If you’re planning a trip to Santiago, Chile, you might have heard people say, “Santiago is just a transit town.” Well, we say, “Why not take 2 days in Santiago, Chile, and make it an experience of its own?” While it’s true that Santiago might not boast the same level of tourist attractions as other cities, there’s a charm in its day-to-day life. Our 2-day adventure turned into a delightful, simple yet memorable escape. In this guide, Money Left For Travel takes you through how to experience Santiago like a local.

Why You Should Spend 2 Days in Santiago, Chile

When it comes to traveling, every destination has its own story. Santiago, Chile, often gets overlooked in favor of more iconic locations like Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro. However, this bustling urban hub has its own unique allure. It’s not about extravagant landmarks or famous tourist spots; it’s about experiencing the rhythm of everyday life in a city that serves as the heartbeat of Chile.

Whether you’re looking for a break from the hustle or just want to recharge your batteries before heading to more tourist-heavy locations, Santiago has something to offer.

Day 1: Discovering Santiago’s Urban Pulse

Our first day in Santiago began with a stroll around the city to get a feel for its rhythm. After all, experiencing Santiago is all about being part of its everyday life. We had chosen to stay in a local apartment rather than a hotel or B&B, which gave us the perfect opportunity to experience Santiago as more than just visitors. Here’s what we did during our first day.

A Trip to the Movie Theater at Costanera Center

In a city that’s often underrated by tourists, sometimes the simplest pleasures can be the most fun. For us, that meant visiting a movie theater in the bustling Costanera Center. The mall itself is massive — spanning a city block and standing six stories tall. If you’re someone who loves shopping, this is the place to be. Familiar brands from the US are scattered across the mall, offering everything from Applebee’s to Taco Bell, and even Domino’s Pizza. It’s an American-style mall experience in the heart of Santiago!

But for us, the highlight was catching the latest movie in English with Spanish subtitles. It was a surreal experience sitting in a packed theater and watching The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 after so many months of traveling. The movie theater wasn’t the most luxurious, but the overall experience was comforting. Sometimes, it’s these small, familiar activities that help you feel more connected to the place you’re visiting.

Exploring Santa Lucia Park

After the movie, we decided to get outside and explore Santiago’s green spaces. Santa Lucia Park is a great spot for this. Located right in the city center, this free-entry park offers an escape from the city buzz. The park sits on a hill, providing an aerial view of Santiago. Though the Andes mountains were somewhat hidden by smog during our visit, it was still a cool sight to see the sprawling city below.

Walking through the well-maintained park felt peaceful and provided a break from the fast pace of the city. As you wander through the park’s winding paths, you can’t help but be reminded of New York’s Central Park, albeit with a local twist.

Day 2: Immersing Yourself in Santiago’s Local Life

On our second day in Santiago, we dove deeper into the local culture, exploring neighborhoods, eating at local spots, and experiencing Santiago like true locals.

A Relaxing Morning in Our Apartment

We started our second day with a quiet morning in our apartment. One of the perks of staying in a private space was the freedom to cook our own meals. We visited a nearby grocery store to buy some much-needed comfort food, including turkey, which we hadn’t found anywhere else since leaving the U.S. We spent the morning cooking a hearty meal and baking dessert. For us, it was the perfect way to recharge and enjoy a calm, relaxing start to our day.

Discovering Plaza del Armas and Bellavista

After our homemade breakfast, we set off to explore some of the more well-known spots in Santiago. We took the subway (which was incredibly easy to navigate and very affordable at just 650 pesos per ride) and headed to Plaza del Armas, the historical center of Santiago.

While the area is bustling with tourists, there was something special about walking through the open space, watching locals go about their daily lives. Plaza del Armas is lined with beautiful architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Historical Museum. It’s a great spot to sit and soak in the atmosphere of Santiago.

From there, we made our way to the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista. Known for its vibrant street art, lively bars, and restaurants, Bellavista is a fantastic place to experience Santiago’s nightlife. Although we didn’t stay out late, strolling through the area was an exciting glimpse into the city’s dynamic, youthful side.

Visiting the Local Markets

No trip is complete without exploring a local market, and Santiago has some great ones to offer. We wandered through the artisanal market, hunting for a small souvenir to remember our time in Santiago. I decided to turn a keychain into a Christmas ornament, which was a nice reminder of our travels. The markets in Santiago are filled with handmade goods, and it’s a perfect way to take home something uniquely Chilean.

Wrapping Up Our 2 Days in Santiago, Chile

After our whirlwind two days in Santiago, we felt content. Although the city isn’t brimming with world-famous tourist attractions, Santiago offers a unique charm that can only be discovered through immersion. From local markets to movie theaters and serene parks, Santiago allows you to experience the true rhythm of everyday life.

Final Thoughts: Is 2 Days in Santiago, Chile Enough?

While we wouldn’t necessarily go out of our way to visit Santiago again, it was the perfect place to pause and recharge. For travelers who enjoy a more relaxed, local experience, Santiago is a great city to explore for a couple of days. With its laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and vibrant neighborhoods, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend 2 days in Santiago, Chile. Just remember to set your expectations accordingly — it’s not a city for flashy attractions, but it’s one where you can truly live like a local.

So, next time you’re passing through Santiago, make sure to treat yourself to a brief yet fulfilling experience. After all, sometimes the best memories come from the simplest moments.

Conclusion:

Our 2-day stay in Santiago, Chile, turned out to be a refreshing and rewarding experience. We found the beauty in the city’s everyday life and learned to appreciate the little things that make Santiago unique. If you’re ever in town for a short stay, don’t just treat it as a stopover — embrace the local culture and explore the city at your own pace.

In the end, sometimes less is more, and that’s exactly what we found in our 2 days in Santiago, Chile. So, pack your bags, book that apartment, and get ready to discover a side of Santiago that most tourists overlook.