Santiago, Chile, often captures travelers’ hearts with its famous highlights — the stunning view from Cerro San Cristóbal, the bustling Plaza de Armas, or the colorful nightlife of Bellavista. However, tucked behind these popular sites are countless hidden treasures that many visitors never find. These are the places where locals go to relax, celebrate culture, shop for unique crafts, or simply enjoy the city at a slower, richer pace.

If you’re seeking a deeper, more authentic Santiago experience, this guide to the hidden gems in Santiago, Chile will take you far from the typical tourist path. Here are 10 underrated spots that locals love — and that you’ll be thrilled to discover.

While most tourists flock to Cerro San Cristóbal for green space, many Santiaguinos prefer the quiet beauty of Parque Quinta Normal. This historic park, established in 1841, feels like a blend of European gardens and Chilean life. Shaded by towering trees and filled with wide promenades, it's a favorite place for families to picnic, joggers to train, and friends to gather for lazy afternoons. The park is also home to some of Santiago’s best museums, including the National Museum of Natural History, which offers fascinating dinosaur fossils and geological exhibits, and the Railway Museum, where you can explore antique steam locomotives. On weekends, small paddle boats glide across the park’s lagoon, and artists display their works under the trees. Spending a morning here immerses you in the daily rhythms of Santiago, far from the tourist bustle.

Nestled near Bustamante Park, the Museo Violeta Parra honors one of Chile’s most beloved cultural figures. Violeta Parra, a legendary folk singer, artist, and political activist, had an enormous influence on Chilean identity, and this modern, thoughtfully designed museum brings her legacy to life. Inside, visitors find a stunning collection of her textile art, personal artifacts, and original music recordings, all arranged to tell the story of her passionate fight for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. What sets this museum apart is its intimacy — exhibitions feel deeply personal, offering a rare emotional connection to Chilean history. Regular workshops, live performances, and poetry readings keep the space vibrant and rooted in community spirit. If you want to experience the heart and soul of Chilean creativity, the Museo Violeta Parra is unmissable.

A walk through Barrio Yungay is like stepping into a living history book — but one painted in vibrant colors. Founded in the 1830s, this neighborhood remains one of Santiago’s most authentic, proudly traditional districts. The beautifully preserved 19th-century houses, wide plazas, and narrow streets are rich with history, but the soul of Yungay lies in its energy: colorful murals explode across walls, blending art and social commentary; lively cafes serve up steaming empanadas; and cultural centers host everything from local theater productions to photography exhibits. The neighborhood’s centerpiece, Plaza del Roto Chileno, honors the working-class hero with a statue and regular open-air events. Locals fiercely protect Barrio Yungay’s identity from gentrification, and visiting here feels like discovering Santiago’s beating, creative heart.

Not every hidden gem is lively — some are quiet, solemn, and deeply moving. Cementerio General de Santiago, one of Latin America's largest and most historic cemeteries, spans over 210 acres and holds more than two million graves. It’s a silent city of stone, filled with grand mausoleums, humble headstones, and intricate sculptures that tell the stories of Chile’s political and cultural figures. As you wander the winding paths, you'll encounter tombs of presidents, poets, and everyday citizens, each monument offering insight into Chile’s complex history. Salvador Allende’s grave, adorned with flowers and messages, draws visitors seeking to honor the former president’s legacy. Guided tours bring the cemetery’s hidden stories to life — from tales of forbidden loves to heroic acts during turbulent times — offering a profound, often emotional perspective on Santiago’s past.

Stretching along the Mapocho River between downtown and Barrio Brasil, Parque de Los Reyes is an urban park that many tourists overlook, but it’s a true local treasure. During the week, you’ll find skaters practicing tricks in the city’s best skate park, cyclists racing along the river, and vendors setting up Santiago’s biggest open-air flea market — a chaotic, colorful treasure trove known as Persa Parque de Los Reyes. From vintage vinyl and antique books to quirky electronics and homemade jewelry, it’s a place where bargaining is expected and surprises are guaranteed. Street art fills the surrounding walls, lending the park a youthful, rebellious energy. On weekends, local families gather under the trees for impromptu picnics, and musicians often fill the air with live cumbia or folk tunes.

Tucked away in Providencia, Galería Drugstore is not your average shopping center. Instead of chain brands and sterile corridors, you’ll find a labyrinth of independent boutiques, quirky design stores, intimate art galleries, and cozy cafes. It’s the perfect place to discover contemporary Chilean fashion, cutting-edge art, or handmade jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else. Galería Drugstore exudes a cool, urban vibe where creativity reigns — making it a favorite haunt for artists, young designers, and stylish Santiaguinos. After shopping, grab a coffee at one of the minimalist cafes and enjoy people-watching among Santiago’s trendiest locals.

Many visitors to Cerro Santa Lucía head straight up the main stairways for panoramic views, but the hill’s real magic lies in its hidden pathways. This romantic urban oasis, once a rocky hill called Huelén by the indigenous Mapuche people, has been transformed into a maze of stone staircases, ancient fountains, and shady terraces. Exploring slowly reveals forgotten nooks like the ornate Fuente Neptuno, secret gardens tucked into alcoves, and little towers offering private views over the rooftops of downtown Santiago. The Spanish colonial architecture gives it an old-world charm, making it a favorite for couples seeking quiet corners or photographers hunting for poetic frames. Take your time here; the slower you wander, the more secrets you’ll find.

Located at the end of Line 1’s Metro ride in Las Condes, Pueblito Los Dominicos feels worlds away from the modern city. This traditional artisan village, built around a beautiful historic church, houses over 150 workshops and stores selling Chilean crafts made on-site. From hand-woven textiles and lapis lazuli jewelry to carved wood and indigenous pottery, everything here is handcrafted by skilled artisans proud of their heritage. The calm, leafy courtyards, friendly artisans willing to share their stories, and the scent of homemade empanadas wafting through the air create an atmosphere that feels timeless. It’s an ideal spot for meaningful souvenirs — far better than buying mass-produced trinkets.

Standing proudly since 1925, the Biblioteca Nacional de Chile is more than a library; it’s a sanctuary of Chilean history and culture. Its grand neoclassical design, with soaring columns and vast marble halls, evokes a sense of reverence as you step inside. Rare manuscripts, first editions, and historical archives line the shelves, documenting Chile's intellectual heritage. Regular exhibitions highlight literary figures like Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral or delve into Chile’s turbulent political history. Quiet and often overlooked by tourists, the library offers a reflective, enriching stop for travelers seeking depth beyond sightseeing.

Tucked discreetly within Parque Balmaceda, Café Literario is a hidden paradise for readers, writers, and daydreamers. Its minimalist architecture — with glass walls that open out into the lush park — creates a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, allowing you to sip a cappuccino while gazing at tree canopies and blooming gardens. Inside, the library provides free access to books, magazines, and cultural events like readings and workshops. It’s a rare pocket of peace in a busy city, where locals escape to write poetry, catch up with friends, or simply disconnect from the rush outside.

Santiago, Chile, reveals its true character not only in its iconic landmarks but also in its hidden corners — the places that locals love and protect. Exploring these hidden gems in Santiago offers a deeper, richer understanding of the city’s vibrant culture, resilient history, and creative spirit. From secret gardens atop ancient hills to lively flea markets, peaceful libraries, and artisan villages, these underrated spots offer unforgettable experiences for those willing to wander off the tourist path. So next time you visit, slow down, look closer, and let Santiago’s best-kept secrets unfold before you.