Taking shape in the 16th century, Santiago is one of the most historic cities in Chile. Its streets are lined with monuments marking unforgettable events, grand palaces and buzzing markets.

On a free walking tour in Santiago, you'll explore part of this energetic city and discover the remarkable history of this corner of Chile, as well as its broad range of influences from around the world.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, which are among the most engaging in sightseeing tours in Santiago.

How do free walking tours work?

While several walking tours in Santiago offer unforgettable experiences, free walking tours have become increasingly popular in recent years. They provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall. Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Santiago?

Free history, culture and fun Santiago tour

If you're searching for a tour to show you the many faces of Santiago, look no further than this guided walk through its many neighborhoods.

Meeting at the cultural hub of the city — Plaza de Armas — you'll start your leisurely walk through Santiago. Stop at the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which was founded in 1981 and has been named one of the best museums in Latin America.

This gallery contains over 3,000 pieces of historic artwork from almost 100 cultural groups. Moving on, you'll see the Supreme Court where many notable trials have taken place, including those regarding Augusto Pinochet.

See the location of the former national congress before stepping foot on ancient history along the Inca Road.

Witness the grandeur of the La Moneda Palace, which is the official seat of the president, before admiring the architecture of the Stock Exchange building. Experience a touch of Europe as you explore the neighborhood named after London and Paris, as well as Santiago's "New York."

Discover the brutal history of one of the city’s former secret detention centers under Pinochet's reign. Investigate the history of Santiago's oldest building — Casa Colorada — which was built in 1769 and is now home to a museum.

Discover Santiago's opera house where celebrated musicians, such as Giuseppe Verdi and Carlotta Patti have performed.

Learn about the history of dictatorship in Santiago at the former headquarters of Pinochet and see how it has been transformed into something beautiful — a cultural center of drama, dance, and music.

Roam the Barrio Lastarria district, famed for its array of mouthwatering cuisine before ending your free walking tour in Santiago at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Free walking tour of Santiago's markets

Feel like a true Chilean and you bustle your way through the city’s collection of vibrant markets.

Starting at the statue of Pedro de Valdivia, you’ll head toward Santiago’s Central Market. As you make your way toward this cultural landmark, you’ll travel along the ancient Inca Road.

Upon reaching the market, you’ll be swept up in a thrum of locals, securing the best deals for fresh produce. Here, you’ll find local goods, such as regional fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, and meat.

Head to the banks of the Mapacho River to find another of Santiago’s famed markets, known for its fresh fruits and vegetables. The last destination on this free tour of Santiago is Pérgola de las Flores.

Here, you’ll find a marketplace lined with dozens of fragrant stalls selling flowers in all shapes and sizes. Alongside blooms, you’ll also find a myriad of local artworks.

Barrio Yungay free walking tour

Discover one of the coolest parts of the city in this free walking tour of Santiago's Yungay neighborhood.

After meeting your guide next to the green haven of Quinta Normal Park, you’ll set off on an exploration of the Yungay neighborhood’s vibrant streets. Learn about the latest political developments in Chile as you pass by La Moneda Palace — the president’s official home.

Hear from a local how the president has given hope to the people after years of dictatorship. Discover the 20th-century neo-Gothic architecture of Lucrecia Valdés and Adriana Cousiño before admiring the quirky yellow design of the French Hairdresser’s building.

Pass by the Novedades Theater, which is over 100 years old as you make your way to Plaza Yungay — the neighborhood’s main square. Here, you’ll find a reminder of Chile’s victory over its neighbors — Peru and Bolivia — in the War of the Confederation in 1839, in statue form.

From the square, you can also admire the lofty spire of the Church of San Saturnino. Continue your promenade of Yungay’s streets, passing by the Church of the Precious Blood until you reach the gastronomic area of Plaza Brasil, where your tour ends.

Santa Lucía Hill free tour

If you’d like to gain a bird’s eye view of Santiago, travel up its hill and see many cultural monuments along the way.

Begin your tour at the base of Santa Lucía Hill and start your journey to its summit alongside your local guide. Discover an intricate mural dedicated to Gabriela Mistral, one of Chile's most celebrated 20th-century poets.

Climb the staircase of the opulent Neptune Terrace where you'll find a trickling fountain dedicated to the Greek sea god himself. Continue up the hill, stopping at the Statue of the Heretics — a marker of the resting ground for non-Catholics in the city.

Praise the architecture of the 19th-century Hidalgo Castle before stepping into the tomb of Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna — a former mayor of Santiago. Walk past the remains of the Spanish Gate to reach the statue of Caupolicán — the leader of the Mapuche people in the 16th century.

This tour culminates at the Pedro de Valdivia Rock, which is a marker of the spot on which Santiago was founded in 1541. Throughout your walk, you’ll be blessed with panoramic views over the rest of the city.

Matadero Franklin neighborhood free tour

Discover the working-class neighborhood of Franklin on this free Santiago walking tour. After convening with your group at the Franklin metro station, you’ll head directly to the region’s colorful market.

While today, this destination is a lively hub of local stalls, the building was once used as a slaughterhouse.

Discover each of the Huemul neighborhoods, which have historically housed Santiago’s humble working-class residents. Here, you’ll find the Huemul Theater, which has been named a national monument.

See the grand architecture of one of Franklin’s 20th-century masterpieces, now home to the Caja de Ahorros bank. Wander through a collection of street stalls, flogging a wide array of goods, including antiques, toward Víctor Jara Park.

This green space is dedicated to the Chilean poet and director of the arts who shaped modern-day theater in Santiago.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Santiago tend to operate in both English and Spanish. You’ll usually have a bilingual guide showing you around. They will switch between the two languages to ensure everyone on the tour gains a full understanding of each landmark.

While the range of languages offered on these excursions is currently limited, the likelihood is that they will expand as the popularity of free walking tours grows.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Santiago begin at a range of different destinations, depending on which part of the city you’ll be exploring. Some meet at metro stations, while others convene at well-known monuments or statues.

These starting destinations are always easy to reach on foot or by public transportation and your guide will be easily recognizable.

You can check out the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can arrange any necessary transportation ahead of time.

How long does last?

The majority of free walking tours in Santiago last between 2 and 3 hours. This gives you enough time to discover many of the city’s highlights within a particular neighborhood, such as Franklin or Yungay.

This time slot is perfect for those who want to explore the city on foot, without wearing themselves out too much.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Santiago?

The best way to discover a new city is through the eyes of a local on a guided walk. This is why you should book your free walking tour in Santiago for the first or second day of your trip.

With a professional guide showing you fascinating landmarks from a Chilean point of view, you’ll understand more about the city’s past.

Santiago is a relatively dry destination, meaning you can explore its streets on foot year-round. If you wish to enjoy a mild climate, book your excursion between May and September when temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.

Should you book tickets online?

It is a good idea to book your place on a free walking tour in Santiago online in advance. You’ll be able to secure a spot on your preferred date at a time that works best for your itinerary, without searching the streets for a tour guide.

Reserving your spot is free and takes less than 2 minutes to do. There is no need to input your credit card information and you’ll save yourself a lot of time once you land in Santiago.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Santiago?

Free Walking Tours in Santiago