Where to stay in Santiago, Chile: guide to the best neighbourhoods

Providencia

Providencia is a large, leafy district just to the east of downtown Santiago. We stayed here on our second visit to the city, and we loved the overall balance of being in close proximity to central attractions while having a laidback atmosphere and a lot of green, outdoor space.

As a mainly residential and middle-class neighbourhood, Providencia is generally very clean, safe and convenient. It also has lots of very good shops, malls, cafés, restaurants and bars.

Our personal favourite place to eat in Santiago is located within Providencia. Fuente Alemena is a local meat sandwich joint that was recommended to us by a backpacker who lived in Santiago for a year. It’s one of the most fun local foodie places we’ve ever tried on our travels!

Providencia is popular with tourists, and a good place to stay especially if it’s your first time in the city. It’s not the cheapest, so may not be ideal for backpackers on a budget, but its mix of safety, convenience and vibrant local culture makes it one of the best neighbourhoods in Santiago for couples, families or first-time solo travellers.

Providencia covers a sprawling area and has a wide choice of hotels and guest houses, as well as a handful of hostels. These are our top recommended places to stay in Providencia for different budgets.

Yogi Hostels

Yogi Hostels is a boutique hostel in a very quiet, suburban area of Providencia, a little further out from the city centre, where you can be assured of a safe and quiet stay.

As you may have guessed, the hostel’s name is inspired by yoga, which gives you an idea of the atmosphere you will find here. The owners have created a focus on wellness and minimalism. It’s also very clean and comfortable here.

The hostel is not in the most convenient location for exploring attractions by foot, but with two metro stations nearby it’s easy enough to get into the city centre quickly, and there are some good shops and places to eat nearby. Overall, this is a good option if you want an affordable place to stay in a quieter, safer area.

Hotel CasaDeTodos

Situated a short metro ride or a gentle riverside stroll from the city centre, Hotel CasaDeTodos is a charming boutique B&B on the north side of Providencia.

The colonial-style house is full of character, with white-washed walls and archways, and rustic wooden furnishings. It has an intimate feel, with 12 bright and spacious bedrooms.

We love that some rooms here have bathtubs, which you don’t always find in a guest house! There’s also a lovely outdoor seating area as well, and lots of bars and restaurants nearby.

Almasur Providencia

Almasur is a small chain of two hotels in Chile, with this one here in Santiago, and the other in the far south in Punta Arenas. Almasur Providencia is a relatively new hotel with a modern vibe, and is our favourite choice among the more upscale options in the neighbourhood.

This is a real gem of a stay if you want to treat yourself. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a very good restaurant, and top-quality facilities all round.

A 20-minute walk away from the hotel you can see the sunset from the top of the 62-storey Gran Torre Costanera, the tallest building in South America!

Bellavista

Bellavista is our favourite area of Santiago to hang out. Situated just north of the Mopocho riverbank, it is the most colourful little corner of the city, full of bright buildings, art murals, cosy galleries and boutique shops. On weekends you will find handicraft markets around the neighbourhood, which was famously home to Pablo Neruda, Chile’s most iconic poet.

While Bellavista has a hipster, artisan feel, it is also where you will find the city’s best nightlife. We usually head here if we want to keep the night going until late, as it’s full of great bars.

Bellavista is also perched at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, the huge hill that overlooks the city. Make sure you allow some time during your visit to walk up to the top and see the views from the giant Virgin Mary statue, and explore the sanctuary at the summit.

This is one of the best neighbourhoods in Santiago if you want to say somewhere lively and with a lot of character in a central location. Let’s take a look at our recommended hotels and hostels in Bellavista.

Pariwana Hostel Santiago

Pariwana is a chain of hostels in South America, which you will find in some of our other guides, for example the best hostels in Lima, Peru. Pariwana hostels have a social focus, and they’re always great places to meet other travellers and have a drink, without being full-on party hostels.

Pariwana Hostel Santiago is true to this approach, located right in the heart of Bellavista. It is set in a bright red century-old house that fits right into the neighbourhood vibe.

The hostel has its own bar and runs lots of activities. There are some night clubs on the same street, so it can be noisy later at night, so bring ear plugs – the beds are super comfy to make up for it! This is a one of the best places to stay in Santiago if you’re a sociable backpacker.

Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde

Eco-Hostal Tambo Verde is an upmarket hostel that has more the feel of a boutique guest house. While it does have dorm beds, most of the accommodation here consists of double or twin rooms (some with private bathrooms).

This is a charming little place to stay if you want somewhere more quiet and laidback in Bellavista on a budget. It has a communal feel, with a lovely outdoor courtyard as well as a shared lounge and kitchen.

The hostel is a located away from the main drag in Bellavista, so you don’t need to worry about noisy bars at night.

Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo

In our view, Hotel Boutique Castillo Rojo is one of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Santiago. Set in a century-old red mansion that was originally owned by an aristocratic family and later the home of a Russian writer, it is a living piece of Bellavista’s history.

The building preserves original features such as fireplaces and restored wood from the 1920s. And while it is located right at the heart of the neighbourhood, only a block from Pablo Neruda’s house, it’s like a little oasis of calm among the buzz. Its gardens are dotted with blooming jasmine trees that give a calming fragrance.

And we are sure you will love the rooms here! With wooden floors and ceiling beams contrasted by white walls, the decor is full of rich elegance. This place is our number one choice for a treat stay in Bellavista.

Lastarria and Bella Artes

Tucked between Bellavista and the historic centre of Santiago, the Lastarria neighbourhood is a cultural hotspot with a relaxed, chic vibe. It adjoins Bella Artes, a charming area that shares similar qualities, brimming with museums, art centres and cosy coffee shops.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is a standout building in this part of the city, surrounded by green parklands on the riverside. This is South America’s oldest fine arts museum, having originally been built to mark a century of Chilean independence.

Cerro Santa Lucía is another highlight of Lastarria. From the top of this hill, among ornate parks and gardens – which are free to enter – you can enjoy great city views, one of our favourite things to do in Santiago. Castillo Hidalgo, a 200-year-old castle, stands on top of the hill.

Lastarria is a great spot for foodies as well, featuring some of the city’s top restaurants and cocktail bars. The central location makes it ideal for sightseeing too, with many attractions within walking distance.

Lastarria and Bella Artes have become very popular neighbourhoods for tourists, so there’s a wide choice of accommodation. Here are our top picks for where to stay.

Hostel Forestal

Hostal Forestal is an excellent all-round budget backpacker hostel in the Bella Artes neighbourhood. It’s welcoming and relaxed, offering a sociable atmosphere without being a party hostel.

This is one of a bigger hostels we’ve come across on our travels, with a range of dorms or private rooms to choose from. A free breakfast is included, which is very good for the price, including eggs, bread, cereal and fruit. You can also self-cater in the well equipped communal kitchen.

Hotel Boutique Casa Noble

Hotel Boutique Casa Noble is a charming and affordable place to stay on a quant little alley in Lastarria, a block away from Cerro Santa Lucía.

This hotel really is a hidden gem, with a superb location for sightseeing and exploration, but in a cosy spot where you can find peace and quiet at night.

The rooms are clean and bright without being overly fancy, and all feature private bathrooms, and some including a balcony. A continental breakfast is included in your stay.

The Singular Santiago

Situated right in the heart of Lastarria, The Singular Santiago is one of the swankiest hotels in this part of the city. The place oozes elegance from the moment you step in the door, and if you want to splurge on your Santiago trip, this place really has a bit of everything.

You can dine in style in the rooftop restaurant, unwind in the spa and wellness centre, or take a dip in the outdoor pool. And the location couldn’t be better for sightseeing, with the historic centre and other attractions within close walking distance.

Barrio Italia

Barrio Italia is technically located within Providencia, but we wanted to pick it out separately, as it’s a really cool little neighbourhood that is well worth considering for an alternative stay in Santiago.

The neighbourhood gets its name from its history as a hub for Italian settlers in the city. Over time, it also attracted other European immigrant communities, leaving a lasting mark on its architecture and design.

The neighbourhood has a artsy bohemian vibe without being as lively and loud as Bellavista. You will find its streets dotted with independent cafés, quirky design shops, charming courtyards and colourful old buildings.

Foodies will also love Barrio Italia, as it features many excellent little restaurants with an array of international influences as well as some local favourites.

Barrio Italia is a small and compact neighbourhood, but there are a handful of great places to stay here if you want to get fully immersed in the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Let’s dive in.

Ventana Sur Hostal

Ventana Sur Hostal is one of the very best hostels in Santiago, with facilities that go above and beyond what you expect in backpacker digs. It’ll cost you a handful more dollars per night, but it’s worth it in our opinion to have the benefit of an outdoor pool, terrace and barbecue, among other fancy features.

This isn’t a party hostel, but it has a fun atmosphere nonetheless – one of those hostels that creates a really communal ambiance and makes you feel like part of a family. It’s also very clean and has excellent shared spaces for hanging out, plus a well equipped kitchen.

Located a couple of blocks away from the centre of Barrio Italia, it’s nicely off the beaten path. This is an especially good option if you’re a solo traveller on your first trip looking to meet other people.

Hostal Boutique Casa La Barca

On the far north side of Barrio Italia, Hostal Boutique Casa La Barca is more of a guest house than a hostel. The host, Pamela, will make you feel very much at home, and has great knowledge of nearby things to do and places to eat.

The hostel is set in a historic house with a beautiful interior in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. It’s a perfect spot if you’re travelling on a mid-range budget but still want to stay somewhere with a bit of personality.

All of the hostel’s rooms are private, although some have shared bathrooms.

Maison Italia 1029

Maison Italia 1029 is a superb little designer boutique hotel in the heart of Barrio Italia. The hotel has an eco-friendly approach, powered by solar panels and utilising local and recycled products. When you stay at the hotel you can use bicycles for free, a great way to get around and explore the city.

Rooms are equipped with coffee machines and iPod docking stations, and the daily breakfast is excellent. Refillable drinking water is another nice touch that isn’t common for hotels in the city.

Maison 1029 is ideal for a couple’s getaway in Santiago, offering a quiet yet charming locale with plenty of dining options and easy access to explore beyond the area.

Barrio Brasil

We stayed in Barrio Brasil on our very first trip to Santiago when we were backpacking. Located to the west of the city centre, this is a historic part of the city that was once its most affluent neighbourhood in the golden days of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, after a modern revival, Barrio Brasil has become a thriving cultural community. While it is a fairly quiet residential area, you will find art centres, community spaces, music venues and bustling local markets around its cobbled streets.

And you can still see the legacy of those richer days in the historic architecture around every corner.

While Barrio Brasil is tucked away from the historic centre of Santiago, it’s only about a 20-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.

The neighbourhood is one of the most affordable places to stay in Santiago, with several great value backpacker hostels and budget hotels, as well as a handful of more upscale options. Here are our top picks in Barrio Brasil for different styles and budgets.

Happy House Hostel

Happy House Hostel is a budget backpacker hostel in Barrio Brasil set in an atmospheric old building. The hostel has some very good facilities and social spaces, including an outdoor swimming pool, hangout area with pool and foosball tables, and a lovely garden area.

With a communal kitchen, friendly staff and relaxed vibe, and a welcoming approach to travellers of all ages, Happy House ticks all the boxes we look for when we’re in backpacking mode.

Situated centrally in the neighbourhood, it’s also only a five-minute walk from Los Héroes metro station, giving you quick access to get around the city.

Hostal Boutique Black Cat

This is another place to stay in Santiago that is a hostel by name, but more like a boutique hotel by nature. Hostal Boutique Black Cat is set in a 19th-century building that has been brought to life with bright colours and modern amenities.

The hostel has some funky and spacious private rooms with rustic bare-brick wall features and vibrant artwork. The dorms, while a little on the expensive side for a hostel, are top quality, spotlessly clean, and fitted with super comfortable mattresses.

When you need a fast food fix, a branch of the Chilean pizza chain Melt Pizzas is right next door.

Concha y Toro 33 Hotel Boutique

Concha y Toro 33 Hotel Boutique shares its name with one of Chile’s biggest wineries, and so it’s fitting that you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting every day at 7pm when you stay here. And if wine isn’t your thing, you can drop in for tea hour at 4pm instead.

This boutique hotel is set in one of Barrio Brasil’s classic old mansions, and has been decorated beautifully throughout. The generous daily breakfast is one of the best you’ll find in any hotels in Santiago.

Overall, this is one of the best places to stay in Santiago for couples.

Las Condes and Barrio El Golf

Las Condes is Santiago’s most affluent area, a sprawling suburb to the east of Providencia. It’s where you’ll find many of the city’s 5-star hotels, upscale restaurants, and also the main financial district, known as “Sanhattan”.

The most exclusive part of Las Condes is Barrio El Golf, a mini-neighborhood with wide, tree-lined boulevards and some of Santiago’s most luxurious properties.

With its peaceful, residential feel and abundance of office space, Las Condes is ideal for business travelers or anyone looking for a quiet, safe, and slightly upscale place to stay away from the city centre.

Accommodation in Las Condes is dominated by big modern chain hotels, but you can find some mid-price options as well. Here are our top recommended places to stay in Las Condes.

Rincon de Las Condes

Budget accommodation is rare in Las Condes, but Rincon de Las Condes offers an affordable option if you want to stay in this upscale suburb without splurging on a luxury hotel. This cosy inn is tucked away in a quiet residential area, far from the bustling business districts.

The inn has a shared kitchen stocked with oil and spices that guests are welcome to use for cooking, and there are shopping malls within a short walk. It almost has the feel of a homestay.

Reaching the city centre can be a bit of a challenge, with the nearest metro station a 30-minute walk away and bus journeys taking some time. However, if you don’t mind the distance, Rincon de Las Condes offers a budget-friendly stay in one of Santiago’s most sophisticated neighbourhoods.

Casa Cecilia Santiago

Casa Cecilia Santiago is a beautiful villa with accommodation rooms in Barrio El Golf, a few blocks south of the financial district centre. This is a lovely quiet area with leafy roads, within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and with easy access to the city centre.

The villa has a homely feel but also luxurious touches. You can mingle in the shared lounge and terrace, enjoy the peaceful gardens, and take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool during the warmer months.

This is a good choice for where to stay in Santiago if you’re a travelling family, or looking for somewhere comfortable and convenient on a business trip.

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is one of Santiago’s top 5-star hotels, situated close to the border between Las Condes and Vitacura – the most exclusive area of the city. The hotel is set in one of Santiago’s most recognisable high-rise buildings, towering above others around it, and providing some breathtaking mountain and city views from its upper floors.

Everything about the hotel screams luxury, from the beautiful lagoon pool and gardens to the plush furnishings in the huge bedrooms. The hotel has its own top-quality restaurants, while many of the city’s finest are a short walk away.

The hotel is located close to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus route, providing an entertaining way to explore the city.