You are going to travel to Chile and you wonder if Santiago is a dangerous city, where are the best neighborhoods to stay and the neighborhoods to avoid.

Until today, Santiago was considered one of the safest cities in South America, far less dangerous than Lima, Bogota, Sao Paulo ou Rio. But is this still the case in 2024? Are tourists everywhere safe in the city?

This article will allow you to know what the situation in Chile is today in 2024 and to identify the dangerous neighborhoods and the best areas to stay.

You can also use the Google Maps of the main neighborhoods of Santiago to more easily locate the neighborhoods we are going to talk about.

This study was carried out using web sources: Statistics and rankings, local press, blogs and travel forums.

Chile dangerous country?

Although Chile (just likeArgentina) is one of the least dangerous countries in Latin America, we cannot say that it is a country without insecurity and without risk. Indeed, there are regions in Chile where tourists should exercise caution. See the studies and surveys by regions of the CEAD portal aimed at monitoring, analyzing and evaluating crime, violence and insecurity in Chile.

The United States had classified the country as level 4 and is asking travelers to exercise extra caution in Chile due to civil unrest (see on Travel.state.gov).

According to the recommendations of the French Government, there are 2 areas where vigilance must be reinforced: In the South of Chile and on Easter Island. See in detail on France Diplomacy.

Now let's see what it is about its capital: Santiago de Chile?

Santiago de Chile dangerous?

Yes, but in the low average compared to other cities in South America.

Indeed in 2024, on the Numbeo ranking, when comparing the 26 most criminal cities in South America, Santiago is not at the top of the table despite its crime index of 61.16 which has been increasing over the past 3 years.

Is Santiago safe for tourists?

Yes because even if there is crime in Santiago, it is linked to drug trafficking and not directed towards tourists. So, don't hesitate to visit this magnificent Chilean capital which is well worth a tourist detour.

Moreover, crime is not present everywhere in the city. All you have to do is avoid the few dangerous areas of Santiago (see their location below) and exercise caution, especially at night. Indeed, as in all large cities, tourists are the target of petty crime (pickpockets, theft of jewelry, telephones, scams).

Map neighborhoods of Santiago de Chile

The Province of Santiago has 32 "Comunas", each of which is administered by a municipal council and a mayor: Cerrillos, Cerro Navia, Conchalí, El Bosque, Estación Central, Huechuraba, Independencia, La Cisterna, La Florida, La Granja, La Pintana, La Reina, Las Condes, Lo Barnechea, Lo Espejo, Lo Prado, Macul, Maipú, Ñuñoa, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Peñalolén, Providencia, Pudahuel, Quilicura, Quinta Normal, Recoleta, Renca, San Joaquín, San Miguel, San Ramón, Santiago y Vitacura.

The most important Comuna is that of Santiago which is located in the center of the capital and which is made up of many districts.

To better visualize the main districts of Santiago de Chile: Santiago neighborhood map

Dangerous neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile

According to statistics on the National Public Security Fund, on the portal cead-spd-gov-cl and on various economic media, the neighborhoods known to be the least safe in Santiago de Chile are located on the outskirts of downtown Santiago:

• Maipu southwest of Santiago;
• San Ramón, the pintana, I mirror it et Pedro Aguirre Cerda also in the South;
• Recoleta et Independence north of the city;
• Navia Hill northwest of the city center.

Areas to avoid in Santiago de Chile

Without being dangerous neighborhoods, here are the areas to avoid in the center of Santiago (central district) especially at night:

• Neighborhood Meiggs ;
• Some areas of the shopping district of Franklin ;
• Area around mapocho ;
• Areas around stations and isolated areas.

Best neighborhoods in Santiago

Outside of the few neighborhoods to avoid listed above, there are plenty of safe and pleasant neighborhoods to stay in. Among the most popular neighborhoods in Santiago de Chile, local real estate agencies generally indicate:

• Santiago Center
• Providence
• San Miguel
• Las Condes
• Central Station
• Bellas Artes y Lastarria
• Nice view
• Paris-London
• Golf
• Concha y Toro

Where to stay in Santiago de Chile for tourists?

For a tourist stay, the most practical thing is to choose a central, safe area, close to tourist sites and well served by public transport.

The Comuna Santiago, which is located in the center of the capital, includes the most central and most interesting districts for tourists:

• Plaza de Armas
• Barrio Civico
• Barrio Yungay
• Paseo Ahumada
• Paseo Huerfanos
• Lastarria neighborhood
• Forest park
• Barrio Patronato
• Barrio Brasil
• Barrio Paris London

Most touristy area in Santiago, Chile

The best area for sightseeing in Santiago de Chile is Centro historico. See its location

Indeed, it is in this area that the majority of the city's tourist attractions are located:

• Cathedral
• The Presidential Palace of La Moneda
• Arms square
• The municipal theater
• The National Historical Museum
• The Pre-Columbian Art Museum
• Santa Lucia Hill

In addition, by choosing this district, you will also be close to the bohemian district of Bellas Artes and the pretty, colorful and very lively district of Nice view.

Which hotel in the center of Santiago de Chile?

THEHotel Ismail is located in the heart of the most touristic area of ​​Santiago de Chile. Its location is ideal for visiting Santiago de Chile on foot. Indeed, next to the Forestal park, the hotel is close to the very touristic district of Lastarria and Bellas Artes.

And if you want to visit the city, from your hotel, this guided tour allows you to discover the most emblematic sites of Santiago de Chile: Panoramic tour Santiago de Chile