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Santiago stands out for its large green spaces, with parks, hills, and trails to enjoy nature and the outdoors. A guide to the 7 best parks and squares to visit in the capital.
Santiago is a city that surprises visitors with its many green areas and public spaces, where you can disconnect from the urban rhythm, enjoy time with family, play sports, or simply take in some of the capital’s most beautiful scenery. From historic parks to modern urban spaces, these are seven places that should be on your itinerary when you visit Santiago.
1. Cerro San Cristóbal
Santiago’s Metropolitan Park is the city’s most important green lung and one of its main tourist attractions. Here you can walk its trails, enjoy spectacular viewpoints, visit the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, and have unique experiences aboard the Santiago Cable Car and Santiago Funicular. You will also find cafés, gardens, recreation areas, and a wide range of activities for the whole family.
2. Bicentenario Park
Located in the Vitacura district, this park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its lagoons, trails, wide green areas, and the presence of flamingos and other birds make it a perfect place to stroll, relax, or enjoy a picnic with views of the Andes Mountains.
3. Parque Araucano
With more than 20 hectares of green space, Parque Araucano offers areas for walking, playing sports, and spending time with the family. It has playgrounds, trails, sculptures, gardens, and a great location next to the Parque Arauco shopping mall, so you can combine nature, food, and shopping in a single visit.
4. Plaza de Armas
More than just a square, this is the historic heart of Santiago. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National History Museum, and other heritage buildings, it is an excellent place to learn about the city’s history, watch street performers, and enjoy the characteristic atmosphere of the historic center.
5. Plaza de la Aviación
Located on the banks of the Mapocho River, this square stands out for its iconic synchronized water fountain, especially attractive in the afternoon and evening. It is a great place to take a break during a walk through Providencia and enjoy one of the most photographed public spaces in the city.
6. Forestal Park
This traditional park connects some of Santiago’s main cultural attractions, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its long tree-lined paths, sculptures, and bohemian atmosphere make it one of the favorite places to walk, ride a bike, or enjoy a coffee outdoors.
7. Parque de las Esculturas
Located on the banks of the Mapocho River in Providencia, Parque de las Esculturas (Sculpture Park) combines art, nature, and tranquility in a unique setting. This open-air museum displays works by renowned Chilean sculptors, inviting you to walk its paths while enjoying wide green areas and pleasant views of the river and the city. It is an ideal place to walk, relax, take photos, or discover art from a different perspective, making it a must-stop for anyone looking for a more cultural, outdoor side of Santiago.
The Best Way to Visit Them
Many of these parks and squares are very close to the stops of Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off, the sightseeing bus that lets you explore Santiago comfortably and flexibly. Thanks to its unlimited rides throughout the day, you can hop on and off as many times as you like to visit places such as Cerro San Cristóbal, Bicentenario Park, and other nearby attractions, while also enjoying a multilingual audio guide and the Turistik Chile App, which lets you follow the route in real time and discover the city’s main points of interest. It is, without a doubt, the most practical and enjoyable way to get to know Santiago at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous park in Santiago?
Cerro San Cristóbal, part of Metropolitan Park, is Santiago’s most iconic urban park and one of Chile’s main tourist attractions. It stands out for its viewpoints, Cable Car, Funicular, trails, green areas, and activities for the whole family.
Which parks in Santiago are best to visit with children?
Some of the best options for families are Cerro San Cristóbal, Bicentenario Park, Parque Araucano, and Parque de las Esculturas. All of them offer large outdoor spaces, green areas, and activities to share with children, and they are close to other tourist attractions.
What is the best way to visit Santiago’s main parks and squares?
One of the most comfortable and enjoyable options is Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off sightseeing bus, which lets you hop on and off freely along the route to visit places such as Cerro San Cristóbal, Bicentenario Park, Plaza de Armas, and other city attractions, all at your own pace.
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