Santiago walking tours are the fastest way to unlock the city. Standing beneath the Gran Torre Santiago at the end of a hot Chilean summer, my first thought was: "wow, that’s massive". But the real draw is everything under the surface - layers of history, culture, and stories written into the streets. From the 1973 coup at La Moneda Palace to the murals of Bellavista and the bohemian vibe of Barrio Lastarria, Santiago feels like an open-air museum. With a local guide, those stories leap from stone and cement into context you can feel - and below are the guided options that deliver.
And here’s the thing: walking past these places alone is one thing. But having a local guide who knows the stories behind the stones and cement is what truly makes Santiago come alive. The right walking tour turns what could be just another city stroll into an unforgettable journey through history, politics, food, and everyday life in Chile’s capital.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best Santiago walking tours in 2025 - so you can choose the one that fits your style and really experience the city on foot.
If you only do one walking tour in Santiago, make it the one that combines San Cristóbal Hill with the cable car ride. You start in the artsy streets of Bellavista, pass Pablo Neruda’s house La Chascona, and then ride the old funicular up the hill. At the top, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception towers over the city with panoramic views stretching to the Andes - it’s the postcard view of Santiago.
The descent by cable car is just as memorable, gliding over green treetops with the skyline beneath you. What makes this tour stand out is how guides weave together urban culture, history, and local life. Instead of just snapping photos, you’ll hear stories that make every corner of the city park come alive.
If you’re curious about how Santiago’s history shaped today’s Chile, this is the walking tour to pick. You’ll dive straight into the historic center, stepping inside heritage buildings that most visitors just walk past. From the Metropolitan Cathedral to the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center, every stop comes with stories of politics, art, and everyday life.
But this tour isn’t just about dates and monuments - it’s also about flavors. Along the way, guides introduce you to Chilean staples like mote con huesillos (a sweet peach drink with wheat) and local street snacks. It’s the perfect mix of history lesson and food crawl, told with the passion of guides who clearly love their city.
Sometimes the best way to explore Santiago isn’t with a group at all - it’s with a local guide who tailors the walk to you. These private tours feel less like sightseeing and more like hanging out with a friend who knows all the shortcuts, stories, and hidden courtyards you’d never find on your own.
Instead of following a fixed route, your guide adapts the tour around your interests. Want more street art? They’ll take you to Bellavista’s murals. Curious about food? They’ll point you to their favorite cafés and markets. Prefer history? You’ll hear personal stories that go beyond the textbooks. The result is a tour that feels genuinely personal, safe, and flexible.
If it’s your first time in Santiago and you want a little bit of everything, go for a city highlights walking tour. These walks blend together the city’s most iconic spots - from the political heart at La Moneda Palace to the lively Barrio Lastarria and Bellavista. You’ll pass through grand squares, colorful markets, and even catch street art that shows Santiago’s creative side.
What makes these tours special is the balance of old and new. One moment you’re standing in front of the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, and the next you’re sipping a fresh juice at a bustling market surrounded by locals. Guides add context that ties together Chile’s past and present, helping you see the city not just as a visitor, but as part of its daily rhythm.
Santiago is a city best discovered step by step. From the heights of San Cristóbal Hill to the historic heart around La Moneda Palace and amazing Santiago day trips, every corner has a story waiting to be told. Walking tours aren’t just about seeing the sights — they’re about connecting with the guides who bring those stories to life, whether through history, food, art, or hidden neighborhoods.
So whether you’re after sweeping skyline views, a taste of local gastronomy, or simply a fresh perspective from someone who calls Santiago home, there’s a walking tour that fits your style. Lace up your shoes, join a guide, and let Santiago show you its soul - one street at a time.
