Plaza de Armas Tours and Activities

Santiago featuring a square or plaza and a city as well as a large group of people
Santiago featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Santiago which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Santiago featuring outdoor art
Santiago featuring street scenes, a city and heritage architecture


This historic central square is home to magnificent works of architecture, museums and a nice blend of city workers, street performers and artisans.

Lively and picturesque Plaza de Armas is the historic heart of Santiago. Admire important city landmarks, visit museums and art galleries, shop for handicrafts and watch street performers. Established by Pedro de Valdivia shortly after he founded the city in 1541, this leafy square has been the city’s pulsating epicenter for nearly five centuries. 

Take time to marvel at some of Santiago’s most prominent architectural landmarks. The majestic neoclassical Correo Central (Central Post Office) occupies the site of the former home of Pedro de Valdivia. Check out the stamp displays in the building’s free Postal and Telegraphic Museum. Visit the elegant Palacio de la Real Audiencia, built at the start of the 19th century. This former royal court building now houses the National Museum of History. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the square from the museum’s clock tower.

Go to the Catedral de Santiago to admire its ornate façade and lavish marble altarpiece. See Jesuit art and other religious artifacts in the cathedral’s Museum of Sacred Art. Directly in front of the cathedral artists sell their paintings while artisans offer handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Sit on one of the square’s benches and observe the diverse mix of characters go about their business. Watch as businessmen get their shoes polished by eager shoeshiners. Observe the elderly compete in chess tournaments and kids chasing pigeons. Listen to religious preachers and soapbox speakers. Keep an eye open for street performers, such as the chinchinero. This one-man band plays a drums strapped to his back while crashing symbols together and spinning around at a dizzying speed. 

Running south from the plaza are two of Santiago’s principal commercial streets, Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Estado. Along these pedestrianized streets you’ll find well-known brands and independent stores, street vendors, cafés and restaurants. 

Plaza de Armas marks the geographical center of Santiago. Public transport, such as buses and the metro, plus a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus provide easy access. The square is within walking distance of several other major city attractions, including the Mercado Central, Palacio de la Moneda and Cerro Santa Lucía.

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Best Lodging Options Near Plaza de Armas

Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones

Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones

4 out of 5
San Antonio 65, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Almacruz Hotel y Centro de Convenciones
LOFT Hotel by Sommelier Hoteles

LOFT Hotel by Sommelier Hoteles

3 out of 5
264 Miraflores, Santiago, Santiago
LOFT Hotel by Sommelier Hoteles
Hotel Plaza San Francisco

Hotel Plaza San Francisco

4 out of 5
Alameda 816, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Hotel Plaza San Francisco
The Singular Santiago

The Singular Santiago

5 out of 5
Merced 294, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
The Singular Santiago
Mercure Santiago Centro

Mercure Santiago Centro

3.5 out of 5
Av. Libertador Bernardo O Higgins, 632, Centro, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Mercure Santiago Centro
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria

4 out of 5
Jose Victorino Lastarria 299, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Hotel Cumbres Lastarria
Park Plaza Apart Hotel

Park Plaza Apart Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. Huerfanos 545, Santiago, Region Metropolitana
Park Plaza Apart Hotel
Hotel HW Express

Hotel HW Express

3 out of 5
60 San Antonio, Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Hotel HW Express
Hotel Magnolia Santiago

Hotel Magnolia Santiago

4 out of 5
Calle Huérfanos 539, Santiago, Región Metropolitana
Hotel Magnolia Santiago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Plaza de Armas

While exploring Plaza de Armas in Santiago, enjoy a scenic experience surrounded by historic architecture and vibrant street life. Don't miss the Zañartu show for a taste of local culture, and take advantage of the entertainment options available, including lively performances and markets. Additionally, indulge in shopping at nearby boutiques and artisan stalls, making it a delightful hub for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

In Plaza de Armas, enjoy the vibrant Mercado Central, just 483m away, perfect for local goods. Vivo Imperio, only 322m away, offers family-friendly entertainment. For a broader experience, visit the Municipal Market of Providencia, located 3.2km from the plaza, showcasing local business vibes.

Recreation

Estadio Monumental David Arellano offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while Los Leones Golf Club invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, Antilen Pool provides a family-friendly spot to unwind and bask in the sun.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Valle Nevado Ski Resort, located 38.6km from Plaza de Armas, offering excellent slopes for all skill levels. For more adventure, La Parva Ski Resort, 37.0km away, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the Santiago Cable Car at Oasis Station, only 4.8km away, providing stunning views for the whole family.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Municipal Theatre of Santiago, only 483m from Plaza de Armas, offering captivating performances in a romantic setting. For something different, visit the Rodelbahn amusement ride or the Cerro Pochoco Observatory for entertainment under the stars, both a short drive away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Plaza de Armas

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the local scenery, Plaza de Armas in Santiago offers a rich array of attractions. You can explore art museums, historic civic government buildings, and the vibrant piazza square, all of which reflect the city's heritage. Enjoy wandering through this lively hub, where the essence of Santiago truly comes alive, making it a perfect starting point for your Chilean adventure.

  • Barrio París-Londres: This charming neighbourhood features a blend of historic architecture and vibrant city life. Stroll through its picturesque streets, lined with cafés and boutiques, and soak in the unique urban atmosphere that reflects Santiago’s cultural heritage.
  • Palacio de la Moneda: As the seat of the Chilean government, this historic building is a symbol of political and cultural significance. Take a guided tour to appreciate its neoclassical architecture and learn about Chile's rich history, including its role in significant events.
  • Santa Lucia Hill: Offering stunning views of Santiago, this hill is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore its lush gardens, historic fortifications, and winding paths while enjoying a peaceful escape from the bustling city below.

Best time to go to Plaza de Armas

The best time to visit Plaza de Armas is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.0°F (20.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
February67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March65.5°F (18.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
May52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
June46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November60.8°F (16.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
December65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaza de Armas

To save money during your visit to Plaza de Armas, consider travelling in the shoulder months of May to June or September, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can lead to significant savings. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days for stays, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s filtering options to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to check for budget-friendly public transport options to easily navigate the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Plaza de Armas are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Plaza de Armas is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plaza de Armas is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Plaza de Armas is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Plaza de Armas with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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