• Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts - Adjacent to the Bellas Artes Subway station, there’s a vibrant area with cafes, bars, and conversation spots, all sharing the name “Bellas Artes.” The nearby public Museo de Bellas Artes serves as the inspiration for this neighborhood.

If it’s not Monday, you can usually visit between 10 AM and 6 PM, unless there’s a strike or maintenance work, in which case you can only admire the architecture and surrounding layout from the outside.

Amidst the bustling city, we can start or continue our discussion about what it’s like to live here now, in the past year, and the origins and recent history of the place.

The guide will provide some insights and then listen attentively to the visitors’ questions, comments, and thoughts about their own urban experiences and perspectives. We then continue our conversation as we stroll along.

• Cerro Santa Lucia - Unless it’s Monday (when it’s usually closed), we can enter the public park Cerro Santa Lucía through the north entrance. This small green oasis in the middle of downtown offers a respite from city noise, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature while conversing. Be mindful of your fitness level, as reaching the main terrace or the top of the tower requires some effort!

From various vantage points, you can admire different parts of the city. While there’s no single viewpoint that offers a complete view, this “little jungle” provides unique perspectives for both visitors and locals. Be cautious of the uneven trails, as you’re walking on a rock.

Visitors can take photos, explore lookout points, and share insights on the city’s historical and current activities.

• Plaza de La Constitucion - Amidst the honking cars and bustling conversations, we arrive at Constitution Square, north of the Civic Center and The City. This is the heart of our country’s public administration, home to the Palacio de la Moneda and the Government Palace.

Originally built as a mint house and inaugurated in 1804, it predates Chile’s independence movement. Designed by Roman architect Joaquín Toesca, who arrived in Santiago in 1780, the building was completed after his death.

Statues of various presidents surround the square, each contributing to a chapter of our governmental history.

The 1973 coup d’etat took place here, and the reminders of that event, along with other historical markers, provide a backdrop for discussions on human rights, civic duty, and our hopes for the future.

• Espacio M - Located in the former building of the “El Mercurio” newspaper, this commercial gallery opened in 2012 and showcases Santiago’s entrepreneurial spirit.

It’s also a convenient stop for a bathroom break and offers a glimpse into the construction, architecture, and social life before the republican era, as well as the history of the influential Larraín and Edwards families.

It’s a good place to take a break, have some coffee, and learn a bit of history.

• Plaza Montt Varas - Dominated by flat water fountains and the statues of Presidents Manuel Montt and Antonio Varas, this plaza is overlooked by the imposing Supreme Court of Justice. You might often see demonstrators here, highlighting that justice can feel “unjust” to some.

Opposite the Supreme Court is the former National Congress, closed after the 1973 coup d’etat. Today, it hosts important meetings, though public access is not always guaranteed.

The guide will provide insights into the composition of our republic, the three branches of government, and current public affairs. The aim is to share useful information for personal reflection, not to persuade anyone.

• Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) - Spanning from the mid-18th to the 19th centuries, the construction of this cathedral cost nearly six hundred Chilean pesos of the time (a significant amount). This is the current building’s first version, though at least two previous temples stood here with different designs. The cathedral has undergone numerous modifications since its consecration, up until just before World War I.

With services held during the week and on weekends, it’s best to visit at noon. Photography is allowed inside (unless otherwise indicated), but please keep your voice down and turn off your camera flash. Naturally, no eating or drinking is permitted inside.

The cathedral is filled with symbols of kindness, martyrdom, patriotism, and other concepts for contemplation.

The “Capilla del Santísimo Sacramento” and the “Parroquia el Sagrario” are significant parts of this religious complex.

• Plaza de Armas - Established on February 12, 1541, the Main Square and the Governor’s house, led by Pedro de Valdivia, were located on its northwest side—or so the story goes.

Despite new perspectives on the city’s true origins, it’s widely accepted that Santiago’s beginnings (and Chilean civic life) are tied to this square. Initially empty and open for logistical purposes, it housed horses, weapons, carts, and a fortress. Later, it became home to the church, viceroy’s office, gallows, livestock rodeo, jail, and city council. In colonial times, it hosted religious events and jousting sports. In the early 19th century, it became the civic center of the new republic. Today, it’s a place of entertainment, commerce, and tradition. Located at the heart of Santiago, there’s always something of interest happening here. Let’s take it in, admire it, and move on.

• Barrio Lastarria - Just a block away from the tour’s starting point, past Mosqueto Street, lies “Barrio Lastarria,” one of Santiago’s most interesting cultural hubs.

Amidst bars, cafes, street vendors, and performers, it’s easy to get lost if you’re not paying attention to where you came from.

Regardless, it’s a colorful and lively experience that you can enjoy on your own after the tour or at any other time.

• All fees and taxes included

• Bottled water