Santiago de Chile/Central

The Historic Center is served by Metro Line 1 (Santa Lucía, Universidad de Chile, La Moneda, and Los Héroes), Line 2 (Los Héroes, Santa Ana, and Puente Cal y Canto), and Line 5 (Plaza de Armas and Santa Ana).
The metro is probably the best way for getting both in and around, it's clean and safe. If you arrive to the city from other parts of the country or arriving from the airport with the airport bus, there will be a metro station near every bus station. Lines 1, 2 and 5 go to Centro. Most trunk bus services also cross through downtown. Try to avoid travelling on public transportation during rush hours; 07:00-09:00 in the morning and 18:00-20:00 in the evening, because it's very crowded at those times.
Taxis also exist but it might be hard to find a vacant one. Driving in downtown should rather be avoided due to heavy traffic, a lack of parking spaces and a lot of one way streets.
Walking can be a feasible option once in the downtown, as attractions are quite close to each other.

• Plaza De ArmasThe capital's main plaza, also the site of the national cathedral and main post office. It's few blocks from the traditional Central Market and has its own Metro Station. During the last years, Plaza de Armas has been used as a meeting and recreation place for the community of Peruvian immigrants. This has lead to a lots of cheap international calling centers, traditional Peruvian restaurants and Peruvian spice and food stores, being an interesting place to walk during day hours.

• La Moneda Presidential PalaceNext to the Alameda there is the governmental palace, an Italian neoclassical palace surrounded by more modern buildings with ministries. The squares around them are lined by statues and under one of the squares is an interesting cultural center. Guided one-hour tours are free, but require a reservation of at least seven days in advance (Spanish only).

• Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

  phone: +56 2 29281522
  address: Bandera 361, at junction with Compañía
  The well put-together Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art houses various artefacts from Mesoamerica and South America, featuring cultures such as the Olmec, Maya, and Inca civilizations. Descriptions of the artefacts and the ancients' way of life are well-written in both English and Spanish. Highlights include a Mayan stone stele and Andean mummies, which precede their Egyptian counterparts.

• Teatro Municipal

  phone: +56 2 24638888
  address: Agustinas 794
  Historical performance venue, including international dance and opera, worth a visit even if just from its outside.

• San Francisco Church and Museum

  phone: +56 2 26398737
  address: Av. Lib. Bernardo O'Higgins 834
  The oldest church in the city. In the plaza, in front of the church, there is a Moaï from Easter Island.

• Palacio Cousiño

  address: 438 Calle Dieciocho
  19th century palace owned by a wealthy Spanish-Portuguese family. The architecture is a mix of Spanish and French styles with inspiration taken from the Versailles palace.

• Parque ForestalA long park that runs parallel to the Mapocho River, also site of the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) and Modern Art Museum. Also known as the green lung of downtown, it's a popular place for cultural and recreational events and activities and the border between the historic center and Barrio Lastarria.

• Cerro Santa Lucia

  address: Junction of Santa Lucia and Bernando O'Higgins
  A park with fountains and stairs leading up to a fort and viewpoint the top. The summit has a great view of all but the skyscraper-obscured city center. Charles Darwin visited this peak at one point in his travels; his words are immortalized in a plaque at the summit.

• Biblioteca Nacional de Chile

  address: Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 651
  The national library was built in the early 20th century near Cerro Santa Lucía. Here you can find archives of all Chilean newspapers and some foreign ones, map and photo archives and an exhibition hall.

• Casa ColoradaThis colonial building functioned as the seat of the first Chilean leader after independence. It used to hold a museum of Santiago's history but it has been closed.

• Correo Central (Museo Postal y Telegráfico)The central post building has a museum of old stamps, letters and mailboxes and even a small replica of the first central post office.

• Iglesia San Agustín

  address: Obispo Villaroel 170
  The city's second oldest church features beautiful colonial religious artwork, including Cristo de Mayo, a statue of Jesus. The thorn crown fell off during an earthquake and legend has that if someone tries to put the thorn crown back on Christ's head, a new earthquake will strike.

• Museo Histórico Nacional de Chile

  address: Plaza de Armas 951
  The national museum showcases both the history and prehistory of today's Chile. There are several temporary themed exhibitions.

• Metropolitan CathedralOne of the city's major landmarks, next to Plaza de Armas.

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

  address: Parque Forestal
  Built to celebrate Chile's 100 year anniversary, this museum boasts 3000 art works from Chile and the rest of Latin America.

Interesting neighborhoods

• Barrio Lastarria - Residential barrio with many architectonical jewels and interesting museums such as Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro, Museo de Artes Visuales, the Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral and the Museo Arqueológico de Santiago, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and park Parque Forestal.
• Barrio Lira is the most densely inhabited barrio in Santiago de Chile. It is accessible via a quick walk from Metros Santa Isabel (Line 5), Universidad Católica (Line 1), and Santa Lucía (Line 1). For those willing to brave Transantiago buses there are many routes that come down Avenida Santa Rosa from the Alameda or along 10 de Julio/Avenida Matta from Metro Irarrázaval (Line 5).

• La Moneda Cultural CenterMuseum located underneath the Presidential Palace, the Cultural Center has rotating art and cultural exhibitions all year. Local crafts and souvenirs are available at middle-high prices in the local gift shop. A café is also within the facilities. Note that most exhibitions are not free of charge, however, prices are very affordable.

• Estación Mapocho Cultural Center

  phone: +56 2 27870000
  address: Plaza de la Cultura s/n
  Cultural center with theater, dance, music, and other various cultural activities and conferences year-round. Hosts the International Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro) every spring.

• Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral (GAM)

  phone: +56 2 25665500
  address: Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 227
  An impressive cultural center built on the former military Diego Portales building which was destroyed in a fire. The center has an art and film focused library with free WiFi, a theater, concert halls, a restaurant, a café, and public spaces for resting.

• Central Market

  phone: +56 2 26968327
  address: Ismael Valdés Vergara 900
  As with La Vega, fruit and vegetables are sold, but the attraction here is the fish and seafood brought in fresh daily from the Pacific to be sold under an elaborate wrought-iron roof.

• Paseo AhumadaPaseo Ahumada comprises four blocks between Alameda and Plaza de Armas and is the commercial hub of the city. It features commercial buildings with restaurants, cafés and small and large places to shop.

Budget

• DominóA traditional "soda fountain" that has become a large chain. Known for its rapid service and classic sandwiches and completos.

• address: Agustinas 1016

• address: Huérfanos 950

• address: Ahumada 37/14

Donde Guido

phone: +56-2-26387279

Peruvian sandwich place with a large variety of stuffings and sauces to choose from, also many different kinds of fruit smoothies.

• address: Rosas 1290

• address: Merced 501

El Rápido

phone: +56-2-26722375

address: Bandera 347

Famous for its fast service and fried empanadas of different flavors.

El Naturista

phone: +56-2-23905940

address: Paseo Huerfanos 1046

Vegetarian restaurant with a large variety of products.

Fuente Alemana

phone: +56-2-26393231

address: Alameda 58

One of the most famous sandwich places in the city, the sandwiches are prepared in the front of the customer. Try the churrasco italiano.

Nuria

address: Portal Fernández Concha 918

Founded in 1928 with several restaurants around downtown. They have classic Chilean dishes as well as large sandwiches.

Mid-range

• Bar Nacional

  phone: +56 2 26965986
  address: Paseo Huérfanos 1151
  Offers hearty Chilean meals and a range of local and imported drinks.

• Milano's Pizza

  phone: +56 2 2222 6484
  address: Santa Isabel 546

• La Joya del Pacífico

  phone: +56-2-25690882
  address: San Pablo 967, local 166-167
  Like other eateries in the Mercado central, this restaurant specializes in seafood.

Splurge

• Donde Augusto

  phone: +56-2-25779400
  address: San Pablo 967
  One of Mercado Central's largest restaurants, it's famous for traditional Chilean seafood dishes.

• La Casona del Centro

  phone: +56-2-26993783
  address: Morandé 538
  Barbecued meat and seafood, and home-made pasta.

• Bar Catedral

  address: Merced 395
  Nice bar downtown between between lounge bar and more folklorica. Good rock bands often come to play.

• Hotel Angamos

  phone: +56 2 22222849
  address: Angamos 367
  Small hotel with clean and tidy rooms, double beds and hot water on demand. If there is none, you simply ask the owners to turn it on. Family run business and you can turn up to at any time of day/night. Close to the centre and safe. There is no hotel sign, just ring the bell.

• casAltura Hostel

  phone: +56 2 26335076
  address: San Antonio 811
  Spacious hostel in a beautiful old building with a roof terrace. The interior is modern, comfortable, and always clean. It opened just a few months ago so it can be a little quiet at times, but if you're not looking for a party hostel you're sure to enjoy the laid back atmosphere. Very friendly and helpful staff. Free internet and Wi-Fi.

• Plaza de Armas Hostel

  phone: +56 2 26714436
  address: Compañía 960, #607
  On the central square with a great view out over the plaza near the subway and museums. Small (located on an upper floor of a building) but lively place with good staff. Free internet with three computers, Wi-Fi throughout the establishment, common room equipped with a two TVs and a DVD player.

• Residencia Tabita

  phone: +56 2 26715700
  address: Príncipe de Gales 81
  Cosy, friendly and quiet, but right in the middle of town. CLP$2,000 for unlimited internet access during your stay using Tabita's computer or Wi-Fi.

• Casa Moro

  phone: +56 2 26969499
  address: Corte Suprema 177
  A small bed and breakfast with 4 guest rooms; all with private bathrooms, internet access, maid service daily and a great breakfast every morning of your stay. The house is three levels with two patios and many common spaces. Dinner is offered for those who want that option.

• Hotel Fundador

  phone: +56 2 23871200
  address: Paseo Serrano 34
  Renovated hotel that is conveniently located for sightseeing in the historic center of the city. It also has a good quality restaurant.

• EcoHostel

  phone: +56 2 2222 6833
  address: General Jofre 349B
  Nice clean hostel with recycling bins and ecological spirit (though some might find it doutbful, what with the use of a fuel heater, a permanently-on computer, and constant music blaring), away from the hustle and bustle of the city center while still being close enough to walk there. Wi-Fi, hot water, nice kitchen, breakfast included; close to laundry and supermarkets. The noise from the communal area, though not crazy, can still reach the rooms around it at night, so if you are looking for quiet choose rooms in the back or upstairs. The hostel name is not written outside; look for the facade painting depicting a traveller and a travel guide.

• Andes Hostel & Apartments

  phone: +56 2 26329990
  address: Monjitas 506
  Mixed and women-only four- to six-bed dorms , private rooms and apartments. Price includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping service. Great staff and fun weekly events.

• Hostal Santa Lucia

  address: Santa Lucia 168
  A view of Cerro Santa Lucia located just blocks away from the center. Great personal staff and good breakfast with fresh fruit.

• Hostal de la Barra

  phone: +56 2 26392384
  address: José Miguel de la Barra 451
  This hostel is run directly in an old building in the middle of Neighborhood Bellas Artes, it has high quality infrastructure and also has a very nice coffee shop next door where the breakfast is served: The drawback is the six lane road outside which is rarely quiet and the early morning revellers returning home. Sleep is at a premium here. Good points are the staff, the location and the park areas nearby

• Caesar Business Santiago Centro

  address: Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 632
  Part of an international chain.

• Crowne Plaza Hotel Santiago

  address: Av. Bernardo O'Higgins 136
  Large hotel near Plaza Italia.

• Hotel Panamericano

  address: Teatinos 320
  Located downtown.

• Lastarria Boutique Hotel

  phone: +56-2-28403700
  address: Coronel Santiago Bueras 188
  Small luxurious hotel in Barrio Lastarria

• Nippon Hotel

  address: Barón Pierre de Coubertin 62
  Near Plaza Italia.