A Month in Santiago, Chile: A Slow Travel Guide & Full Budget Breakdown
Santiago, Chile, for Nomad Travelers, is a city where modern skyscrapers meet colonial history, and the Andes Mountains are a breathtaking backdrop. For an entire month, we immersed ourselves in Santiago’s daily life, exploring the best of what the city had to offer as Nomad Travelers while embracing our slow travel lifestyle. From navigating public transportation to indulging in some of South America’s best food and wine, our time in Santiago was an eye-opening experience. And, of course, we tracked every expense to give you a full cost breakdown.
Table of Contents
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First Impressions: Santiago’s Reputation vs. Reality
Before arriving, we heard many things about Santiago. Some said it was too expensive, others warned about safety, and some even called it dirty and underwhelming. But after living in Santiago, Chile, for a month as Nomad Travelers, we can confidently say that it surprised us in many ways. It was modern, clean, and easy to navigate. The metro system was fantastic, digital payments were widely accepted, and the cost of living was reasonable, especially compared to other major South American cities.
Getting To Santiago
Leveraging A South American and Antarctic Cruise and Taking A Tour Versus a Bus or Transfer From Our Final Cruise Port
Instead of flying from Buenos Aires to Santiago, we took a 23-day Antarctic cruise that ended in San Antonio, Chile. This meant we needed to get from San Antonio to Santiago, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Rather than taking a standard bus, we opted for a full-day tour to explore Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and a winery in the Casablanca Valley before arriving at our Airbnb.
- Cost: $129 per person ($387 total for three people)
- Stops Included:
- Valparaíso – A colorful, artsy city with stunning murals and historic funiculars.
- Viña del Mar – Known for its beautiful beaches and the famous Fonck Museum, home to an authentic Easter Island moai statue.
- Casablanca Valley – A wine-tasting stop at one of Chile’s renowned vineyards.
We were glad we took this tour, as we might not have visited these places otherwise. A direct flight from Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile, as Nomad Travelers on our dates, would cost us around $450. Thus, we spent about the same amount but explored more of Chile.
Where We Stayed
Providencia Neighborhood, Santiago
We booked our 31-night stay through Airbnb for $1,748.77, plus $13.03 in laundry costs, for a total of $1,761.80.
Our one-bedroom apartment was on the 17th floor, offering fantastic city views and the Andes Mountains. It had a large balcony, a basic but functional kitchen, a decent-sized couch, and super-fast Wi-Fi with speeds of 468 Mbps down and 261 Mbps up.
Building Amenities:
- Small gym
- Pool
- 24-hour security
- Laundry room using the Pronto Pay app ($1.60 per wash and dry cycle)
The apartment was well-maintained, with clean sheets and towels refreshed weekly. The hot water and water pressure were excellent, which is always a concern when staying long-term in a rental.
The Downsides?
- There are minimal basic supplies: no dish soap, trash bags, or laundry detergent, and only two rolls of toilet paper.
- A/C leak on the first night: Quickly repaired by the host the next day.
- Old and worn toilet seat: Not a dealbreaker, but a minor annoyance.
Despite these minor drawbacks, we liked the apartment; it was comfortable, well-located, and secure.
Check out our full YouTube video for more insights and visuals from our month in Santiago!
Where Should You Stay in Santiago?
We highly recommend choosing a place near the L1 subway line for easy access to everything. Some popular neighborhoods include:
- Providencia – A great mix of busy and quiet, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. It felt safe and well-patrolled.
- El Golf – A modern, high-end business district with sleek buildings, though it’s very quiet at night and on weekends.
- Las Condes – An upscale neighborhood with luxury hotels. It’s safe and beautiful, but dining out here is more expensive.
- Barrio Italia is a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood with a lot of charm. It is filled with artists, coffee shops, and a good vibe that will probably draw us back if and when we return.
Some nomads we met stayed near La Moneda (the government district) and felt less safe at night due to visible homelessness and prostitution. While we didn’t stay there ourselves, we’d recommend being cautious considering that area.
We found Santiago a modern, easy-to-navigate city with great accommodations, a seamless payment system, and diverse neighborhoods to suit different travel styles.
Eating Out
An Affordable Culinary Adventure
One of our favorite parts of slow traveling is exploring the local food scene, and Santiago did not disappoint. From traditional Chilean dishes to international cuisine, the variety and quality of food here made every meal an adventure. We spent $1,736.88 eating out for the month.
Some highlights included indulging in classic Chilean street food, like Lomito sandwiches from Fuente Alemana, stacked high with pork, sauerkraut, tomato, and mayo, and the famous Completo hot dogs from Domino, overloaded with toppings. We explored international flavors, too, enjoying Indian food at Curry & Kabab, Chinese dishes at Mili Mili, and Mexican tacos and fajitas at Jalisco. For drinks and socializing, we stopped by Bocanariz, an incredible wine bar with an extensive selection of Chilean wines, and had some fun nights out at Bar La Cervecería Providencia.
Of course, the highlight of the month was our 16-course tasting menu at Boragó, ranked the 26th best restaurant in the world. This meal accounted for $725 of our food budget, but it is part of our ongoing Top Tables Travels adventure, where we try to visit the World’s Fifty Best Restaurants as we travel. We also treated ourselves to a classic steakhouse experience at La Cabrera, where we enjoyed a perfectly grilled Ribeye, grilled provolone cheese, and a fresh Chilean salad for $110.16.
One thing we noticed right away is that Chileans love mayonnaise. It’s on everything: sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, you name it. If you’re not a fan, ask for it on the side! We kept thinking the mayo in the pictures was mozzarella, but it was mayo.
Another key difference from Buenos Aires is the meal schedule. In Santiago, the biggest meal of the day happens in the afternoon, and many restaurants offer happy hour food and drink deals at this time. Dinner is still later, with restaurants filling up around 8 PM, but it’s not as late as in Argentina.
We took into account that our daughter was with us for the first six days when making these choices. Overall, however, we still found eating out in Santiago more affordable than in Buenos Aires.
Complete List of Restaurants We Ate At (Favorites are Starred 🌟)
- Fuente Alemana – Lomito sandwiches 🌟
- Domino – Completo hot dogs and also a pretty good smash burger
- Jalisco – Mexican tacos and fajitas 🌟
- Take a Wok – Custom noodle dishes
- Texas Ribs – Classic Texas BBQ
- Crepes and Waffles – Large savory and sweet waffles 🌟
- Bocanariz – Wine bar with extensive Chilean wines 🌟
- Mili Mili – Chinese cuisine 🌟
- Curry & Kabab – Indian food, local no-frills spot
- Heladeria Emporio La Rosa – Ranked among the 25 best ice creams in the world.
- Boragó – 16-course tasting menu, #26 best restaurant in the world 🌟
- Cafe de la Candelaria – Great coffee and scrambled eggs with cheese
- Bar La Cervecería Providencia – Beers and cocktails with lots of local options🌟
- La Cabrera – Excellent steakhouse experience 🌟
- Amigos del Mar Restaurant – Great Seafood and close to Vina Cousiña Macul🌟
- Cacao Much – Gelato and chocolate bar
Groceries
Coming off a 22-day cruise following our daughters’ departure, we decided to eat in versus out more than usual this month, spending $511.37 on groceries.
Groceries in Santiago were affordable overall, especially meat and fresh vegetables, which were high quality and well-priced. However, some imported items were surprisingly expensive, like olive oil, which cost $9 for a small bottle.
We ate breakfast at home every day, cooked several dinners, and often went out for lunch, saving leftovers or having snacks for dinner.
Entertainment
One of the best things about Santiago is that so many of its top attractions are completely free. We spent much of our time exploring parks, historical sites, and museums without spending a dime. Some of our favorite free activities included:
- Costanera Center
- Metropolitan Park of Santiago – The largest park in Central America (Funicular, Teleférico, hiking, zip lines)
- Funicular and Gondola
- San Cristobal Hill
- Immaculada Concepción Santuario
- Plaza de Vasca
- Teleférico to Oasis Park and return trip
- Maria Bonita Pedicures
- Providencia Municipal Buildings – Explore neighborhood
- Plaza Ñuñoa
- National Museum of Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Parque Forestal – Near the National Museum of Art, a quiet park with walking trails
- Lastarria Neighborhood
- Parroquia de Veracruz – Burnt-out church that is being restored
- Costanera Center – Shopping
- Sculpture Park
- Titanium Park
- Bicentenario Park
- US Embassy
- Plaza Peru
- Las Condes Neighborhood
- Isadora Goyenechea – Street with hotels, boutiques, and restaurants in Las Condes
- Municipal Theater of Las Condes
- El Golf Neighborhood
- Mercado Urbano – Shops, restaurants, and art gallery
- Sky Costanera Sunset
- Santa Lucia Hill – Castillo Hidalgo climb to the top and take in the view, lots of trails to explore, and a Japanese garden
- National Library of Chile – Reading room of José Toribio Medina
- Santiago Municipal Theater
- Plaza de Armas – Statue, Santiago sign
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago
- Plaza Montt Varas
- National Congress of Chile
- Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
- Los Dominicos Craft Center – 100s of artisan stalls with jewelry, leather, and art from the region
- Los Dominicos Park
- Iglesia de San Vicente de Ferrer Los Domínicos – Old colonial monastery
- Araucano Park – Rose garden, center area with bars, small shops
- Araucano Mall – Upscale mall with luxury brands
- Open Kennedy Mall – IKEA
- Alonso de Córdova – Near Mandarin Oriental, office buildings, and shopping area
- National Zoo
- Oasis Park
- Winery – Viña Cousiño Macul
- Museum of Memory and Human Rights
- La Candelaria – Coffee shop Nomad Meetup
- Barrio Italia – Explore the neighborhood
- Cajón del Maipo – Maipo Canyon
- Túnel El Tinoco
- Glacier Yeso and Morales
- La Moneda – Tour of the presidential palace (Spanish English tours on Wednesdays; book two weeks in advance, passport required)
- Changing of the Guard at La Moneda – At 11 AM every two days, a 30-minute ceremony
- Santiago Central Market – A fish market with seafood vendors
- Plaza de Armas
- Church of St. Augustine
- Escuela Militar – Massive Military School with a convenient subway stop. (Contact for Seasonal Access)
For the experiences we paid for, here’s where we allocated our budget:
- Tour to Maipo Canyon – We booked a full-day tour to Yeso Dam, Morales Glacier, and small mountain towns for $70.00. The breathtaking scenery made it well worth the cost.
- Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art—This is one of the best museums we’ve visited in South America. The $12 per person admission ($24.00 total) was well worth it for the beautifully curated collections showcasing Indigenous cultures.
- Wine Tour & Tasting: We visited a family-owned vineyard and learned about local winemaking traditions. The tour cost $44.92, and we bought three bottles of wine for $27.00 to enjoy at home.
- Funicular & Gondola – For $25.02, we took a round-trip ride up San Cristóbal Hill with our daughter, enjoying panoramic views of Santiago. In hindsight, a one-way ticket would have been enough.
- Sky Costanera – The tallest observation deck in Latin America at 300 meters (984 feet). $35.98 got us a sunset experience with stunning city views.
Between free activities and paid experiences, Santiago had no shortage of things to see and do. Whether hiking, exploring museums, or sipping wine at a vineyard, we found plenty of ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Phone & Wi-Fi
Staying connected in Santiago was simple and affordable. For the entire month, we spent just $23.00 on mobile data and Wi-Fi.
- eSIM Convenience: We purchased a 30-day Airalo eSIM with 20GB of data for $23.00. Unlike Buenos Aires, where getting a local eSIM was straightforward, Santiago requires residency or a Chilean ID number for a local eSIM, so we opted for a virtual service instead.
- Backup Options: Dan had leftover GigSky data from our cruise, which lasted until the 30th of the month. Once it expired, he used my hotspot. On the last day, we relied on GigSky’s free 100MB plan for new users, i.e., Meghan (Click the link and scroll to the bottom of the webpage), which allowed us to order an Uber to the airport without needing extra data.
- Alternative eSIMs: Another option is the Firsty eSIM app, which provides free data for watching 30-second ads and offers unlimited data for just €1 per day. This can be a great budget-friendly solution for short-term needs.
- Public Wi-Fi Availability: Santiago also had plenty of free public Wi-Fi, including in our Airbnb, malls, restaurants, and stores. Our Airbnb’s Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, making it easy to work, stream, and stay connected without interruptions.
Shopping In Santiago
Surprisingly Convenient & Affordable
We were amazed by the number of shopping options in Santiago. Perhaps this stood out because we had just come from Buenos Aires, where shopping felt limited and expensive. Here, Santiago had everything you could imagine,, from high-end brands like Gucci to practical stores like The Gap and IKEA.
Even better, prices were the same or much lower than in the U.S., making it easy to replace travel gear or stock up on essentials without overpaying.
We didn’t do a lot of shopping, but we picked up a few items, spending a total of $101.52 for the month:
- Casa Ideas – One of our favorite stores! We bought two laptop stands, two collapsible food storage containers, two packable backpacks, and a packable shopping bag for $41.05.
- Electronics – A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for $40.55, making working on the go much more straightforward.
- Small Essentials – Our iPhone lanyards broke, so we replaced them with better ones for $19.92.
- Fashion Finds: Before heading home, our daughter did some shopping and found good deals on sneakers and a skirt.
After months of traveling through places with limited or overpriced shopping, Santiago was a refreshing change. It was easy to find everything we needed at reasonable prices
Health & Wellness
This month, we had no doctor visits or illnesses, so our health and wellness spending was relatively low, spending $82.47. We purchased basic toiletries like shampoo, mouthwash, and body soap for the month. Since we go through about one bottle each month, we typically buy them upon arrival instead of packing them. These items were affordable and easy to find at local supermarkets and pharmacies. Since our next flight to our next destination, Peru, includes free checked bags, we planned and bought full-size bottles, knowing we could take any leftovers. Shaving cream was surprisingly expensive, starting at $9 per can.
One splurge this month was a pedicure for the three of us since our daughter was visiting. At $18 each, it was a fun treat and a great way to spend quality time together.
Overall, Santiago made it easy and affordable to stock up on essentials, and luckily, we didn’t run into any unexpected health-related expenses.
Managing Money in Santiago
Santiago is a modern city with a well-developed financial infrastructure, making it easy to manage money while traveling. Unlike other South American destinations, digital payments are widely accepted, and cash is rarely necessary. Here’s what we learned:
- Digital Payments Dominate: Credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Santiago. We barely used cash throughout the month.
- ATM Fees & Accessibility: ATMs are widely available, but fees vary. We used a Charles Schwab debit card for fee-free withdrawals, though we rarely needed to take out cash.
- Currency Exchange: Unlike Buenos Aires, where currency exchange can be tricky, Santiago’s exchange rates are stable. We found that withdrawing pesos from ATMs provided the best rates compared to exchange offices.
- Tipping Culture: Restaurants in Santiago typically include a 10% suggested tip on the bill, which you can accept or decline. Unlike in some cities, servers always ask before adding it to the final charge.
With the ease of digital payments and fair exchange rates, managing money in Santiago was straightforward and stress-free.
Getting Around
Travel Expenses and Insights
Navigating Santiago was convenient and budget-friendly, making it ideal for slow travelers. As mentioned above, we spent $464.05 on transportation during our month-long stay, covering everything from metro rides to a full-day transfer tour from San Antonio to Santiago.
Metro & Public Transportation: Affordable & Efficient
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Santiago’s metro system is fast, reliable, and clean. We used a Bip! Card, which works on the metro and buses, for just $37.50 for unlimited rides.
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The metro was our primary mode of transport, connecting us easily to different neighborhoods.
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Buses are also an option, though we primarily used the metro for its ease and efficiency.
Uber: Cheap & Convenient
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Uber rides were affordable and reliable, with fares significantly lower than in the U.S.
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Our total Uber spend was $20.00, mainly for late-night returns and getting to and from places not easily accessible by the metro, including the international airport, in which we could have taken the Metro and transferred to a bus. Still, the convenience and cost of Uber far outweighed the hassle.
San Antonio to Santiago: Private Transfer Tour
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Instead of taking a direct bus, we opted for a full-day private transfer tour for $387.00.
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This included stops in Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and a vineyard in the Casablanca Valley before arriving in Santiago.
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This was an excellent way to see more of Chile before settling into our month-long stay.
Full-Day Tour from San Antonio
Instead of flying from Buenos Aires to Santiago, we took a 23-day Antarctic cruise (as our transportation option from Buenos Aires; click this link for a full cost breakdown) that ended in San Antonio, Chile. We needed to get from San Antonio to Santiago, about 1.5 hours. Rather than taking a standard bus or leveraging the Holland America Cruise transfer (which was almost the same price as our privately booked tour), we opted for a full-day tour to explore Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and a winery in the Casablanca Valley before arriving at our Airbnb.
- Cost: $129 per person ($387 total for three people)
- Stops Included:
- Valparaíso – A colorful, artsy city with stunning murals and historic funiculars.
- Viña del Mar – Known for its beautiful beaches and the famous Fonck Museum, home to an authentic Easter Island moai statue.
- Casablanca Valley – A wine-tasting stop at one of Chile’s renowned vineyards.
We were glad we took this tour, as we might not have visited these places otherwise. For comparison, a direct flight from Buenos Aires to Santiago for our dates would have cost around $450 for the three of us, meaning we spent about the same amount, but got to explore more of Chile along the way.
Safety in Santiago
Like any big city, Santiago has its rough areas, but we never felt unsafe. We took standard precautions, avoiding late-night solo walks, tethering our smartphones, using anti-theft bags, and being mindful of our belongings. Many locals we had conversations with warned us to watch for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots, but it was less of a concern in the other parts of the city.
What We Spent in Santiago
Full Budget Breakdown:
🏡 Accommodation: $1,761.80
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One-bedroom apartment in Providencia via Airbnb
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Included amenities: pool, gym, security, laundry
🍽️ Eating Out: $1,736.88
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Daily coffee stops, casual meals, and splurges
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A 16-course tasting menu at Boragó ($725 for three people)
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Local Chilean street food, steak dinners, and hidden gems
🛒 Groceries: $511.37
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The jumbo supermarket had everything we needed, but another grocery store, Express de Lider, was very close to our apartment and had a good selection.
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Fresh produce, meats, and bakery items were all readily available at both and very affordable.
🚆 Transportation: $464.05
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Metro & bus fares: $37.50 for unlimited rides
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Ubers around the city: $20.00 total
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Full-day transfer tour from San Antonio to Santiago: $387.00
🎟️ Entertainment & Activities: $199.87
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Wine tasting at Viña Cousiño Macul ($44.92)
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Tour to Maipo Canyon & Glacier Yeso ($70.00)
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Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art ($24.00)
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Sky Costanera sunset views ($35.98)
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Funicular & gondola at San Cristobal Hill ($25.02)
📱Staying Connected on a Budget ($23.00)
- eSIM
- Apartment WiFi
🛍️ Shopping: $101.52
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Packable bags, travel gear, and small tech items
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Casa Ideas & Costanera Center for Essentials
🩺 Health & Wellness: $82.47
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Basic toiletries & personal care items
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Pedicure splurge ($18 each)
💰 Grand Total: $4,880.96 (An average of $152.53 per day)
Nomad Travel In Buenos Aires vs. Santiago
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Which City Wins?
- Cost of Living: Almost identical, though Buenos Aires was cheaper for rent.
- Food & Dining: Santiago had better digital payment options and affordable groceries.
- Weather: Santiago’s warm days and cool nights were more comfortable. The chart included shows annual temperatures and days of rain.
- Green Spaces: Buenos Aires had more open parks, but Santiago’s mountain views, local hikes, and day trips into the Andes were unbeatable.
- Public Transport: Both cities had excellent metro systems, but Santiago’s felt more modern.
Final Thoughts
Would We Slow Travel in Santiago Again?
Absolutely! Santiago was modern, efficient, and full of surprises. From the incredible food scene to the easy-to-access and use transportation options, it was a fantastic city for nomads and slow travelers. If you’re planning a long-term stay, we highly recommend it.
This was just $190 more than our Month in Buenos Aires, and considering we dined at Boragó, one of the top restaurants in the world, had our daughter with us for a week, and took multiple tours, Santiago was an excellent value.
