Santiago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, filled with history, culture, and beauty of nature. From Free and inexpensive places to visit for a backpacker to sightseeing for the average world tourist, Santiago has places for everybody to tour at a cheap price. From great and towering hills to all the bohemian-painted streets of this wonderful city, this guide will teach you how you can travel on the cheap.
Key Takeaways:
- Historical and Cultural Richness: Some of the free and below average fee charged attractions in Santiago include Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Plaza de Armas.
- Natural Beauty: The Cerro San Cristóbál and the Parque Bicentenario are two priority areas with beautiful sceneries and recreational amenities that can be enjoyed at little or no cost at all.
- Local Flavor: Experience true Chilean life by visiting local and free-entry attractions such as the Mercado Central and La Vega Central.
- Accessibility: Santiago’s public transportation is efficient and inexpensive meaning visitors can access most attractions fairly effortlessly.
Santiago, Chile
Top Free and Low-Cost Attractions in Santiago
1. Cerro San Cristóbal
Cerro San Cristóbal gives the best view of Santiago and the Andes mountains and should therefore not be missed. This one is inside the Parque Metropolitano city park ascending of which has a funicular uphill with a small fee, to the top where there is the well-known statue of the Virgin Mary.
2. National Museum of Fine Arts
The lovers of arts should visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which hosts treasures of Chilean as well as world artistry. It is particularly cheap to visit on Sundays, with no entrance fee.
Pro Tips:
- TourRadar promo codes make it possible to save on unforgettable Chile tours
- To get a better understanding of how to budget for your adventure, check out our detailed guide on Exploring the Cost of a 10-Day Chile Trip.
- When planning your trip to Chile, consider checking out our Budget Tips for Traveling in Chile article to maximize your savings on accommodations, dining, and activities. You’ll discover insider tips that can help you enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer without breaking the bank!
3. Plaza de Armas
Also referred to as the Santiago de Chile central square, Plaza de Armas was originally designed as a commercial and terminus point for streets hence adopting several important buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral or the Central Post Office. Stroll around the district to watch the colonial structures along with dynamic performances.
Santiago, Chile
4. Parque Bicentenario
It is a lovely park with landscaped scenery of the Vitacura upmarket position; there are lagoons, pathways, and a place to take food to be eaten. The fee is not charged and the place is very suitable for families or those looking forward to having a lazy day.
5. Central Vega and Central Market
Endure the buzz of Santiago’s markets. La Vega Central, a modern market selling all kinds of fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables dominates this area, and Mercado Central focuses on seafood and fish. Well, we have seen that even if you are not going shopping you are guaranteed the time of your life whenever you visit these markets.
6. Barrio Lastarria
This artistically inspiring district has galleries, many a street performance, and some of the most delightful cafes. Always, walking about the area is free but for production and craftsmanships souvenirs and a cup of coffee for a few pesos feels wonderful.
7. Cerro Santa Lucía
Cerro Santa Lucía is a small hill and is situated in the city area of Santa Fe. It has well-tended lawns, Greek-style water fountains, and archeological sites of interest. Although the stairs are located indoors, the climb to the top allows for a 360 view of the city and the best part is it’s free.
8. Centro Cultural La Moneda
In fact, with its exhibitions of local art and artifacts, this cultural complex is found on the lower ground floor of the presidential palace. The main gallery is usually free of charge in the morning.
Tips for Budget Travelers
- Use Public Transport: The Metro and buses are fairly cheap and can cover almost all the popular settings.
- Pack Snacks: Despite being generally cheap, dining out can eat heavily into your pocket, so consider packing your lunch and heading off to the nearest park in Santiago.
- Check Free Days: Some museums or cultural attractions give free admission: at certain hours, on certain days, or certain weekends.
- Stay Central: Every attraction is within walking distance if you choose accommodation in a locality like Providencia or Bellavista.
Santiago shows that the tourist does not always have to over-exert him or herself financially to appreciate the beauty of the city. This combined with rich history, friendly people, and beautiful fauna is a perfect travel destination even on a shoestring budget. So put on your comfortable pair of shoes, take out your map, and start visiting a number of attractions that can be found in Santiago.