Immerse yourself in Santiago’s culture and vibes — even if you have a tight student budget
There’s so much to see, do, and experience when you study abroad. It’s easy to want to city-hop by plane or train to amazing sites around the country, but don’t miss the great things you can do right in your host city! Many activities are completely free, which is exactly what this series highlights. Make the most of your time abroad, immerse in the local culture, and don’t worry about stretching your budget with these free things to do in Santiago, Chile.
Get ready to soak up the sunshine in Santiago, Chile with the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). As a city with more than seven million people, Santiago offers large-city living alongside easy access to Chilean culture and stunning nature.
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in this vibrant society, and lots of activities that are free. Here are five free things to do when you study abroad in Santiago.
Explore the bohemian neighborhood, Barrio Lastarria
Santiago is home to many iconic neighborhoods, and Barrio Lastarria is top of the list for can’t-miss sites. This historic neighborhood features 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant art in galleries, museums, and decorating the sides of buildings.
Visit many free museums
Santiago is home to many art, culture, and history museums. Get started with these free ones:
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: One of South America’s oldest museums, this museum features both international art and Chilean masterpieces and is housed inside a unique, glass-domed palace.
- GAM (Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral): A massive cultural center that regularly offers performances in theater, music, and dance, as well as visual art displays.
- MAVI (Museo de Artes Visuales): A contemporary art museum located in the Lastarria neighborhood, showcasing Chilean paintings, photography, sculptures, and graphic art.
- The Museum of Memory and Human Rights: Learn about Chile’s recent history at this museum that commemorates the victims of human rights violations committed during the 1973-1990 military dictatorship.
Enjoy the view from Cerro Santa Lucia
Cerro Santa Lucia is a historic urban park featuring hiking trails, fountains, gardens, and even a 19th-century castle. Take a break on a terrace and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Andes mountains.
Located right next to Barrio Lastarria, you can easily explore the neighborhood before or after your walk in the park.
Have an introspective experience at the Metropolitan Cathedral or Templo Bahá’í
It’s hard not to marvel at Metropolitan Cathedral’s stunning architecture, both inside and out. The religious site has faced multiple fires and earthquakes over the years, so the structure you see today is from the late 1700s.
At Templo Bahá’í, you’ll find a unique structure shaped like a flower blossom. Located in the foothills of the Andes, you can enjoy lovely mountain views while strolling through the landscaped gardens.
Immerse yourself in the culture at Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is Santiago’s historic city square and the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you enjoy the performers and musicians, browse street vendors, or just relax and people watch, you’ll find Plaza de Armas to be a distinctly local experience.
Bonus: USAC field trips
When you study abroad in Santiago with USAC, exciting field trips are included in your program fee at no extra cost to you. Past destinations include exploring the Coast of Poets in Algarrobo, hiking in the Ocoa Valley national park, visiting the Pre-Andean mountain town of San José, and more.
Explore your options
- Santiago, Chile
- Academic areas:
Business, Management, and Marketing
Communications, Media, and Journalism
Culture, Identity, and Society
Fine Arts, Music, and Film
World Language Skills
Health Sciences, Psychology, and Public Health
History, Politics, and Law
