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In this guide, we’ll show you everything you can explore in Santiago in just one day. If you have limited time and want to discover the city’s most iconic attractions, here’s a complete guide to Santiago’s must-see landmarks.
Do you only have one day to explore Santiago and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! With Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off Bus, you don’t need maps or detailed planning. Just hop on, enjoy the ride, and hop off wherever catches your attention.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of the sightseeing bus’s 10 stops to enjoy a full day of history, panoramic views, and Santiago’s culture with the city’s most efficient itinerary. Ready to get started?
What Is the Hop On – Hop Off Bus and Why Is It the Best Way to Explore Santiago?
Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off is Chile’s only London-style sightseeing bus: an iconic red double-decker bus (just like the ones in London or New York) that takes you to Santiago’s main attractions, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day.
There’s no fixed itinerary or tour group rushing you along. You decide how much time to spend at each stop. The bus also includes an audio guide in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, so you can learn about the city’s history as you travel, without needing to hire a guide or check your phone.
The service operates from Monday through Sunday, starting at 9:20 AM, with buses arriving approximately every 20–25 minutes. To complete the full route, be sure to board the bus before 4:00 PM.
The 10 Hop On – Hop Off Bus Stops in Santiago: What to See and How Much Time to Spend at Each
Stop 1 – Parque Arauco Mall
Your Starting Point in Eastern Santiago
If you’re staying in Las Condes or nearby neighborhoods, this is the perfect place to begin your journey. Parque Arauco is one of the country’s most important shopping malls—ideal for grabbing a coffee before starting your day or exploring stores featuring both local and international brands.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes (or simply wait for the next bus if you’d rather save your energy and finish your day at the mall).
Stop 2 – Bicentenario Park
Nature and Modern Architecture in Vitacura
A peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Bicentenario Park in Vitacura combines lagoons, green spaces, and modern architecture, making it one of Santiago’s most photogenic parks. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a break before heading into the historic downtown.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Stop 3 – Santiago Cable Car
Chile’s #1 Attraction and Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Winner
This stop is an absolute must. Just a 5-minute walk away is the entrance to the Santiago Cable Car, which takes you to the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal, offering 360-degree views of the city with the Andes Mountains as the backdrop. It’s a view you won’t forget.
Within the park, you can also connect to the Santiago Funicular and the Panoramic Buses.
Important: On Mondays, the Cable Car and Panoramic Buses do not operate. The Funicular opens at 1:00 PM, and on the first Monday of every month, it is closed for maintenance.
Suggested time: 1 to 1.5 hours (including the ride up and back).
Stop 4 – Santiago Funicular
History, Bohemian Charm, and Santiago’s Most Colorful Neighborhood
The Santiago Funicular is another charming way to reach the summit of Cerro San Cristóbal aboard a National Historic Monument. This stop also places you at the entrance to Bellavista, Santiago’s bohemian neighborhood, filled with colorful murals, restaurants, art galleries, and Pablo Neruda’s famous home, La Chascona.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Stop 5 – Plaza de Armas
The Historic and Colonial Heart of Santiago
Welcome to Santiago’s historic downtown. Plaza de Armas is the capital’s central square and is surrounded by some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Casa Colorada, the National History Museum, and the Former National Congress Building. Here, Santiago’s colonial history comes alive with every step.
You can also join Turistik’s Metropolitan Cathedral Bell Towers Tour from this location.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Stop 6 – Plaza de la Constitución
Chile’s Political Heart and the Gateway to La Moneda Palace
Just a short walk from the stop is La Moneda Palace, the seat of the Chilean government and one of the country’s most impressive and historically significant buildings. The square in front of the palace is the perfect place to take memorable photos and learn more about Chile’s political history.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Stop 7 – Santa Lucía Hill
The Neoclassical Viewpoint Everyone Falls in Love With
Santa Lucía Hill is one of those places that surprises even Santiago locals. Its terraces, stairways, and neoclassical architecture make it a unique urban viewpoint with privileged views of the city’s historic center. The climb is short, and the scenery from the top is truly breathtaking.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Stop 8 – Plaza de la Aviación
A Green Escape Along the Mapocho River
Located alongside the Mapocho River, this stop is surrounded by parks and pedestrian-friendly spaces, offering a different perspective of the city—more relaxed and more local. It’s an ideal place to take a break during your tour and explore the nearby streets, cafés, and restaurants in the Providencia neighborhood.
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Stop 9 – Costanera Center
The Tallest Skyscraper in South America
Costanera Center is much more than a shopping mall. It is the tallest building in South America, and its presence on Santiago’s skyline reflects the city’s dynamic character. If you have the time and energy, the observation deck at Sky Costanera offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Stop 10 – Las Condes Interactive Museum
Gastronomy and Neighborhood Life in Eastern Santiago
The final stop on the route takes you to El Golf, a vibrant financial and culinary district where top-rated restaurants, cafés, and early 20th-century mansions coexist. You can also visit the Las Condes Interactive Museum, an excellent option for a family outing.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Day Aboard the Hop On – Hop Off Bus
- What time should I start my Hop On – Hop Off tour? Start early! The first bus departs at 9:20 AM. By arriving early, you’ll avoid the crowds and have more time to explore. The service operates until 6:00 PM, but you must board the bus before 4:00 PM if you want to complete the full route.
- Does the sightseeing bus have a guide on board? The bus features an audio guide available in multiple languages. We recommend turning it on from the very beginning. As you travel between stops, you’ll learn about the history of each attraction before you arrive.
- What if Stop #1 is far from my hotel? If you’re staying downtown, for example, you can start your tour directly at Plaza de Armas (Stop #5) and continue the route from there. Remember, you can begin and end your journey at any stop you choose.
- Is there an app to follow the route? Download the Turistik app (available free for iOS and Android) to track the bus in real time, find the nearest stop, and explore the app’s attraction guide.
Which Hop On – Hop Off Santiago Ticket Is Best?
Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off Bus offers different options depending on the experience you’re looking for:
- Basic (1 Day): The Hop On – Hop Off Bus for 1 day, with its 10 stops. Ideal if you want to explore Santiago at your own pace.
- Classic (1 Day): The Hop On – Hop Off Bus for 1 day + the Vive el Parque Ticket, which includes the Santiago Cable Car, Santiago Funicular, and Panoramic Buses at Cerro San Cristóbal. The perfect combination to add the city’s best views.
- Full Winery (2 Days): Includes the Hop On – Hop Off Bus for 2 days, transportation and a tour at Santa Carolina Winery, plus tickets for the Santiago Cable Car, Santiago Funicular, and Panoramic Buses.
- Santiago Pass (3 Days): A pass to experience the very best of Santiago, including the Hop On – Hop Off Bus for 3 days, the Metropolitan Cathedral Bell Towers Tour, the Santa Carolina Winery Tour, and tickets for Cerro San Cristóbal attractions (Santiago Cable Car, Santiago Funicular, and Panoramic Buses).
Ready to Discover Santiago Without Maps?
Turistik’s Hop On – Hop Off Bus is, without a doubt, the most convenient, flexible, and enjoyable way to explore Santiago in one or two days. No stress, no need for navigation apps, and no missing the city’s top attractions.
Book your ticket here and start planning your perfect day in Santiago.
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