Where to Stay in Santiago: Ultimate Guide for Every Budget

Cosmopolitan, cool, clean, and all-too-often unfairly overlooked, Santiago is probably South America's most hidden gem.

While it's not exactly a niche destination, too many people skip Santiago for Argentina's more famous Buenos Aires or Chile's more rural destinations such as Torres del Paine National Park, missing out on the abundance of style the Chilean capital has to offer. After all, there's a reason a third of Chileans call it their home.

Santiago is a city of surprises, from the effortlessly chic Barrio Italia with its bright colonial-style architecture to the neighborhood of Las Condes, with a skyline that looks straight out of Manhattan.

To get the most out of the Chilean capital, you'll need to stay in the right neighborhood and find accommodation to suit your budget. Whether you're in the market for a boutique hotel with a rooftop swimming pool or a rustic hostel in downtown Santiago, I'm here to help you find it.

Best Areas to Stay in Santiago

Barrio Italia – This hip district bubbles over with bars and eateries, all housed in colorful buildings with an unmistakable atmosphere. Thanks to its central location, this spot is the best place to stay in Santiago for first-time visitors.

Lastarria – Hipster haven and one-stop-shop for all things eat and drink, Lastarria is Santiago's trendiest place to be seen. This tiny neighborhood comes alive at night with the bustle of locals and tourists enjoying some of Santiago's best spots to eat and drink.

Bella Vista – Another bohemian neighborhood in Santiago, Bella Vista is known for its colorful buildings and artsy locals. It's quirky by day and lively by night, packed with trendy bars that stay open well into the wee hours of the morning.

Vitacura – Vitacura is Santiago's Beverly Hills. This affluent neighborhood is home to incredible shopping malls as well as some of the capital's most luxury hotels. If you want to feel like a celebrity during your Santiago vacation, stay here.

Centro – While not Santiago's chicest neighborhood, the center is where all the action happens, home to Santiago's most famous sights, museums, and institutions. Stay here to be at the center of it all.

Barrio Brasil – This bohemian, edgy neighborhood is home to artists and hipsters. Here, you'll find cheaper accommodation than the likes of Las Condes, giving you more of your budget to spend in the neighborhood's friendly, unpretentious bars.

Las Condes – Upmarket and chic, Santiago's financial district isn't all work and no play. This safe, residential area provides the perfect base for business travelers and digital nomads, with its sprawling boulevards and luxury hotels.

Bellas Artes – Home to enough museums and art galleries to keep you occupied during your stay, this neighborhood is the perfect spot for culture vultures.

1. Where to Stay in Santiago for First-Time Visitors: Barrio Italia

Barrio Italia isn't just my favorite neighborhood in Santiago, it's one of my favorite neighborhoods anywhere! Lined with colorful buildings and more bars than you could count, this barrio is a hub of culture and cuisine without compromising on safety.

As well as plenty of places to eat and drink, you'll find boutique stores and small quirky markets here selling trinkets and artisan food. One of my favorites to stop by is Mercado Condell (find it on the map here), full of stores selling unique treasures and vegetarian food.

Barrio Italia manages to perfectly balance everything I want from a neighborhood. It is bohemian without verging into dangerous, foodie enough without becoming snobby, and lively without being rowdy. This balance makes it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and groups alike, although families with young children might prefer to stay somewhere quieter.

Barrio Italia isn't the center of Santiago, but it's close enough to the main tourist attractions of this South American capital that you can easily stay here and navigate sightseeing. Bars are lively, locals are friendly, and the food offering is excellent.

This thriving neighborhood doesn't have as many hotels as other neighborhoods, so it's better to find friendly hostels than a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, but, nevertheless, there are places to stay for a wide range of budgets.

Things to Do in Barrio Italia

• Take yourself for a bar crawl down Santa Isabel Street

• Stroll the streets and check out the colorful buildings

• Visit Mercado Condell for one-of-a-kind treasures

• Do some vintage shopping

• Enjoy delicious plant-based sushi at Kambo Sushi

• Check out Paseo Estación Italia Mall

Best Area to Stay For:

• First-time visitors to Santiago

• Eating and drinking

• Colorful buildings and hipster vibes

• Boutique shops

• Bar crawls and beer gardens

Best Hotels to Stay in Barrio Italia

($$$) Maison Italia
($$) Hostal Boutique Casa La Barca
($) Hostal Vitalia

2. Where to Stay in Santiago for Hipster Vibes: Lastarria

Lastarria is a compact neighborhood, but don't let its size fool you. This neighborhood more than makes up for its small square footage with a huge personality that makes it the perfect spot to stay for those who love eating and drinking.

Conveniently located near the center and Bellas Artes, this barrio boasts countless innovative and trendy restaurants serving modern Chilean cuisine as well as a laid-back hipster atmosphere that's ideal for backpackers and groups of friends.

Just like Barrio Italia, it's attractive and colorful, so simply spending a day strolling around the streets and soaking up the atmosphere is a great plan. You'll also find the nearby Santa Lucia Hill, an urban hill that's home to a picturesque park and the ideal spot for taking beautiful pictures for your Instagram.

It's a great jumping-off point to see other city sights too – not too far from the center that you can't explore the main things to do, but far enough to escape the hustle and bustle.

My top recommendation for an awesome wine bar in Lastarria is Bocanáriz. It's one of the most famous wine bars in this cosmopolitan city and has an extensive selection of Chilean wines.

In general, Lastarria is a safe neighborhood so you can walk around happily by day and in groups by night, but keep your wits about you when it comes to belongings.

Things to Do in Lastarria

• Grab dinner at local favorite, Casa Lastarria
• Stroll the streets of this colorful neighborhood
• Visit Santa Lucia Hill
• Eat breakfast at my personal favorite Wonderland Cafe
• See Iglesia de la Vera Cruz

Best Area to Stay For:

• Laid-back vibes
• Quirky bars
• LGBTQ+ travelers

Best Hotels to Stay in Lastarria

($$$) The Singular Santiago
($$) Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
($) Lastarria Hotel & Aparts

3. Where to Stay in Santiago for Nightlife: Bellavista

Bellavista is the ultimate hipster hangout – I know, Santiago has a lot of them! Home to Santiago's most artistic residents as well as plenty of popular backpacker hostels, this neighborhood near San Cristobal Hill is friendly, colorful and lively, known for its art galleries, jewelry stores, and quirky coffee shops.

You'll find hidden speakeasies as well as restaurants that serve the best Chilean cuisine at prices that won't hurt your wallet. The neighborhood's beating heart is Patio Bellavista, a vibrant spot where you'll find everything from ice cream parlors to independent boutique shops. It also acts as the neighborhood's central meeting point.

Bellavista comes alive at night, with locals and tourists alike spilling out of the bars onto the street and heading into underground clubs for a catch-up and a dance. It's not Santiago's only spot for nightlife but it's certainly the most iconic one.

The neighborhood isn't short on culture, either. You'll find plenty of street art in Bellavista as well as the only house of poet Pablo Neruda in Santiago, known as La Chascona. Thanks to the endeavors of the hip, artistic locals, there's always something going on here, whether it's a political event or a pop-up market featuring artisan goods.

Its lively nature means Bellavista probably isn't the best place for families. Be aware also that it can be home to petty crime at night – it's definitely a neighborhood that's more suited to streetwise travelers. But even if you don't stay in Bellavista, don't skip a visit during your trip to the Chilean capital.

Things to Do in Bellavista

• Pick up some pieces at the neighborhood jewelry stores

• Visit Patio Bellavista

• Soak up the atmosphere in the streets

• Go pay a visit to La Chascona museum

• Visit Plaza Camilo Mori in the heart of Bellavista

• Take the cable car up San Cristóbal Hill (you can also hike the Cerro San Cristobal or take a bus)

Best Area to Stay for:

• Colorful buildings

• Artists

• Groups of friends

Best Hotels to Stay in Bellavista:

($$$) Hotel Boutique Castillo
($$) Apart Hotel B
($) Pariwana Hostel Santiago

4. Where to Stay in Santiago for Luxury & Shopping: Vitacura

It's no exaggeration to say walking the streets of Vitacura feels like you're in Beverly Hills. This mainly residential neighborhood is to Santiago what Chelsea is to London. Huge contemporary houses behind gates, luxury shopping malls, and expensive cars line the streets, with a general air of affluence that makes this one of the safest spots in all of Santiago. Put simply, Vitacura isn't exactly budget-friendly.

But if you're looking to splash the cash on luxury accommodation or designer clothing, Vitacura is the perfect spot to do so. Parque Arauco shopping mall, a huge sprawling area of shops and eateries, provides the ideal destination for a bit of retail therapy, housing everything from designer brands to high-street names.

The hotels here are luxurious too, and while they're certainly not cheap, you can stay in 4-and-5-star accommodation for a more reasonable price than you'd find in the US or Europe. Here, you're more likely than anywhere else to find hotels with rooftop bars, infinity pools, and haute cuisine restaurants.

In terms of location, it's a little out of the way but I found it easy to get an Uber or taxi to the center, so you won't be cut off. I stayed in Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa and can't rave about it enough!

If you're in the market for sights though, you won't find them here. Vitacura won't put you in the heart of things – it's a quieter district that's ideal for business travelers, families, or those who simply want to skip the hustle and bustle of the center.

Vitacura neighborhood also doesn't boast the food and drink options of Barrio Italia, but transport options make it easy to branch out during your stay.

Things to Do in Vitacura

• Indulge in some retail therapy at the Parque Arauco shopping mall

• Stroll the sunny streets

• Take a walk around Parque Bicentenario

• Explore the Museo Ralli Santiago for Latin American and European art

Best Area to Stay for:

• Shopping

• Families and couples

• Affluent travelers

• Luxury accommodation

• Escaping the hustle and bustle of the center

Best Hotels to Stay in Vitacura:

($$$) Hotel Eco Boutique Bidasoa
($$) Boulevard Suites Ferrat
($) NH Collection Santiago

5. Where to Stay in Santiago for Sightseeing: Centro

Unlike Rome's Centro Storico or New York's Manhattan, Santiago's center isn't its prettiest part, nor is it the best for eating and drinking, explaining why it's not at the top of my list for stays.

But for proximity to sights and history, you simply can't beat its prime location. If you're looking to be within walking distance of the main sights of Santiago, such as Plaza de Armas, head here. You're unlikely to find the best luxury hotel, but there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations available.

There's enough to do in the center to keep you busy for your stay in Santiago de Chile and its central location means you can easily access other neighborhoods, too. While the center might not offer much in terms of nightlife, you can simply hop in a taxi and drive over to Barrio Italia or Bellavista when you're done with sightseeing.

Sights to see here include Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, Entel Tower, Palacio Pereira, and the Museo Histórico Nacional, but simply walking the streets of the center will lead you to some of Santiago's most impressive sights and architecture.

The center isn't the safest part of Santiago and it can feel dodgy at night, so it's worth jumping in a taxi or calling an Uber to get home rather than relying on walking.

Things to Do in Santiago de Chile Centro

• See the Plaza de Armas

• Visit La Moneda Palace

• Stroll around the streets taking in famous sights

• Sign up for a walking tour with Viator

• Learn about the Pinochet dictatorship at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights

• Explore the history of public transportation at Museo Ferroviario de Santiago

Best Area to Stay for:

• Tourists

• Sightseeing

• Convenience

• Budget travelers and backpackers

Best Hotels to Stay in Centro

($$$) Hotel Gran Palace
($$) Hotel Panamericano
($) RQ Santiago

6. Where to Stay in Santiago on a Budget: Barrio Brasil

Want to live like a local in Santiago? Head to Barrio Brasil. Laid-back, bohemian, and cool, Barrio Brasil offers tons of budget-friendly accommodation, from affordable hostels to paired-back hotels, making it a popular spot with backpackers.

Thirty years ago, the area was considered unsavory, but as artists and local hipsters have begun to populate the neighborhood its popularity with tourists has grown. It's now a hotspot with travelers seeking a side to Santiago that can't be seen in the slick Las Condes or flashy Vitacura.

The vibrant buildings may catch your eye, but don't let them deceive you—Barrio Brasil's street art serves as a constant reminder of the neighborhood's unmistakable bohemian essence.

The food is as cheap as the accommodation here, making it the perfect spot to try Chilean classics affordably, from pisco sours to empanadas. Since this is an authentic residential area, strolling around its streets and talking to locals is the best way to get to the heart of this popular artist hangout.

Barrio Brasil isn't Santiago's safest neighborhood, so I wouldn't recommend staying here for families with young children or elderly travelers. Instead, Barrio Brasil is perfect for streetwise travelers in groups. You shouldn't have problems during the day, but it's somewhere to take precautions at night.

Things to Do in Barrio Brasil

• See Plaza Brasil

• Enjoy a steak at Las Vacas Gordas (translated to: The Fat Cows)

• Wander along Avenida Brasil

• Go hunting for street art and murals

• Visit nearby Parque Quinta Normal

Best Area to Stay for:

• Budget accommodation

• Bohemian vibes

• Nightlife

Best Hotels to Stay in Barrio Brasil

($$$) Maktub Brasil
($$) Casa Marina Huérfanos
($) La Casa Roja Hostel

7. Where to Stay in Santiago for Business: Las Condes

Las Condes may be primarily suited to business travelers, but it's perfect for anybody who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the center in a quiet, residential area that's home to some of Santiago's most affluent residents. Las Condes isn't the best spot for sightseeing or restaurants, but it's ideal if you want somewhere relaxing to return to at the end of a busy day exploring.

I stayed at The Place during my second week in Santiago, an aparthotel, and it was probably my favorite accommodation experience in South America, so if it's within your budget I'd definitely recommend staying there. There's plenty more luxury accommodation in the area, too, since Las Condes is one of the most upmarket neighborhoods in Santiago.

While you're in the area, pay a visit to the nearby Sky Costanera, Latin America's tallest building. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and the impressive mountain range that stand proudly behind it.

Las Condes is also a great place for shopping, home to multiple small and large shopping centers boasting a range of stores for every budget. There are eateries here, but they're more appropriate for workers and digital nomads to grab something to eat on the go.

As far as bars go, there's not much in the way of nightlife in Las Condes, but it's just a quick taxi ride to livelier areas.

Things to Do in Las Condes

• Indulge in some retail therapy at the shops

• Take in the views from Sky Costanera

• Catch a show at Teatro Municipal Las Condes

Best Area to Stay for:

• Luxury accommodation

• Business travelers

• Upmarket vibes

• Living like a local

Best Hotels to Stay in Las Condes

($$$) The Ritz-Carlton Santiago
($$) The Place
($) Best Western Premier Marina Las Condes

8. Where to Stay in Santiago for Culture: Bellas Artes

There's some debate as to where the Centro ends and Bellas Artes begins, but I think of it as a sub-section of the Santiago de Chile center, albeit a more upmarket one.

Bellas Artes is the place to stay if you want to be close to all the city's main attractions but with the benefit of a little more luxurious accommodation. It's also a little safer than the center itself, meaning you can walk around at night as long as you take the usual precautions.

Bellas Artes is the cultural center of Santiago, home to the city's most impressive art galleries and museums, and ideal for culture vultures.

Located right next to the Lastarria area, its proximity to the more bohemian districts means you get the joy of exciting nightlife while staying somewhere quieter during the day.

You'll find couples and families strolling around Parque Forestal, which also boasts the Museo de Bellas Artes, the museum from which the neighborhood gets its name.

Established in 1880, this national Chilean museum has artwork from Chile and the surrounding South American countries and is certainly a must-visit for art lovers visiting Santiago.

If you're more into modern art, you'll enjoy the MAC Museum of Contemporary Art, which has plenty of contemporary art by Latin American artists.

Things to Do in Bellas Artes

• Stroll around Parque Forestal

• Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes

• Stroll into the nearby Lastarria neighborhood for a drink

• Visit the Museo Histórico Nacional

• Stroll around the Plaza de Armas

• Explore the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

• Climb the Cerro Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Hill)

• Spend an afternoon at the Museo de Artes Visuales

Best Area to Stay for:

• Culture

• Sightseeing

• Upmarket accommodation

Best Hotels to Stay in Bellas Artes

($$$) Hotel Magnolia Santiago
($$) Hotel Altiplanico Bellas Artes
($) Hotel Sommelier Loft

Where to Stay in Santiago – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the safest neighborhood in Santiago de Chile?

All of the neighborhoods listed above are safe for tourists, but since Las Condes and Vitacura are the most upmarket, these are probably the safest to stay, making them ideal for families for whom security is a top priority. Barrio Brasil is probably the neighborhood that requires the most caution – while it's mostly safe by day I'd recommend taking Ubers at night instead of walking, especially if it's quiet.

📅 How many days do you need to see Santiago?

Santiago is a big, sprawling city, so to take advantage of everything there is to do and visit multiple neighborhoods, I'd recommend spending at least 4 days in the city. Digital nomads will find enough to do on the weekends and evenings to keep them here for at least a month, especially if you plan on moving around neighborhoods to keep things interesting.

🏙️ Which is better, Santiago or Buenos Aires?

Santiago and Buenos Aires are two of the capitals in South America's southern cone and backpackers have disagreed for decades over which is the best – with some fawning over Buenos Aires' Parisian-style architecture and others loving Santiago's understated charm. The truth is that both cities are well worth visiting and you should see both if you have the time, but if your budget or time limit doesn't allow for it, there are a few ways to choose the right one for you.

Reasons to choose Santiago:

Santiago is set across a more dramatic backdrop, with panoramic Andes Mountains looking almost like a green screen behind the capital's skyscrapers. This makes Santiago a more attractive destination for nature lovers. I also found Santiago to be slightly cleaner, more upmarket, and safer, the better destination for a luxury shopping vacation.

Reasons to choose Buenos Aires:

Buenos Aires, on the other hand, is better for foodies, being the steak capital of the world. Eating and drinking are national pastimes here, so you'll find plenty of slick bars and South America's best eateries. It's also much cheaper than Santiago, making it better suited to travelers on a budget.

✔️ Is Santiago safe to visit?

While all big cities in South America require a certain level of caution, I found Santiago to be safe overall. I'm from the UK and the areas in which I stayed (Las Condes and Vitacura) felt no more dangerous than my home town of Manchester. That being said, it's always good to take precautions, especially since the crime rates in South American cities tend to be higher than those of Europe and the USA. Avoid wearing flashy clothes and jewelry, don't walk around absent-mindedly with your phone in your hand, and take Ubers at night instead of walking. Follow these tips and you shouldn't have an issue.

⭐ What is the coolest neighborhood in Santiago Chile?

That's a tough one, but I have to say either Barrio Italia or Lastarria. Both have an undeniable bohemian charm as well as plenty of places to eat and drink, cementing their status as the coolest spots this city has to offer. Bellavista's colorful buildings boast a unique charm, while Barrio Brasil's bohemian cool makes the neighborhood popular with backpackers. In all honesty, though, I found all of Santiago pretty cool!

Where to Stay in Santiago – Final Words

Whichever part of Santiago you choose to stay in, you'll be charmed. This forward-thinking city has a distinct sophisticated edge, friendly locals, and a bar scene to rival Barcelona. To find the best spot to stay in Santiago de Chile, establish your budget and your needs then find the neighborhood and accommodation to match.

Luxury lovers should head to Las Condes or Vitacura, while those seeking hipster vibes will be at home in Barrio Italia or Lastarria. For nightlife, Barrio Brasil and Bella Vista are unbeatable, while you'll find the best sights in Centro or Bella Vista.

Luckily, wherever you stay, you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the mountains, delicious authentic food and drink, and unrivaled hospitality.