Dangerous city Santiago de Chile? Which neighborhoods to avoid and where to stay overnight?

Traveling to Chile and wondering if Santiago is a dangerous city, where the best neighborhoods to stay are and which 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 2022? Are tourists safe anywhere in the city?

In this article you will learn what the situation is like in Chile today in 2022, and you will be able to identify the dangerous neighborhoods and the best areas to live in.

You can also use the Google Maps of Santiago’s main neighborhoods to make it easier to find the neighborhoods we’ll be talking about.

This study was conducted using internet 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 risk. In fact, there are regions in Chile where tourists should exercise caution. See the studies and surveys by region of the CEAD portal for monitoring, analysis and evaluation of crime, violence and insecurity in Chile.

The United States classified the country as a Level 4 in January 2022 and asks travelers to be extra cautious in Chile due to civil unrest (see on Travel.state.gov).

According to the recommendations of the French government, there are two areas where vigilance must be increased: Southern Chile and Easter Island. See in detail on France Diplomacy.

Let’s see what’s up with its capital: Santiago de Chile?

Santiago de Chile dangerous?

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

In fact in 2022, at Numbeo ranking, when comparing the 26 most criminal cities in South America, Santiago is not at the top of the table crime index of 58 despite that.18 which has increased in the last 3 years.

Santiago dangerous for tourists?

it will be because even if there is crime in Santiago, it has to do with drug trafficking and is not directed against tourists. So do not hesitate to visit this magnificent Chilean capital, which is worth a tourist detour.

Also, crime is not present everywhere in the city. All you need to do is avoid the few dangerous areas of Santiago (see their location below) and exercise caution, especially at night. In fact, as in all big cities, tourists are the target of petty crime (pickpocketing, jewelry theft, phone, fraud).

Neighborhoods of Santiago de Chile

The province of Santiago has 32 “Comunas”, each governed by a municipal council and a mayor: Cerrillos, Cerro Navia, ConchalI, El Bosque, Estacion Central, Huechuraba, Independencia, La Cisterna, La Florida, La Granja, La Pintana, La Reina, Las Condes, Lo Barnechea, Lo Espejo, Lo Prado, Macul, Maipú, nunoa, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Penalolen, Providencia, Pudahuel, Quilicura, Quinta Normal, Recoleta, Renca, San JoaquIn, San Miguel, San Ramon , Santiago and Vitacura.

The most important comuna is that of Santiago which is located in the center of the capital and is composed of many neighborhoods.

Map neighborhoods of Santiago de Chile

To better visualize the main neighborhoods of Santiago de Chile, here is a map that can be enlarged:

Dangerous neighborhoods in Santiago de Chile?

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

Neighborhoods to avoid in Santiago de Chile?

Without being dangerous neighborhoods, here are the neighborhoods you should avoid in the center of Santiago (central district):

• Meiggs Quarter ;
• Certain areas of the business district of Franklin ;
• Mapocho Area ;
• Areas around train stations and isolated areas.

Where to stay in Santiago de Chile?

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

• Santiago Center
• Providencia
• San Miguel
• Las Condes
• Central Station
• Bellas Artes and Lastarria
• Bellavista
• Paris-London
• Golf
• Concha y Toro

Where to stay in Santiago de Chile for tourists?

For a tourist stay, it is most practical to choose a central, safe area near attractions that is well served by public transportation.

Located in the center of the capital, Comuna Santiago includes the most central and touristy parts of the city:

• Plaza de Armas
• Barrio Civico
• Barrio Yungay
• Paseo Ahumada
• Paseo Huerfanos
• Barrio Lastarria
• Forest Park
• Barrio Patronat
• Barrio Brazil
• Barrio Paris London

Tourist neighborhoods in Santiago de Chile

The best neighborhood for sightseeing in Santiago de Chile is Centro Historico.

In fact, most of the city’s tourist attractions are located in this area:

• The Cathedral
• The Presidential Palace of La Moneda
• Weapons Square
• The Municipal Theater
• The National History Museum
• The Pre-Columbian Art Museum
• Santa Lucia Hill

If you choose this neighborhood, you will also be close to the artists’ district Fine Arts and the pretty, colorful and very lively neighborhood of Bellavista.

Which hotel in the center of Santiago de Chile?

L ‘Hotel 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. In fact, it is located next to Forestal Park near the very touristy neighborhood of Lastarria and Bellas Artes.

How to visit Santiago de Chile?

With a departure from your hotel, you can discover the most emblematic sights of Santiago de Chile on this guided tour.