La Moneda Palace

Visiting La Moneda Palace takes a little preparation but rewards those who plan ahead. While the government continues inside, the palace grounds and cultural centers welcome sightseers most days. Transport in central Santiago is efficient, making the palace easy to access, though rush hour can bring crowds streaming across the Plaza de la Constitución. Expect security checks at entrances, especially on weekdays.

• Best time to visit: Early morning weekdays for quiet; Sundays for local music and calmer crowds.
• How to get there: Metro Line 1, La Moneda station, exits directly at the site; buses and taxis also serve the plaza.
• Accessibility: Wide walkways, ramps, and elevators provide good access for families and visitors with limited mobility.
• Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on exhibitions and courtyard events.

La Moneda Palace offers far more than an elegant photo op. While the formal white facade stands out in pictures, wandering deeper reveals lively spaces, cultural treasures, and unexpected small details.

• Changing of the Guard: This lively ceremony, held every other morning, blends pageantry, music, and tradition. Arrive early for a good view near the palace gates.
• Centro Cultural La Moneda: An underground arts center holds rotating exhibitions of photography, design, and Chilean crafts. Modern murals and a well-curated gift shop add vibrancy underground.
• Patio de los Cañones: This stately courtyard offers open views of the palace’s interior walls and its iconic 19th-century cannons.
• Independence Memory Room: This small museum space covers intense moments from Chile’s struggle for democracy. Photos, documents, and artifacts bring the history close.
• Fountain-lined Plaza de la Ciudadanía: At sunset, the soft light on water and stone makes a perfect backdrop for photos and quiet moments.
• Sculpture Walk: Modern sculptures by Chilean artists dot the gardens, with plaques describing their cultural significance.