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Top Santiago Attractions
The first time you visit Santiago, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Santiago
to help with your itinerary planning.
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Museum of Contemporary Art
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| Address
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Parque Forestal s/n |
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| Hours
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Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. through
7 p.m.; Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. |
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The Museum of Contemporary Art houses one of the most important
collections of foreign artworks in South America. The museum’s
objectives are “to maintain and strengthen its role as preserver
of the national contemporary artistic memory, and to develop an
annual agenda intended to maintain its positioning as the country's
most important art center.” You will find an organized exhibition
of paintings, sculptures and engravings by various Chilean artists
throughout history. These include, among others, the work of internationally
renowned artists such as Roberto Matta, Alfredo Jaar, Emilio Pettoruti,
Isamu Noguchi and Hundertwasser. Because of the country’s
commitment to its cultural development, it also houses works from
new artists to breathe fresh life into Chile’s artistic scene.
The building is located in a beautiful area of Santiago, so be sure
to take time to enjoy the outdoors, as well as inside the museum.
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Cousiño Palace
For a historical look at Santiago, visit this Versailles-style
mansion, which is quite elegant and beautiful, and represents the
way of life of the Chilean elite at the end of the 19th century.
It was built by the aristocrat Mr. Luis Cousino with architect Paul
Lathoud. Cousino built the residence to honor his wife, Isidora
Govenechea, and show the extent of his fortune (one of the largest
in the country).
The house has a two-story living room with a marble staircase as
well as many bedrooms, a dining room and maintains all the original
furniture. The house has various features including iron railings,
wood, velvet, brocade and silk wall coverings. In 1941, the mansion
and pieces of furniture were acquired by Santiago’s City Town
Hall and later it became a museum and lodging place for visitors.
In 1968, the second and third stories were destroyed in a fire,
but were later restored.
The palace has been declared a national monument.
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Half Day Santiago City Tours
If you want to see a lot in a little amount of time, why not buy
a half-day city tour? With buses to take you along every stop, transportation
will be a breeze, you cannot get lost and you will see an abundance
of the city in no time at all. Discovery Tours will pick you up
your hotel and bring you back in just a few hours and it will save
your feet, time finding cabs and whipping out all the maps looking
like an obvious tourist. The tour will start at the San Francisco
Church, built between 1572 and 1618. It will then continue west
to the “Club Hipico” horseracing course, considered
one of the most beautiful in South America. You will then pass many
important buildings, including the Palacio de la Moneda and Plaza
de Armas (where you will see many important national monuments such
as the Iglesia Catedral, Correo Central and the Municipalidad de
Santiago). The tour will continue to the Santa Lucia Hill where
the city was founded in 1541. You will cross the Mapocho River and
pass through many residential districts, giving you a sight on life
in Santiago. Discovery Tours will then bring you right back to your
hotel. Please visit their website for further information.
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Santiago Travel Guides
 Frommer's Santiago
Lonely Planet Santiago
Let's Go Santiago
Fodors Santiago
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