7 Urban Escapes in Santiago Chile

Modern, dynamic and endlessly energetic, Chile's sprawling capital of seven million has been dubbed "Sanhattan" for its inability to sleep. Yet, it's remarkably easy to encounter pockets of peace in the chaotic metropolis.

City Views from Atop Parque Metropolitano

The biggest park in the city and one of the largest urban green spaces worldwide, Metropolitan Park sits against the inspiring backdrop of snow-capped Andes Mountains. Spread across the sprawling hills of Chacarillas, Los Gemelos and San Cristobal you'll find trails for biking and hiking that wind past gardens, sports fields, the national zoo and two massive outdoor swimming pools. Cerro San Cristobal is a must-see attraction. At nearly 900 meters above sea level, the hill offers sublime views of the city below that are accessible via a one-hour climb, cable-car transport, or an old-fashioned rail ride up its slopes in a funicular that has been ferrying visitors since 1925. San Cristobal's summit is also home to an amphitheater and an iconic statue of the Virgin Mary.

Funicular of Metropolitan Park in Santiago Chile

Laze Away in Parque Bicentenario

Across the Mapocho River from Metropolitan Park lies one of Santiago's sleekest and most-recent nature retreats. Bicentennial Park occupies a comparatively slender swath of land, but packs a lot into its long, narrow verdant space. Covered by more than 4,000 trees, the park offers lots of shady space for picnics, or just lazing in free chaise loungers. Flamingos and black swans can be found frequenting lakes that have resident koi, with fish food available from vendors should you like to feed our finned friends. Trails for walking and biking pass wide grassy areas, a playground with state-of-the-art installations, and an amphitheater that hosts free concerts.

Parque Bicentenario in Santiago Chile

Picnic and Paddle Boat at Parque O'Higgins

The capital city's second-largest park lies just south of the center of town. Easily accessible by two metro stations, O'Higgins Park has trails that lead to a small lagoon where you can rent paddle boats. Picnic areas, restaurants and food kiosks surround the tranquil body of water. More eating options and craft stalls can be found with the vendors gathered at El Pueblito. A stroll through the park will lead you to a public pool, skate park and theater, along with a massive amusement park that's one of the city's top attractions. For something a bit smaller in scale, check out the Museum of the Huaso, housing a collection of traditional Chilean cowboy clothing and gear.

Parque O'Higgins in Santiago Chile

Visit Parque Quinta Normal's Many Museums

An urban green space since 1841, Quinta Normal Park sits on an expanse of more than 90 acres on Santiago's east side. A favorite of local families, the sanctuary has wide lawns, dotted with trees in dozens of varieties, gardens and a lagoon with paddle boats for rent. The park is also as popular for the many museums in its grounds. The Museum of Science and Technology has kid-friendly interactive science exhibits, along with play ready games, gizmos and please-touch gadgets. Check out a mummy among the artifacts at the Museum of Natural History, showcasing local anthropology, botany, paleontology and zoology. Historical trains are on display at the Railway Museum. Set in an ornate cast-iron building with vibrant colored glass, the building that houses the Artequín Museum was built in Paris as a Chilean expo hall. Today is displays replicas of famous artworks, with reproductions of famous pieces from the likes of Monet and Warhol.

Museum of Natural History at Parque Quinta Normal

Popular Parque Forestal's Fine Arts

To the immediate northeast of Santiago's center you'll encounter Forestal Park. The narrow slice of greenery serves many as a peaceful tree-lined route through the city's historical quarter. Ease along paths that wind past fountains, sculptures and picnic-perfect spots, with street performers like jugglers, musicians and dancers found along the cool pedestrian pathways. You'll also encounter vendors with wares arranged on blankets spread out over grassy spots along the Mapocho River. A must-see is the Palacio de Bellas Artes building, an elegant Beaux-Arts style structure that houses two museums. The Santiago Museum of Contemporary Art has pieces from modern masters, while the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts focuses on works from colonial times to present day. To Forestal's west lies the equally slender Parque de los Reyes, a green space with an artificial lake. To the east, the strip of Parque Balmaceda offers lawns and a fountain that puts on a light show as the sun goes down.

 Forestal Park in Santiago Chile

Climb Up Santa Lucía Hill

For 360-degree vistas that rival Cerro San Cristobal, head up to Cerro Santa Lucía – with a grand neoclassical entrance featuring an ornate fountain with a trident-wielding Neptune at its center. Centrally located on the southwestern edge of downtown, the hill offers some of the best views of Santiago's towering skyscrapers from its summit. The 20-minute climb to the top along stone steps also rewards with murals, statues and secluded ponds. For an inspiring view of the city with the Andes in the background, amble up the tower of the old fort of Castillo Hidalgo.

Cerro Santa Lucia in Santiago Chile

Outdoor Art at Parque Las Esculturas

To the northeast of town center you'll find the Sculpture Park Museum. Set far from the chaos and noise of the city, the green getaway has dozens of pieces of outdoor artwork by the banks of the Mapocho River. Surrounded by bright flowers and lush trees, the permanent works include an eye-catching bronze bull and a notable abstract of white marble. The open-air gallery, which hosts jazz concerts, also has a sunken space that welcomes rotating exhibits.

Parque Las Esculturas in Santiago Chile