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

Even though Chile (like Argentina ) is among the least dangerous countries in Latin America, it cannot be said to be a country without insecurity or risks. Indeed, there are regions in Chile where tourists should exercise caution. See the studies and surveys by region on the CEAD portal , which monitor, analyze, and assess 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 Travel.state.gov ).

According to recommendations from the French government, there are two areas where vigilance should be increased: southern Chile and Easter Island. See details on the France Diplomatie website.

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 crime-ridden cities in South America, Santiago is not at the top of the list despite its crime index of 61.16 , which has been increasing over the last 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 is made up of many neighborhoods.

To better visualize the main neighborhoods of Santiago, Chile: Map of Santiago neighborhoods

Dangerous neighborhoods in Santiago, Chile

According to statistics from the National Public Security Fund , the cead-spd-gov-cl portal , and various economic media outlets, the neighborhoods considered the least safe in Santiago, 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

While not 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
• Patio Bellavista
• 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, Chile is the Historic Center. 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

Furthermore, by choosing this area, you will also be close to the bohemian Bellas Artes district and the pretty, colorful, and very lively Bellavista district.

Which hotel in the center of Santiago de Chile?

Hotel Ismael is located in the heart of Santiago's most touristy area. Its location is ideal for exploring Santiago on foot. Adjacent to Forestal Park, the hotel is close to the popular Lastarria and Bellas Artes districts.

And if you'd like to visit the city from your hotel, this guided tour allows you to discover the most iconic sites of Santiago, Chile: Panoramic Tour of Santiago, Chile