of Santa Lucia Hill is the bohemian barrios of Lastarria and Bellas Artes neighborhoods with plenty of attractions to do!
The downtown area of the city and, as you might expect, is the place to come for faster-paced days and wild nights. It features many of the city’s best bars and restaurants to keep you entertained throughout your stay and there is even a fun park, Fantasilandia, to help you split up your daily sightseeing with a few thrills.
If you want to do some shopping, head to Mercado Central, where you can grab some local fresh produce and souvenirs. Mercado Central is a great place to try the exquisite flavors and textures of typical Chilean cuisine.
When it comes to accommodation there are plenty of choices available, from budget hostels to high-end hotels and apartments, but even if you go for the upper end of the market, it’s still incredible value for what you get.
Stay in Santiago Centro if you are traveling to Santiago for the first time; you want a vibrant nightlife; you want a fantastic deal on accommodation; you want to be in the most historic part of the city; you love great restaurants; you want to visit Santa Lucia Hill.
Best Places to Stay in Santiago Centro for first-timers:
luxury ($$$): Hotel Cumbres Lastarria, superb, 5-star guest house, set in a traditional building, within walking distance from Universidad Catolica metro station and Bellas Artes Museum. Easy access to hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops in the surrounding area.
mid-range ($$): Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes, 4-star hotel located within easy walk from Bellas Artes Subway Station and Lastarria. Free hot drinks are available from the 24-hour front desk throughout your stay, while laundry and concierge services are also offered.
budget ($): Hotel Panamericano, 3-star hotel located close to Constitution Square, Presidential Palace, La Moneda and Santa Ana Metro stations. The gourmet restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and Chilean cuisine, while guests also receives free parking and Wi-Fi.
Hostel ($): Hostel Boutique Merced 88, a great budget boutique hotel offering a choice of shared or private rooms, surrounded by famous attractions. All guests receive a continental breakfast.
2. Bellavista
Located between the Mapocho River and San Cristobál Hill in Santiago, This large district of Barrio Bellavista is a good choice for accommodation for all budgets, with less emphasis on tourism than downtown neighborhoods. The Bellavista neighborhood is divided into two municipal areas, Recoleta and Providencia, by Pio Nono Street.
Barrio Bellavista is lively, yet with a bohemian reputation since 1970s. You will enjoy its colorful murals on several themes, historical and current. Add to this the bars, and nightclubs, and you will never be short of things to do. This lively neighborhood is home to the best nightlife in the city.
Bellavista is a place for those enjoying art, with several galleries and graffiti art worth a visit. It is the atmosphere of the district that makes it so interesting with simply watching daily life is one of the attractions.
In this district, you will find the La Chascona, the former house of famous Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda which is now a museum;
Parque Metropolitano is the largest park in Chile where you can find Cerro San Cristobál (San Cristobál Hill), Chilean National Zoo, and a Botanical Garden.
You can hike, bike, or take a funicular to the top of San Cristobál Hill which is just 300 meters above Santiago. At its top, you can enjoy the views over the city, and see the 22-meter high statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Visit by day, and fall into any of the cafes, and boutiques, especially in the outdoor complex of Patio Bellavista. The weekly craft market is in Calle Pío Nono, and locally-mined lapis lazuli is a great memento.
If you want to do some shopping, head to the Avenida Bellavista which is filled with shopping malls, markets, and general stores.
Best places to stay in Santiago in Bellavista for first-time visitors:
- mid-range ($$): The Aubrey Boutique Hotel
- budget ($): Norus Apartments Providencia
- budget ($): Hotel Boutique Santiago Suite
3. Lastarria and Bellas Artes
Lastarria is an historical area in the centro, north of Avenida Liberador Bernardo O’Higgins. It adjoins the modern and artsy, Bella Artes and is culturally very similar. Tourists are attracted by the authenticity of the more traditional and cobblestoned, Lastarria while locals love the district as well.
Jose Victorino Lastarria is the main street in the barrio where you can find artisanal cafes, restaurants, hotels, and El Biografo – a movie theater. Mosqueto and Ismael Valdés Vergara are other popular streets in the neighborhood.
Lastarria is home to quality accommodation, stylish boutiques, and chic cafes. The architecture is beautiful, and you may think you are in Europe when you are here. The modern towers that are now common in Santiago de Chile do not appear in Lastarria.
The Parque Forestal is a large urban park, a must-see attraction in Santiago. You will find the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and the first puppet theatre the Anfiteatro Bellas Artes.
The Bellas Artes neighborhood is served by the Metro station Bellas Artes. Lastarria is served by the Metro stations Universidad Católica and Bellas Artes.
Each Thursday to Sunday, there is a book and antique market in the nineteenth century Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro. Art, theatre, and music are found in Lastarria which also has all the modern amenities you might need.
What you do need if you want to stay here is money. Its hotels offer comfort and more; some even have rooftop pools for guests to enjoy.
4. Providencia
Located directly to the northeast of Centro, the quiet, residential area, Providencia features a lot of similarities to that commune, including its collection of bars and restaurants. However, there are two distinct facts that separate it from its neighbor.
Firstly, there is the architecture. This is an area that was once home to royalty and the elite members of society. This means many of the buildings are grand, extravagantly designed structures which, while now mostly serving as offices or corporate buildings, are still incredible to look at.
Then there is the area known as Barrio Bellavista, known for its vibrant street performers and dancers, which sits beneath Cerro San Cristobal, a beautiful peak adorned with a 72ft statue of the Virgin Mary.
This is an incredible area to visit to see a show and view the incredible architecture surrounding you. The Sky Costanera Observatory is also the highest building in Santiago.
The grand boulevard of Avenida Providencia is a commercial hub full of restaurants and shopping. Providencia is also home to Barrio Italia, a cool area with colorful shopfronts and tree-lined lanes.
When it comes to accommodation it is much of the same that you will find in Centro, although this time without the extreme budget options at the lower end of the spectrum.
You should stay in Providencia if you like street performers and dancers; you love beautiful architecture; you want great value accommodation; you enjoy fantastic bars and restaurants; you appreciate religious statues.
Best Places to Stay in Santiago Providencia for first-timers:
luxury ($$$): Solace Hotel Santiago is a fantastic, 5-star hotel, surrounded by shops and restaurants, just a block away from Pedro de Valdivia.
mid-range ($$): Novotel Santiago Providencia is a fabulous, 4-star hotel, offering guests luxurious rooms, complete with a desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom.
budget ($): Heidelberg Haus Apart Hotel provides bright, stylish, modern apartments, in a quiet, residential neighborhood. The apartments are all spacious and soundproofed and feature cable TV and fully equipped kitchens.
budget ($): abba Presidente Suites Santiago offers a range of large rooms, ideal for people traveling as a family or as a large group. Located in a tranquil environment, all rooms feature a private bathroom and cable TV, while some also have kitchen facilities.
5. Las Condes
Located in the northeast of the city, the financial district, Las Condes is the largest of the 37 communes. Home largely to upper-class, wealthy families, this is one of the more exclusive areas of the city.
It even has an area affectionately known as “Manhattan” for its similarity to downtown New York City. This area is more for affluent residents and thriving ex-pat communities.
With a collection of beautiful theatres, gardens, parks, and buildings, Las Condes is a location for those who want to explore the finer things in life when they are away.
There are also a number of high-end restaurants and bars for you to enjoy spending your hard-earned money in and making yourself feel like royalty. For a shopping experience, visit the high streets of Alonso de Córdova and Nueva Costanera, or Los Dominicos Village for traditional Chilean artisan goods.
As you would probably expect from such an area, the majority of the Las Condes accommodation is quite expensive. However, there are fewer lower-priced options to be had but you have to make sure you act quickly.
Stay in Las Condes if you love beautiful hotels; you like more exclusive areas; you enjoy the theatre; you enjoy taking walks in parks and gardens; you aren’t worried about the cost; you like dining at fancy restaurants.
Best Places to Stay in Santiago Las Condes:
luxury ($$$): Plaza El Bosque Ebro is a plush, 5-star resort, featuring stylishly decorated, self-catering rooms and suites. Desks, mini bars and cable TVs are standard in every unit, while some also feature seating areas, with soft armchairs and carpets. A pool, art gallery and games room with a billiards table are available to enjoy, while free Wi-Fi is present throughout the property.
luxury ($$$): NH Collection Plaza Santiago is a wonderful, 5-star hotel, offering state of the art facilities, such as health club services, an award-winning restaurant, an indoor pool and a cocktail lounge.
luxury ($$$): Hotel Regal Pacific Santiago is a sleek, stylish, 5-star hotel, featuring spacious, modern guestrooms, kitted out with countless modern luxuries. Facilities such as a gym, sauna, squash court and beauty treatments and massages will ensure everyone is catered to.
mid-range ($$): DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago – Vitacura is a superb resort, featuring stylish, modern rooms, all equipped with luxuries like flat screen TVs, mini bars and security boxes.
budget ($): Sunset Apartments are a collection of 44 beautifully decorated, fully equipped apartments, just 450 yards from Manquehue metro station.
6. Vitacura
If it’s a cultured trip to Santiago that you’re looking for, then a stay in the city’s northern commune of Vitacura is a must. Vitacura is the exclusive neighborhood in the city.
Located to the northeast of Providencia, this is an area famed for its incredible collection of museums, art galleries, and churches. Whether you enjoy historical sites, beautiful works of art or simply learning about the culture of the place you are staying, there is ample opportunity here to take in information and sights that will open your eyes to a different view of Santiago.
In this neighborhood, you will find Bicentenario Park, which is run along the Mapocho River, and Mestiza, one of the most expensive restaurants in the whole of Chile.
Being a little more removed from the city center, it is also a little quieter and slower-paced here, meaning you can study everything at your own speed and make sure you get the chance to really take everything in.
Accommodation is a little less abundant here and what is available Is generally of the high-end variety, so this isn’t the place to stay for those on a budget. That said, considering the sophisticated sights there is to take in here, it seems fitting that the accommodation is of a standard to match.
You should stay in Vitacura if you aren’t worried about the price; you enjoy museums, galleries, and churches; you enjoy a slower pace of your sightseeing.
Best places to stay in Santiago in Vitacura:
luxury ($$$): DoubleTree by Hilton Santiago Kennedy, Chile is a 5-star hotel in a stunning looking building, full of luxury amenities like a gym, pool, bar and restaurant.
mid-range ($$): Hotel Pullman Santiago Vitacura (ex Atton) is a wonderful, 4-star hotel, featuring a fitness centre and outdoor pool. The on-site restaurant provides a buffet breakfast each morning, before offering Mediterranean cuisine throughout the day.
mid-range ($$): Hyatt Place Santiago/Vitacura is a towering, 4-star hotel, offering spacious, modern rooms, with floor to ceiling windows that let you make the most of the breath-taking views.
mid-range ($$): Hotel Director Vitacura is a superb, 4-star hotel, offering a range of comfortable, modern rooms and suites.
7. Penalolen
Located in the east of the city, directly south of Las Condes, Penalolen is another relatively quiet, residential area. However, there is one very big, incredibly famous reason to stay here, and that’s its vineyards.
Chile is a country that is known around the world for the quality of its wine and Penalolen contains some of the best vineyards in Santiago and perhaps all of Chile.
What better experience for wine aficionados could there be than getting out into the countryside and seeing where and how these famous wines are made, while perhaps even getting to sample some directly from the source.
Accommodation in the area is incredibly scarce so it’s important to book well in advance if you do plan to make the trip, but if wine is your thing, it’s certainly one you’ll be glad you made.
You should stay in Pudahuel if you like wine; you enjoy exploring vineyards; you want a more rural area; you are happy to book things well in advance.
Best places to stay in Santiago Pudahuel:
mid-range ($$): Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal, an IHG hotel is helpfully located directly opposite the airport, so is ideal if you are worried about missing your flight.
mid-range ($$): La Quinta by Wyndham Santiago Aeropuerto is a 4-star hotel, just 5 minutes from the airport, so you don’t have to worry about travelling all over the place with your luggage, especially as there is a free shuttle service between the two.
mid-range ($$): Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto provides pleasant, affordable accommodation, around a 7-minute shuttle ride from the airport.
mid-range ($$): City Express Santiago Aeropuerto is a modern hotel, located 2.5 miles from the airport. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms all feature comfortable furnishings, private bathrooms and a TV.
8. Lo Barnechea
Lo Barnechea is situated in the most north-eastern part of the city, much of the region is located in the mountains. This commune is a little different to most of the other parts of the city, as the thing it is famous for is its ski resorts.
Containing most of the city’s ski resorts, this is undoubtedly the place to go if you want to spend your days on the slopes in between your historical expeditions into town.
Featuring stunning views out over greater Santiago, this is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Accommodation here is a little more limited in terms of choice and prices are quite a bit higher, as is often the case at ski resorts. That said, what is available is stunning and if you’re after a ski vacation in this part of the world, it is certainly worth the money.
You should stay here if you like mountains; you enjoy skiing; you aren’t too worried about the price; you like beautiful views
9. Pudahuel
While everything we’ve looked at so far has been located between the heart of the city and the eastern and north-eastern borders, we end our list in the city’s western commune of Pudahuel.
Located around 6 miles from the city center, this is a more residential area with a substantially slower pace to life. Its main attraction is Clarillo River National Reserve, a 7-mile hiking area featuring a number of beautiful species of plants and wildlife that will give you a chance to experience the more natural side to the area.
It is also where the airport is located, so is a perfect spot for backpackers who want to get out on the trails as quickly as possible, without worrying about transportation.
As far as accommodation is concerned, the area is pretty much average on all accounts, featuring a decent range with prices varying from medium to high.
You should stay in Pudahuel if you are backpacking; you enjoy rivers; you like nature; you want to be close to the airport
10. Barrio Brasil
This district earns its name from the fact all its streets are named after places in Brazil. It was home to wealthy families in the 19th century, nowaday it’s developed to become an art, culture, and recreation area. It’s home to the Danza de la Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano.
There are plenty of popular bars, several parks, and street musicians at every turn. The main landmark is the cathedral, Basilica del Salvador. The style is Gothic, and it was consecrated in 1900, yet not completed for another three decades. It can hold a congregation of 5000.
Parque Quinta Normal is the largest of the parks, holding a botanic garden, and several museums, featuring natural history and art among other things. You can take a break from city life by spending time in this park, or others.
If you are on a budget, this is the place for you with plenty of hostels, apartments, and budget hotels. Even if you have not booked in advance, you will find something here.
Where should I stay in Santiago De Chile for the first time?
Santiago Centro is the best place to stay in Santiago De Chile for first-time travelers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to the top sights, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.
What are the best areas to stay in Santiago De Chile?
Santiago Centro, Bellavista, Barrio Lastarria, Las Condes, Providencia, Barrio Brasil, Vitacura, and Bellas Artes are the best areas to stay in Santiago De Chile for tourists because they are the most popular and safe neighborhoods that offer a wide range of attractions and amenities.
What is the safest place to stay in santiago chile?
Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia are relatively safe neighborhoods that are known for being more upscale and tend to have lower crime rates. Other neighborhoods that are generally considered safe include Lastarria, Recoleta, Ñuñoa, and La Reina.
Where not to stay in Santiago de Chile?
As with any city, there may be neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile that have higher crime rates or may not be as well-maintained as other areas. It is always a good idea to exercise caution and to be aware of your surroundings, regardless of where you are staying.
🎬 Check out my virtual tour about the best places to stay in Santiago:
It is always a good idea to take precautions to stay safe when traveling, such as staying in well-lit and populated areas, avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and being aware of your surroundings. It is also a good idea to research the specific neighborhood you will be staying in and to follow any safety recommendations provided by your hotel or host.
In conclusion, Santiago Centro, Bellavista, Barrio Lastarria, Las Condes, Providencia, Barrio Brasil, Vitacura, and Bellas Artes are some of the best places to stay in Santiago Chile for tourists and first-time travelers. They offer a wide range of accommodation options for all budget travelers.
Overall, I recommend Santiago Centro as the best area to stay in Santiago for the first time due to its central location. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of the action!