Santiago: Old Town Walking Tour, Santa Lucia Hill & Bellavista

Summary

Walk Santiago’s old city streets to Santa Lucia and Bellavista

On this Santiago walking tour you’ll follow local stories from La Moneda Palace through historic streets and leafy plazas, climb Santa Lucia Hill for city views, wander Lastarria’s artsy corners, and end among Bellavista’s street art and cafés. Expect small surprises—a joke from your guide or a bakery scent drifting by—that make the city feel yours for a morning.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step out onto a street you’ve only seen in photos? That’s how it started for me at La Moneda Palace. Our guide, Valeria, was already waving, bottle of water in hand (needed it—Santiago mornings can surprise you with their dry air). She pointed out the bullet marks on the palace walls—honestly, I didn’t expect history to feel so close. It’s not just buildings here; the city kind of hums under your feet.

We wandered past the Stock Exchange building—1893, apparently—and I tried to imagine all those deals made before smartphones. Bandera Avenue was busier than I thought for a weekday morning. There was this smell of fresh bread from a nearby panadería mixing with exhaust fumes and someone selling coffee from a cart. Valeria told us about the old Congress building, and I caught myself staring up at the carved stone while she explained why Mondays are weirdly quiet (Santa Lucia Hill is closed then—good to know if you’re planning).

The Plaza de Armas felt like the city’s living room. A couple of chess games going on under the trees, kids chasing pigeons, and that cathedral—huge doors open, sunlight slanting across the floor inside. We ducked into Lastarria next; honestly, I could’ve stayed there all afternoon just people-watching. Pablo Neruda’s house wasn’t open that day (Monday curse), but we peeked through the fence anyway. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “La Chascona” right—I probably butchered it.

The tour ended in Bellavista with its wild colors and music floating out from somewhere (no idea where exactly). My legs were tired but in that good way. If you’re after an old Santiago walking tour that feels real—not rushed or rehearsed—this one sticks with you. Sometimes I still think about that view from Santa Lucia Hill; it wasn’t perfect weather but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Old Santiago

• Meet at Palacio de la Moneda
• Visit Stock Exchange Building
• Walk along Bandera Avenue
• See Court of Justices
• Explore Ex Congress National
• Visit Plaza de Armas
• Tour the Cathedral
• View City Hall of Santiago
• Walk Santa Lucia Hills
• Explore Lastarria Neighborhood
• Visit Forest Park
• See Pablo Neruda’s house
• End at Bellavista Neighborhood

Top questions

How long does the Santiago walking tour last?

The walking tour runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Where does the old Santiago walking tour start?

The meeting point is Palacio de la Moneda.

Is entry to Santa Lucia Hill included?

Yes, entrance is free except on Mondays when it’s closed.

Are tickets to Pablo Neruda's house included?

No, entry is paid separately and it's closed on Mondays.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for participants.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Does the tour include lunch or food stops?

No meals are included; only bottled water is provided.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What fitness level do I need for this Santiago day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness as there is quite a bit of walking involved.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the walk and guidance from a local expert as you explore central Santiago landmarks like La Moneda Palace and Plaza de Armas before finishing in colorful Bellavista; entry fees aren’t needed except at Pablo Neruda’s house (if you go inside), which isn’t included in the price.