Where to Stay in Santiago, Chile (Best Places in 2026)

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FIRST TIME IN SANTIAGO

FIRST TIME IN SANTIAGO

Centro

The historic center of Santiago is the financial and historical district. You’ll find plenty of historic buildings surrounding the central square, Plaza de Armas.

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TRENDIEST PLACE TO STAY

TRENDIEST PLACE TO STAY

Barrio Brasil

Barrio Brasil was an upper-class neighborhood of Santiago in the middle of the 18th century. You can find lots of interesting architectural styles around the many streets of Barrio Brasil. Efforts to rebuild the neighborhood began after the massive earthquake in 1985.

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NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Bellavista

This is undeniably Santiago’s hipster hangout. With a young and alternative vibe, this is home to the best of the city’s nightlife, it’s a great place to grab a beer or cocktail and dance the night away!

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COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Providencia

Providencia is the commercial and gastronomical hotspot of Santiago. It’s a solidly upper-middle-class Chile area with lots of entertainment areas and beautiful parks perfect for an afternoon stroll or morning run.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Las Condes

In the middle of the 20th century, affluent Santiagoans started to move to this Chile area from downtown Santiago. Eventually, it was connected to downtown by the metro and today it has become a collection of high-rise office and residential buildings.

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Local residents, known as Santiaguinos, are very proud of their metro system which has expanded to all of the most popular and inhabited parts of the city. There’s also an expansive public bus system that makes getting around even more convenient.

However, it is still a capital city where about 40% of Chile’s population resides, so traffic and crowds on public transport can get pretty crazy. That’s why it’s best to choose where to stay based on the places you plan to spend the most time as it can take up to an hour or more to get from one side of the city to the other.

I’ve broken the areas in this guide down by interest to help you choose the best spot to stay in without having to do a ton of research. I’ve done it for you, so you can spend more time planning the things that really matter like the vineyards you’re going to tour, the shopping malls you’re going to hit up and the the rest of your South America trip.

1. Centro – Where to Stay for Your First Time Visit

The historic centre of Santiago is the financial and historical district. You’ll find plenty of historic buildings surrounding the central square, Plaza de Armas. Some of the buildings you’ll find are the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, the post office, and the National History Museum.

Cerro Santa Lucia is the hill where the city was founded in 1541 and it’s also in Centro. You’ll also find two artsy and bohemian neighbourhoods (barrios) – Lastarria and Bellas Artes – that have a lot to offer visitors.

Of course, you’ll also find some of the best restaurants in the city here, which is why it’s one of the best places to stay for your first time visit as you’ll be close to all the amenities you need. I stayed here during my first occasion backpacking Chile, and certainly didn’t regret the location.

• Best For: Anyone who wants to be close to the main hills and places of interest.
• The Vibe: It’s lively, there’s entertainment in the streets, and you can enjoy views from above if you hike up the cerros.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s 15 minutes away by Uber, which is the best way to get around.
• Transport Level: Uber will take care of all your transport needs. The metro and walking are other good options. Buses exist but aren’t necessary if you stick around Centro.
• Budget: Moderate. Santiago is one of South America’s more expensive cities. You can still find budget-friendly accommodation in Centro though.
• Crowds: Centro is where the action is at. It gets pretty busy, especially in the day, and can attract large protest crowds.

Top Things to Do in Centro

1. Head to the Plaza de Armas and explore the many historical buildings there
2. Get a history lesson at the Chilean National History Museum
3. Take in the incredible exhibitions at Museo Bellas Artes
4. Enjoy the 360 views of Santiago from the top of Santa Lucia Hill
5. Wander through Mercado Central – the 5th best market in the world
6. Get some exercise while learning about Santiago on two wheels with La Bicicleta Verde
7. Shop for souvenirs at the Santa Lucia Arts & Crafts Market
8. Try the Chilean cocktail terremoto at La Piojera – a dive bar once visited by Chilean president Arturo Alessandri Palma
9. Get a better understanding of pre-Colombian culture and art at Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
10. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Palacio de la Moneda – the Presidential Palace originally built as the Chilean Mint

Best Hotel: Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel

Located in a renovated 1927 mansion, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Relax by the pool in the walled garden, indulge your senses at the spa, or admire the marble staircase and other 5-star decor. A fantastic spot to splash the cash.

Some rooms include a balcony and an antique fireplace. The restaurant offers a full buffet breakfast with homemade treats and they have wine tasting sessions with cold meats. You’ll leave feeling very pampered and refreshed.

Best Hostel: Hostal Forestal

Located in the heart of Santiago, this is where to stay in Santiago for the first time! The staff are very friendly and can speak multiple languages, and the free breakfast is delicious.

They are very knowledgeable about the best value walking tours and things to do around the city. Plus, they have several events throughout the week creating the perfect amount of social interaction.

Best Airbnb: Spacious Private Room With Feline Charm

Cat lovers of the world rejoice! THIS is the spot for you. You’ll have a private room in Rodrigo’s apartment, which you’ll be sharing with his feline friends.

Now, the kitties won’t be in your room as the image suggests, well, unless you let them of course. But you can enjoy this place with good Wi-Fi, a TV, and even an Xbox 360 in the shared lounge.

2. Barrio Brasil – Best Place to Stay on a Budget

Barrio Brasil was an upper-class neighbourhood of Santiago in the middle of the 18th century. You can find lots of interesting architectural styles around the many streets of Barrio Brasil. Efforts to rebuild the neighbourhood began after the massive earthquake in 1985.

It’s now known for its strong cultural and artistic scene, thanks to the creation of spaces for cultural events, recreation, and the arts. This neighbourhood is once again a thriving area of the city.

Barrio Brasil is nearby a few other artsy neighborhoods such as Yungay and Dieciocho creating a young, hip vibe that is full of energy as many young, middle-class families have moved into the Chile area.

• Best For: People who are interested in the arts and crafts scene.
• The Vibe: It’s a hipster spot with a big buzz in the air.
• Proximity to Airport: It will take 15 minutes by Uber if the traffic is good. Or an hour by public transport.
• Transport Level: You’re just outside Centro here, so buses, Uber, walking and the subway are all options.
• Budget: This is one of the cheaper spots in Santiago.
• Crowds: It can still get a bit crowded around here as people flock to enjoy the local art scene.

Top Things to Do in Barrio Brasil

1. Enjoy a chic dinner or a cheese plate with a glass of wine at La Peluqueria Francesa – a historic French barbershop turned restaurant
2. Spend an afternoon at Parque Quinta Normal where you can explore a couple of different museums, rent a paddleboat on the lake, or nap in the shade
3. Learn about the horrors of Chile’s brutal 17-year dictatorship that ended in 1990 at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights (Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos)
4. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at El Huaso Enrique, where you can watch traditional cueca dancing and live folkloric music
5. Take the kids, or yourself, to ride the rollercoasters at Fantasilandia, Santiago’s own amusement park
6. Take a trip to outer space at the Planetarium (Planetario de la USACH)
7. Get off the tourist trail and take in the incredible murals of the Museo Cielo Abierto (an open-air museum) dedicated to street artists in the San Miguel neighbourhood
8. Taste delicious Chilean wine and tour a vineyard at Vina Concho y Torro
9. Explore neighbouring Barrio Yungay – one of the most traditional ‘hoods in Santiago associated with artists and culture
10. Get a feel for student life in Barrio Republica and Dieciocho

Best Hotel: Matildas Hotel Boutique

Set in a refurbished Patrimonial Palace, this is a charming hotel where the staff want to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Guests can relax in the beautiful walled garden with a glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing.

The breakfast is free and delicious and they have the best coffee according to many different reviews. The beds are quite comfortable as well. Santiago isn’t cheap by South American standards, but if you aren’t alone, you can enjoy a spot of luxury without hammering the budget too hard.

Best Hostel: Happy House Hostel

Happy House Hostel is a cute little backpacker’s hostel with spacious rooms in the Barrio Brasil neighbourhood of Santiago de Chile. There is a great social vibe here and the outdoor pool area is where all the chit-chat happens. The thing that makes it so terrific is its central location. It’s within walking distance of La Moneda Palace!

Best Airbnb: Room With a Private Bathroom

A small but cool spot within walking distance of the center. Marcelo is a great host who seemed very friendly.

This place is a fantastic cheap option if you wanna dodge the hostels and have your own space for a few days. You’re close to the shops and the subway here, so I’d also say it’s a pretty convenient spot to base yourself in.

3. Bellavista – Where to Stay for Nightlife

This is undeniably Santiago’s hipster hangout. With a young and alternative vibe, this is home to the best of the city’s nightlife, it’s a great place to grab a beer or cocktail and dance the night away!

Bellavista is full of eating and drinking places for all tastes. There are also theatres, karaoke bars, LGBT friendly clubs, and artisan shops.

It’s also the nearest neighborhood to the entrance of Cerro San Cristobal where you’ll find a zoo and a massive park. You can hike or take the funicular to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

• Best For: If you think Barrio Brasil is hipster-friendly, just wait until you reach Bellavista.
• The Vibe: By day it’s hip and artsy, by night there’s a real energy as youngsters in the bars down here in big numbers.
• Proximity to Airport: You’re 20 minutes away by Uber, or you can take the Centropuerto to Barrancas Bus Station, and catch a connection from there.
• Transport Level: This is just to the east of Centro, so you still have pretty good bus, subway, Uber and walking options here.
• Budget: Moderate. It’s not too bad by Santiago standards, expensive by South American standards, and cheap by US/Canada/Europe standards.
• Crowds: By night it really comes alive. This is one of the busier spots of the city.

Top Things to Do in Bellavista

1. Put your party pants on and head to Patio Bellavista – the heart of Chilean nightlife full of rooftop bars, restaurants, and shops
2. Hike up Cerro San Cristobal before quenching your thirst with a mote con huesillo – a refreshing drink made from peaches and husked wheat
3. Ride the funicular
4. Improve your Salsa skills at Maestra Vida
5. Put on your dancing shoes and dance to a live cumbia band at La Peña del Nano Parra – a music venue offering an authentic, local experience
6. Take a market bicyle tour with some buddies.
7. Learn about the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda through an in-depth tour of his Santiago home – La Chascona
8. Eat like a local at Galindo and try a pastel de choclo, a completo, and a churrasco. Yummy!

Best Hotel: Bella 269

A budget-friendly option if you want a private room. The staff here are really helpful. And you aren’t far away from some of the top nightlife spots.

They’ve even got an outdoor terrace where you can chill if you want a bit of downtime. I’ll warn you that it gets pretty breezy in the colder months. But in the summertime, it’s pure bliss.

Best Hostel: Guanako Hostel

This is our top hostel recommendation for where to stay in Santiago. It’s in a fantastic location near universities, so there is a very young, hip, bohemian vibe. This is also where you’ll find the best nightlife in Santiago.

The hostel has an awesome rooftop terrace, free breakfast, and a very clean environment.

Best Airbnb: Heart of Santiago

The apartment is shared, but you get your own private room. Now whilst a shared apartment might not be perfect, you’re here because you’re a broke backpacker on a budget, right?

You’re right by several shops, restaurants and displays here, so it’s a great spot to save some money in a good location.

4. Providencia Neighborhood – Coolest Place to Stay

Providencia is the commercial and gastronomical hotspot of Santiago. It’s a solidly upper-middle-class area with lots of entertainment areas and beautiful parks perfect for an afternoon stroll or morning run.

This is where you’ll find the tallest building in South America, the Gran Torre. It dominates the skyline and contains the Costanera Center with a shopping mall, food court, restaurants, grocery stores, and a cinema.

Barrio Italia is also in Providencia. It’s another cool little neighbourhood that has been revived from an old hat-making community. Parque Bustamante is a great place to curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes.

• Best For: Foodies will love it here, and families will enjoy the abundance of entertainment options on offer.
• The Vibe: I love it here. There’s a lot going on, but it’s not got a crazy party vibe either.
• Proximity to Airport: It’s a 20-minute Uber ride away, or 1 hour 20 minutes if you take the Centropuerto to Barrancas Bus Station, and pick up a connection from there.
• Transport Level: Uber and buses are your best bet around here. It’s pleasant to walk around, but it will take you an hour to reach the centre on foot.
• Budget: You’re looking at paying a little more in one of the more upmarket spots here.
• Crowds: It can get busy during the day with quite a lot going on nearby.

Top Things to Do in Providencia

1. Get high up in the tallest building in Latin America – the Torre Gran Costanera
2. Taste some local craft beers at The Black Rock Pub
3. Shop ’til you drop at the wide selection of stores at the Costanera Center
4. Take in the many sculptures in the Sculpture Park on the banks of the Mapocho River
5. Explore Barrio Italia – a little bohemian neighbourhood with boutique shops, nice cafes, and delicious restaurants
6. Relax in Parque Bustamante while taking in the impressive architecture
7. Grab a cup of coffee and a good book at Cafe Literario in Parque Bustamante
8. Practice your kickflip at Skatepark Parque Bustamante
9. Take a photo of the Torre Telefonica Chile – it’s shaped like a 90’s cell phone
10. Find tranquillity in the Japanese Garden on Cerro San Cristobal
11. Attend a concert, football game, or other event at the National Stadium
12. Admire the exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art
13. Explore the surrounding Andes Mountains or watch the sunset over the Andes with some wine.
14. Get transported back to an American diner in the 1950’s at Bar Liguria

Best Hotel: Almasur Providencia

This luxury hotel located in Providencia is relatively new, so you know it’s in tip-top condition (and in high demand). If you do manage to nab a room in this Santiago hotel, they offer something for everyone; suites, budget rooms and even apartments are all available.

Best Hostel: Hostal Providencia

This perfectly located hostel in Santiago is a great budget option for groups or solo backpackers looking to rest their heads. I have personally stayed in this hostel for just one night and after a long travel day the day before, the free coffee all day long really powered me though!

Best Airbnb: Loft Vista Icons

This cool loft is located right next to La Moneda Palace and is on the last two levels of the Santiago Downtown Nova Buildings. This condo comes with its own pool, and gym and has a Starbucks and local restaurants. This apartment has a great view of the mountain range of the Andes and the Entel Tower. The apartment has 1 bed and bath, and an indoor garden.

5. Las Condes – Best Neighbourhood For Families to Stay in

In the middle of the 20th century, affluent Santiagoans began moving to this area from downtown Santiago. Eventually, it was connected to downtown by the metro, and today it has become a collection of high-rise office and residential buildings. It’s part of an area unofficially known as Sanhattan (Santiago + Manhattan), as it has become the financial centre.

This part of the city has many parks, places for shopping, and the national stadium. As the most upscale sector of Santiago, the relatively tidy appearance of wide streets, shops, and parks just might make you forget you’re in Latin America, as it looks much more European.

This neighbourhood is geographically closest to the Andes, which makes it a convenient location for travellers eager to embark on some of the world’s best hikes or even hit the slopes. There are three major ski centres in Eastern Santiago: La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado.

• Best For: Anyone looking for a safe spot with access to amenities.
• The Vibe: It’s sleek, it’s classy, and it’s pretty business-like. This is the posh part of the city.
• Proximity to Airport: You’ll need to take Uber for 30 minutes to get here. Public transport takes almost 2 hours, always starting with the Centropuerto to Barrancas Bus Station.
• Transport Level: It now has a metro station which is a great boost for connectivity to other areas. Las Condes itself is walkable.
• Budget: Expensive. This is where the creme de la creme of Santiago are based. You’re gonna have to splash out to be amongst them.
• Crowds: Moderate. It’s busy during the day as people flock to the parks and shops, before getting quieter later in the evening.

Top Things to Do in Las Condes

1. Go for a peaceful afternoon stroll through Parque Bicentenario
2. Shop the wide variety of traditional Chilean artisan goods at Los Dominicos Village
3. Take in the impressive collection at Ralli Museum, a modern museum for Latin American art
4. Enjoy the beautiful sculptures at La Pastora, an open-air museum
5. Find all the constellations using the telescopes at the National Astronomical Observatory
6. Have a religious experience at the Baha’i Temple of South America. Admire the architecture, at the very least.
7. Enjoy a BBQ picnic at Parque Padre Hurtado
8. Take a day trip to the Andes for some hiking or skiing. El Colorado Ski Resort is the closest
9. Relax and people-watch in Aracauno Park
10. Escape the summer heat and head into the mountains to check out Apoquindo Waterfall
11. Get outside and take a hike in Aguas de Ramon Park
12. Inspire your artistic side at the Center for All Arts (Centro de Todos Las Artes)
13. Admire the skyscrapers and incredible architecture in the financial district

Best Luxury Hotel: Double Tree by Hilton Santiago

This gorgeous hotel is located in one of the best areas of Santiago right next to the tallest building in South America – the Grand Torre Santiago. Wanna live in style? This is the place to be.

It’s where to stay in Santiago with a family as it’s located near an amazing shopping mall, the San Cristobal hill, a massive park with a Japanese Garden, and much more. They offer a delicious breakfast spread at the on-site restaurant as well as a fitness centre, business centre, and bar.

Best Budget Hotel: Rincon de Las Condes

This is a great budget option in the Las Condes area. The location is quiet and safe which is why I loved it so much. During my first Santiago trip I was caught in a riot. That doesn’t happen here.

Marta is very attentive and does a great job of keeping this place clean. I really felt at home here, and found Rincon de las Condes to be great value for money.

Best Airbnb: Room just steps from Metro Cristobal Colon

This Airbnb in Las Condes – a quiet and safe neighbourhood of Santiago de Chile is so cute! It is a budget-friendly private stay but also has access to a shared garden, shared patio and shared outdoor space. My favourite thing about this Airbnb is the view from the balcony!

Here’s what people usually ask me about the various areas of Santiago and where to stay. If you have any questions of your own, drop them in the comments below. 🙂

What is the best boutique hotel in here?

I like the Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel the most. I also really like the Matildas Hotel Boutique. You’re spoilt for choice really. Just make sure to find a stay in the appropriate neighbourhood for YOU!

What is the best luxury hotel in this city?

For me, it has to be Almasur Providencia. This new luxury hotel in Providencia just ticks all the boxes. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy (somehow), check out Double Tree by Hilton Santiago, it’s another great luxury hotel option.

Where should backpackers stay?

I’d say either Happy House Hostel or Guanako Hostel. One thing’s for sure, if you’re a backpacker, you should 100% stay in a hostel. You should base your choice depending on what you are looking for or what neighbourhood you plan on staying in.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Santiago

Good travel insurance is non-negotiable, essential and just common sense. Protect yourself from the uncontrollable and enjoy your trip without stress. Santiago is one of the dodgier parts of Chile, so it is possible for things to go wrong. I was tear gassed when a riot took place by my hostel…

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

From chic restaurants to outdoor adventures, there is something for all travellers in Santiago. The city has emerged as a cultural and financial powerhouse in Latin America and it’s not the same city it was 10 years ago. Don’t only treat it as a travel hub for getting in and around Chile because it’s much more than that.

Just to recap, my top recommendation for the best hotel is the Casa Bueras Boutique Hotel for its incredible staff and location. My choice for the top hostel here is Guanako Hostel because of the fun, social atmosphere and proximity to fun nightlife action. I had a blast there, and I’m sure you will too!

If the options above just weren’t for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other great hostels that offer a comfy bed, affordable rates and the chance to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world.

I found it to be a nice relaxing base for a few weeks after months of travelling around more rugged cities in South America. I’m confident you’d agree if you spent enough time here to fully immerse yourself in the culture.

Let me know your favourite spots here in the comments below! Cheers!