Centro Histórico & La Moneda★★
Plaza de Armas — The Colonial Heart
The Plaza de Armas has been the center of Santiago since the city's founding in 1541. Around the bustling square with its palm trees and street performers are the Cathedral (neoclassical, imposing interior), the Museo Histórico Nacional in the former Royal Audience building, and the Correo Central (main post office in Beaux-Arts style).
La Moneda — The Presidential Palace
The Palacio de La Moneda is the seat of the Chilean president and a place of enormous symbolic significance. On September 11, 1973, the military under General Augusto Pinochet bombed the palace, where President Salvador Allende had barricaded himself — the images of the burning palace went around the world and marked the beginning of a 17-year dictatorship.
Today, the beautifully restored palace with its neoclassical colonnaded courtyards is a symbol of regained democracy. The changing of the guard takes place every two days at 10:00 AM. The Centro Cultural La Moneda in the basement hosts first-class temporary exhibitions.
Mercado Central
The cast-iron market hall from 1872 is a culinary gem: at the outer stalls, there is the freshest fish and seafood at local prices, while the restaurants inside (especially Donde Augusto) serve legendary Caldillo de Congrio (conger eel soup, dedicated to Neruda's favorite poem) and Paila Marina (seafood soup).
💡 Tipp
At Mercado Central, it's best to sit at the outer stalls — the restaurants inside are touristy and overpriced. Locals eat at the edges: freshest ceviche, grilled Reineta fish, and the best Paila Marina in the city — at half the price.