Santiago: Private Walking City Tour, like a local

Discover Cerro Santa Lucía Hill, a historic urban park and one of Santiago’s most charming landmarks. Nestled in the heart of the city, this beautifully landscaped hill offers a mix of history, nature, and panoramic views.
As you make your way up its winding paths, you’ll pass elegant fountains, ornate staircases, and colonial-era fortifications dating back to the 16th century.

Along the way, your guide will share stories about the hill’s role in Santiago’s founding and its transformation into a public park in the 19th century. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Santiago’s skyline and the Andes Mountains in the distance — a perfect photo opportunity. It’s a peaceful escape from the city bustle and a wonderful introduction to Santiago’s history and culture.

Step into the bohemian heart of Santiago with a visit to Barrio Lastarria, one of the city’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods. Known for its charming European-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively atmosphere, this district is a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike.

As you stroll through its colorful streets, you’ll find a mix of art galleries, indie cinemas, antique shops, and quaint cafés. Your guide will point out historic landmarks and share stories about the neighborhood’s cultural revival. Depending on the day, you might encounter a local street market filled with books, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures.

Barrio Lastarria is also a fantastic place to pause for a coffee or traditional Chilean snack, soaking up the creative energy that makes this area so unique. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor — and a must-see on any visit to Santiago.

Visit Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago and the birthplace of the city. Established in 1541, this lively square has witnessed centuries of Chilean history and remains a bustling gathering place for locals, street performers, and visitors.

Surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks — including the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Royal Court Palace (now the National History Museum) — Plaza de Armas is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Santiago’s colonial past and modern urban life.

As you explore the square, your guide will share stories about its rich history, from the city’s founding to its role as a social and cultural hub today. You’ll see local artists, musicians, and vendors giving the plaza its unique character and charm. It’s a lively, photogenic stop where Santiago’s history and daily life come together.

Discover the elegance and history of the Ex Congreso Nacional, the former seat of Chile’s National Congress. This impressive neoclassical building, with its grand columns and beautifully landscaped gardens, is a symbol of Chile’s political history and architectural heritage.

Although the Congress moved to Valparaíso in the 1990s, the building still plays an important role as a venue for government ceremonies and cultural events. From the outside, you’ll admire its striking façade and learn about its significance in Chile’s republican era.

Your guide will share fascinating stories about the country’s political past, key historical events, and the architectural details that make this landmark one of Santiago’s most admired civic buildings. It’s a peaceful, photogenic spot with rich history at its core.

Visit the iconic Palacio de La Moneda, Chile’s presidential palace and one of the country’s most important historical and political landmarks. This elegant neoclassical building, originally constructed as a colonial-era mint, now serves as the seat of the President of Chile.

As you stand before its impressive façade, your guide will recount the palace’s fascinating history — from its role in Chile’s independence to the dramatic events of the 1973 military coup. You’ll learn about the architectural details, its transformation over the centuries, and the significance of this site in the nation’s modern history.

Depending on the time of day, you might even witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a colorful and traditional event held on select mornings. Surrounding the palace, you’ll also explore La Moneda Cultural Center, an underground exhibition space featuring art galleries, craft shops, and cafés — a great spot to experience contemporary Chilean culture.

Step into the charming, European-inspired Barrio París-Londres, a hidden gem in the heart of Santiago. This small but picturesque neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved early 20th-century architecture, and its quiet, almost storybook-like atmosphere.

Named after its two main streets — Calle París and Calle Londres — the neighborhood transports visitors to a corner of old Europe with its ornate façades, wrought-iron balconies, and peaceful courtyards. Along the way, your guide will point out historic buildings, boutique hotels, and cafés tucked away in this quaint district.

A visit here also carries historical weight, as you’ll pass by Londres 38, a former detention and torture center from Chile’s military dictatorship era, now a memorial site open to visitors. It’s a moving reminder of Chile’s recent history, set within one of Santiago’s most charming and photogenic areas.

Experience the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Cerro San Cristóbal, the tallest hill in Santiago’s Metropolitan Park. As part of your walking tour, you'll ascend the hill by cable car (teleférico), funicular, or shuttle — each offering a fun and scenic ride with panoramic views of the city and the Andes mountains.

At the top, you’ll visit the iconic statue of the Virgin Mary, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and enjoy sweeping vistas that make for perfect photo opportunities. Your guide will share insights into the hill’s cultural, historical, and religious significance, along with fun local stories.

Depending on the route and time, you may also explore nearby gardens, trails, and lookout points, or stop at a traditional kiosk for a refreshing mote con huesillo — a beloved Chilean treat. It’s a peaceful and memorable part of your Santiago adventure, offering a unique perspective over the city.