Morning: Parque Quinta Normal
Parque Quinta Normal is one of my favorite spots in Santiago, and for good reason. It’s a green oasis right in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. This park is located in a working-class neighborhood, also called Quinta Normal, where you’ll find a true slice of everyday Chilean life. It’s the perfect place for people-watching, so you can get a feel for what a typical Santiago family looks like.
Inside the park, there’s a public swimming pool, a football field, and smaller fields for pick-up games. You’ll also find picnic tables and grills, a walking/jogging track, and even an abandoned greenhouse that’s now a cool, glass building. The park has a pond with rowboats you can rent, statues, playgrounds, fountains, and more. Take a walk around and just soak in the atmosphere—it’s a nice way to spend a few hours.
The park is also home to several museums. If you’re into trains, you can visit the Train Museum, or check out the National History Museum (though, in my opinion, it’s a bit dull). There’s also the Science and Technology Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the Children’s Museum—all located within the park. Depending on what interests you, you could easily spend the morning hopping between these museums.
Lunch: Peluquería Francesa
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, head over to Peluquería Francesa, my absolute favorite restaurant in Santiago. This place is not just about food—it’s located in a historic building from 1925 and still manages to retain a lot of its charm, especially considering how many earthquakes it’s survived over the years.
The interior is a fascinating mix of antique decor. Almost everything you see on the walls is for sale, and rumor has it that you can even buy the furniture. There’s also a functioning barbershop where you can watch old men in white coats give traditional shaves.
One of the coolest things about Peluquería Francesa is the old-fashioned bodega preserved from the early 1900s. If you’re lucky, you can ask to see it (it’s not always open to the public). Plus, the restaurant’s menus come with maps of the Yungay neighborhood, which you can take with you to explore the area’s historic sites. Peluquería Francesa is actually the starting point of the Historical Patrimony Route in Yungay, so it’s a great way to kick off your afternoon adventures.
Afternoon: Museo de la Memoria (Museum of Memory and Human Rights)
The Museo de la Memoria is a must-visit if you’re interested in learning more about Chile’s recent history. Opened in 2010, this museum was created to commemorate the country’s brutal past under Pinochet’s dictatorship. The building itself is stunning, with modern architecture that’s unlike most other structures in Chile. Every design choice reflects the impact the dictatorship had on all Chileans—like the exposed beams on the exterior, symbolizing the country’s scars from this dark period.
The museum is filled with photos, videos, interactive displays, and more, all in both Spanish and English. You can either take a guided tour in English or Spanish or use an audio guide to explore at your own pace. I recommend dedicating at least half a day to the museum, but if you have the time, spend a full day here to dive deep into this sobering chapter of Chile’s history.
Evening: Barrio Yungay
After the museum, take the map from Peluquería Francesa and head out to Barrio Yungay. This area is packed with historical churches, schools, plazas, and statues. The architecture is beautiful, though the neighborhood feels a bit rough around the edges, which only adds to its charm. It’s a great place to see what typical Santiago looked like before all the gentrification, and it’s perfect for photography if you’re into capturing everyday life.
Night: Barrio Brasil
As you wander through Barrio Yungay, you’ll eventually find yourself in Barrio Brasil. This area, especially around Plaza Brasil, is full of lively bars and restaurants, making it a great place for a night out. It’s a popular spot for locals, so you won’t be paying the inflated prices you find in the more touristy parts of the city.
By the end of the day, you’ll have explored some of Santiago’s most authentic neighborhoods, learned about the country’s recent past, and tasted some amazing food. It’s a full day, but a perfect way to experience the heart of Santiago!
