Santiago Photo Spots

Sitting in a valley amid the gorgeous snowcapped Andes mountains, Santiago de Chile is truly a must-see destination in South America, filled with amazing things to do, beautiful places, and photo opportunities. The city’s barrios are beaming with elegant European architecture and lush parks, and they always hide an Instagrammable spot around the corner. The Chilean capital is also a go-to place for culture, culinary experiences, and amazing day trips. Whether you’re on a solo trip or exploring with your loved ones, Santiago will surprise you in the best possible way. 😉 We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share all the best places to take photos in Santiago de Chile! 🇨🇱

TLDR

1. Experience Chile’s vibrant artsy atmosphere in Bellavista.
2. Soak in the romance of the Rose Garden at Araucano Park.
3. Stroll along the architectural treasures in Barrio Concha y Toro.
4. Explore the fusion of nature and art at Parque de Las Esculturas.
5. Marvel at history, culture, and amazing city views in Lastarria.

    

Photo: Flytographer in Santiago. Pamela and family capture memories in Santiago with a family photoshoot at Bellavista.

1. Bellavista

The artsy barrio of Bellavista embodies Santiago’s most enchanting qualities: lush parks, panoramic city views, Spanish architecture, and vibrant street art. Colourful houses line the leafy streets: Some are adorned with captivating murals, and others have been transformed into chic cafés and boutiques—but all provide perfect backdrops for great places to take photos in Santiago. This is also the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a glass of Chilean wine, which, by the way, is celebrated as among the world’s finest. 🍷

In Bellavista lies La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s former home. The building is distinguished by its vibrant blue exterior, and today, it stands as a must-visit museum, paying homage to the legacy of the Nobel Prize–winning Chilean poet.

From Bellavista, you can easily reach the top of Cerro San Cristóbal, or San Cristóbal Hill, either by hiking or taking a scenic cable car ride. Nestled within Parque Metropolitano, Chile’s largest urban park, the hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago against the majestic backdrop of the Andes. At its summit stands a towering statue of the Virgin Mary, a serene presence overlooking the city. 😍

Photo: Flytographer in Santiago. Rosemary and partner capture memories in Santiago with a honeymoon photoshoot at Bellavista.

2. Araucano Park

A green oasis in the middle of the city and one of the best places to take photos in Santiago, Araucano Park is extremely manicured and photogenic. Want a winning shot? Head to its Rose Garden, certainly a magnificent spot for a romantic walk but also wonderful for families! 🌹

The park’s many grassy areas are perfect for picnics, kite flying, or just relaxing while you soak in the serene atmosphere. This is also a great place for kids, since the park has playgrounds and a butterfly farm that is a hit among the little ones. 🦋 Another great photo spot is Puente entre Parques, a footbridge where you can get lovely views of the entire area and, you guessed it, the ever-present and almighty Andes.

Photo: Flytographer in Santiago. David and partner capture memories in Santiago with a couples photoshoot at Araucano Park.

3. Barrio Concha y Toro

Exploring the elegant Barrio Concha y Toro feels like stepping into a European cityscape. The key is to embrace spontaneity and let the eclectic mix of architectural styles serve as stunning backdrops for your photos. 📸

You’ll wander along picturesque cobblestone streets flanked by magnificent houses and mansions boasting diverse styles, from neoclassical and baroque to Gothic and Art Deco. The heart of the district, Plaza Libertad de Prensa, is a charming gem with a lovely fountain, perfect for capturing more enchanting shots. ⛲️

Extra tip: Another neighbourhood worth discovering in Santiago is Vitacura. This slightly more upscale area near the scenic Bicentenario Park is brimming with some of the city’s best hotels, contemporary art galleries, design stores, and top-notch eateries. For a different perspective, head to one of the rooftop cocktail bars—did we mention how excellent Chilean wine is?

4. Parque de Las Esculturas

In the vibrant Providencia district, Parque de Las Esculturas is a haven for those seeking a blend of nature and artistic flair. 👩‍🎨 This lush park is like an outdoor gallery, with over forty captivating sculptures crafted by both local and international artists. Each piece boasts a unique style, providing the most eclectic places to take photos in Santiago.

As you wander through the park, you’ll see families enjoying picnics, students and professionals taking a moment’s rest, and couples relishing in the serenity of the manicured lawns under the shade of towering trees. Stretching alongside the Mapocho River, the park also offers delightful vistas of the snowcapped mountains in the distance. 🗻

Bonus tip: Just a stone’s throw from the Sculpture Park lies Costanera Center, a complex featuring four skyscrapers, including Gran Torre Santiago—the tallest building in Latin America—where an observation deck named Sky Costanera boasts unparalleled views of the cityscape. 🏙️

Photo: Flytographer in Santiago. Star and partner capture memories in Santiago with a couples photoshoot at Parque de Las Esculturas.

5. Lastarria

A meeting point for artists and intellectuals, the streets of Lastarria are lined with hip cafés, superb restaurants, and cocktail bars. Two must stops for art buffs are the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, both housed in majestic and intricate neoclassical buildings. The area also hosts a lively weekend crafts market that’s great for finding unique souvenirs. 🛍️

Towering over Lastarria is Cerro Santa Lucía, or Santa Lucía Hill, the site where the city was founded in 1541. Steeped in history, the hilltop features a 19th-century fort and elaborate steps, surrounded by beautiful palm trees that lead you to more views of the city of Santiago.

Extra tip: A short walk from Lastarria is Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square and home to more local treasures, like the Metropolitan Cathedral. Also nearby is the elegant La Moneda Palace, the seat of the president, and Mercado Central, a bustling market set beneath a gorgeous 19th-century iron ceiling, one of the best spots to savour local cuisine. 😋

Photo: Picho in Santiago for Flytographer. Jessica and family capture memories in Santiago with a family photoshoot.

Capturing Memories in Santiago

Santiago is full of surprises! Every district and every corner presents an opportunity to discover something new. Wondering where you can go for a day trip? Here are some ideas:

• Cajón del Maipo: This majestic gorge is the place to soak in Chilean nature, offering endless opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as rafting, hiking, cycling, and mountaineering. The mountain views alone are worth the trip. 👌
• Valparaíso: About an hour-and-a-half drive from Santiago, this UNESCO-listed port city is famous worldwide for its cobbled alleys and colourful clifftop houses. 😲
• Viña del Mar: Craving a dip in the sea? In this stylish resort city, you can experience the delightful beach culture of Chile. 🏄
• If you have the chance to explore the country further, the Chilean Patagonia boasts some of the world’s most stunning natural sceneries that are the backdrop for incredible winter activities. ❄️

Are you planning a larger trip through South America? Then check out our blogs on the best places to take photos in Lima and Buenos Aires.

To make the most of your trip by checking out all the best places to take photos in Santiago. Connect with our local Flytographers and let them capture all the magical moments the Chilean capital will offer you. 💙