24 Hours in Santiago, Chile: How to Make the Most of a Short Stop

“Book the red eye, you’ll be fine!” they said.
We were not fine.

After a sleepless overnight flight into Santiago, we stumbled off the plane, weary but excited. Our flight landed just after 6 a.m., and with the airport (Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, SCL) about 40 minutes from most hotels, we found ourselves checking in around 9. Thankfully, we had booked through our own agency (yes, I use Explore the Americas for my own trips too!), and that meant a complimentary early check-in and breakfast—a lifesaver. If you’d like us to plan your Santiago stopover too, get in touch here.

Here’s how to spend one day in Santiago, Chile, whether it’s a layover before Patagonia, a trip to wine country, or a jump-off point for the Atacama Desert.

Morning: A Sleepy Start and a Presidential Palace

Santiago sits in a valley surrounded by the Andes, and even through our jet lag, those snow-capped peaks seemed to peek around every corner.

Smiling woman sitting on a low wall, hugging a police dog in a green vest, with a park and large building in the background, in Santiago Chile.

We began with a slow wander through the city center. Plaza de Armas was alive with street performers, vendors, and families soaking up the winter sunshine. From there, it was just a short walk to Palacio de la Moneda, the presidential palace. Two guards stood outside with Belgian Malinois (just like my own dog, Caira) so of course we stopped for a few pets.

Lunch in Santiago: Liguria & Chile’s Famous Sandwiches

By now, we were ~~hungry~~ hangry, so we went straight to Liguria, one of the best restaurants in Santiago for traditional Chilean food. The place was full of energy with plates clattering, conversations overlapping, and walls covered from floor to ceiling with art, photos, and trinkets of every kind.

We asked our waiter for something truly Chilean, and he brought us locos, often called “Chilean abalone.” They’re actually a large sea snail, with a firm texture somewhere between scallops and clams. In true Chilean style, they were served simply, with mayonnaise and a salad. Humble, fresh, and unexpectedly sweet, a delicacy that locals love.

A huge fish sandwhich served with mayo at a Chilean restaruant in Santiago Chile

And then, the sandwich. Chile is big on sandwiches. And not just in size (though some are bigger than your head), but culturally. Instead of bar crawls, you’ll find locals doing sandwich crawls, hopping from spot to spot to try the city’s best. We split a fish sandwich that had been featured on my favorite show, Somebody Feed Phil, so of course, I HAD to try it!

Afternoon in Santiago: Food Tour or Cerro San Cristóbal

If you’re a foodie like me, the best way to experience any city is through a food tour. My top recommendation is a tour called ‘Culinary Contrasts: Markets & Boho’, which starts in Plaza de Armas and winds through the city’s bustling Market District: La Vega Chica, La Vega Central, Tirso de Molina, and finally Mercado Central.

Not a foodie? Then take the funicular up Cerro San Cristóbal instead. At the top, you’ll find sweeping views of Santiago, plus gardens, walking trails, and the towering statue of the Virgin Mary that watches over the city.

Not sure which experience is right for you? Contact us and we’ll help build the perfect start-to-finish trip to Chile!

Evening: Wine with a Chilean Twist

Wine tasting at Bocanariz in Chile, with glasses of red and white wine, bread, and small gourmet appetizers on a slate plate.

As dusk fell and the winter fog rolled in, the city lights blinked on. We made our way to BocaNariz (a playful name meaning “MouthNose”), a restaurant devoted to Chilean wines. Their tasting menu was pure *chef’s kiss*. We sampled varietals we’d never even heard of (beyond the famous Carménère), each paired with thoughtful dishes, but the gnocchi was the showstopper for me. We loved it so much that we wrote down every grape we tasted and bought bottles to enjoy for the rest of our journey.

For those traveling with kids or looking for something more casual, La Confitería is a laid-back option with a wide menu and an easygoing vibe.

Facade of Hotel Magnolia in Santiago, with its historic stone architecture blended with a modern glass extension, warmly lit at dusk.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Magnolia, a boutique gem that blends historic architecture with sleek modern design. Its location just around the corner from Lastarria made it the perfect base for exploring… and stumbling home after our wine dinner.

Families might prefer the quieter Las Condes neighborhood, with its leafy parks, spacious feel, and kid-friendly restaurants.

Final Thoughts

A single day in Santiago is enough to get a taste, but it will leave you wanting more. The city feels like a gateway: part cosmopolitan capital, part introduction to Chile’s landscapes and traditions.

If you’re short on time, stick to one or two neighborhoods so you don’t waste time in traffic. Uber works well within the city, but it has airport restrictions, so for peace of mind, I recommend booking transportation ahead of time.

Pro tip: Don’t lose the small immigration slip (PDI card) you receive when you arrive. Hotels will ask for it at check-in, and you’ll need it to leave the country so keep it somewhere safe!

Give Santiago 24 hours and you’ll find yourself charmed by its food, its wine, its people, and those ever-present Andes. Ready to start planning? Reach out to our team today and we’ll design your Chile adventure from Santiago to beyond.