Fresh Chilean seafood is the draw — the market has run since 1872 and its restaurants specialise in fish and shellfish served right where they're bought.
Discover Local Santiago: What to Do Around Mercure Santiago Centro
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Santiago, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Santiago in 5 picks
Plaza de Armas
Santiago's founding square, ringed by the cathedral, colonial buildings and street performers. It's the natural starting point for exploring downtown on foot.
Cerro Santa Lucía
A small hill turned into terraced gardens and lookout points right in the city centre. The climb is short, but the views over downtown Santiago make it worth the stop.
Mercado Central
A market hall running since 1872, with an ornate wrought-iron ceiling imported from England letting natural light flood the seafood stalls below. Sit down for fresh fish at one of the restaurants inside rather than just passing through.
Barrio Lastarria
A bohemian pocket between Cerro Santa Lucía and Parque Forestal, with leafy streets, wine bars and independent bookshops. It's a good spot to slow down after a day of sightseeing.
Cerro San Cristóbal
The city's largest hill and urban park, reachable by funicular from Pío Nono Street. The summit gives you a wide view over Santiago with the Andes as a backdrop on clear days.
FAQ
Yes — it sits between Plaza Italia and Cerro Santa Lucía, an easy walk from the historic centre and close to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
A funicular departs from the north end of Pío Nono Street and takes you to the summit; you can also hike up from Plaza Caupolicán in around an hour.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in Santiago, all within reach of these picks.