- Address: Plaza de Armas, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Admission: Free
Plaza de Armas
At the heart of Santiago de Chile's historic district is the city's social hub, the palm-shaded Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by the neoclassical facades of Santiago's most important buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral; the Municipalidad, or federal building; and perhaps most striking, the magnificent Correo Central, or old post office. Two pedestrian malls, lined with handicrafts vendors, independent musicians, and plenty of cafes and shops, stretch out from the festive city center. Most of Santiago's museums and important sites are within a few blocks.
Since 1540, the venerable expanse of stone, cement, and sculpture has been a social hub, and it still serves as a gathering place for folks from across the cultural spectrum. Whether you're here to learn some history, feed a few pigeons, or just enjoy a glass of wine, the Plaza de Armas probably offers the finest people-watching in Chile.
Practical Info
The Plaza de Armas is the historic center of Santiago, and is walking distance to many of the city's most popular destinations, including museums, parks, and many restaurants and hotels. There are pricey parking lots nearby, but the surrounding streets are often so congested that it's usually much more convenient to take the metro. The L5 green line stops right beneath the square, at the Plaza de Armas stop.
While the plaza is a social hub that hums with activity around the clock, the best time to visit is in the late afternoon and on weekends. The whole city seems to turn out to enjoy the sunshine and passing flirtations, as do street performers and musicians, who'll put on all sorts of shows for a few pesos.
Tours & Tickets
City Tour and Wine Tour Concha y Toro or Santa Rita
On this tour you will learn how is the daily life of the vibrant capital of Chile, with all the attractions that no one should miss even those most typical ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Santiago Stopover City Tour
There is so much to discover in Santiago, so take advantage of your time instead of sitting around and waiting! On this sightseeing tour we will take you to ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: Flexible
Private Full-Day Tour of Santiago
This private full-day tour of Santiago takes you to explore the capital city's main points of interest, local history, culture, and the wines, led by a private ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Santiago Walking Tour: Food Tastings and Markets Including Lunch
Watch vendors holler and shoppers bargain in the bustling markets of Mercado Central and La Vega during this 4-hour food-and-market walking tour of Santiago. ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Small-Group Santiago Food and Market Tour Including Mercado Central
Experience Santiago's vibrant street food scene, including the popular and well-known Mercado Central (Central Market), on this food-filled walking tour! ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Half Day Santiago City Tour
This half-day tour of Santiago will take you to the most important points of Santiago. Receiving historic information at each point from your local ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
City Tour of Santiago de Chile
Perfect introduction for those who visit Chile for the first time and want to get your bearings and learn from the very best local guides, enjoying the comfort ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Santiago Sightseeing Classic City Tour
See the history, culture, sights and sounds of Santiago on this 3-hour tour!
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Santiago Center Cultural Bike Tour
This tour of Santiago will take you to see the cultural highlights of Santiago Center, like historical monuments, palaces, museums, churches, as well as ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Santiago Walking City Tour Including Beer Tasting
Enjoy a walking tour of Santiago and end it with a draft beer. You will explore every corner of the city and learn about its history and anecdotes that make it ... Read more
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
