La Moneda Palace
Chile's presidential palace, a historic neoclassical marvel and site of pivotal national events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the Changing of the Guard
La Moneda Palace
Best Time
Witness the Changing of the Guard
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chile's presidential palace, a historic neoclassical marvel and site of pivotal national events.
"A must-visit for history and architecture lovers, offering a glimpse into Chile's past and present."
Book Free Tours Online
Secure your spot for a free guided tour by booking in advance on visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. :ticket:
Arrive Early for Guard Change
Get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony by arriving a bit before 10 AM. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Changing of the Guard
Front of the Palace
A splendid, ceremonial display of Chilean Carabineros marching with precision. Don't miss it!
Palace Architecture
Exterior and Courtyards
Admire the neoclassical grandeur of this historic building, a symbol of Chilean governance.
Underground Art Exhibitions
Beneath the Palace
Discover stunning art exhibitions in the underground spaces, offering a cultural contrast to the political facade.
Bullet Hole Memorials
Exterior Walls
Look closely for repaired bullet holes, a poignant reminder of the 1973 coup d'état.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Free Tour in Advance
Timing Your Visit for the Guard Change
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Free Tours Online
Secure your spot for a free guided tour by booking in advance on visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. :ticket:
Arrive Early for Guard Change
Get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony by arriving a bit before 10 AM. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Underground Art
Don't miss the art exhibitions located beneath the palace for a cultural treat. :art:
Look for Bullet Hole Repairs
Spot the historical scars on the palace walls from the 1973 coup. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Free Tours Online
Secure your spot for a free guided tour by booking in advance on visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. :ticket:
Arrive Early for Guard Change
Get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony by arriving a bit before 10 AM. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Underground Art
Don't miss the art exhibitions located beneath the palace for a cultural treat. :art:
Look for Bullet Hole Repairs
Spot the historical scars on the palace walls from the 1973 coup. :camerawithflash:
Virtual Tour Option
If you can't visit in person, enjoy a virtual tour of the palace. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Moneda Palace is a highly recommended historical landmark in Santiago, praised for its significant role in Chilean history and its impressive neoclassical architecture. Visitors often highlight the Changing of the Guard ceremony and the opportunity for free guided tours as major draws. Some visitors have noted security restrictions that limit access to the immediate perimeter.
"This is a must visit in Santiago. It is the offices of the President of Chile. It is the site of the military coup in 1973. It’s the home of their democratic government today and in the past. They do a change of guard every two days at 10:00 AM. That is a very splendid event to watch. Go under the Moneda for some stunning art exhibitions, a snack, and clean bathrooms. The ceremony starts at the back of the Moneda and marches around to the front where most of the ceremony occurs. Get there a little early to get a good viewing spot. If you look closely you can still find where they repaired bullet holes on the palace. There several other spectacular government structures in the"
Paul
"Super fun tourist spot, be sure to go on a morning when they change the guard!"
Mark Bauer
"Hoped to be able to tour the inside, but they had pretty tight security around the building and not allowing tourists to even go inside of the perimeter fence that was set up.
Took a few pictures from the memorial plaza/park area adjacent to the palace. This building functions as a government/state building and houses many offices and meeting rooms for high ranking government officials in the Chilean government.
A nice display and many flags and memorials to past leadership are also found on the ground and around the area. This is one of the key buildings you'll find on many of the Chilean souvenirs. It's a significant historical landmark."
Bret Bowman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Moneda Palace is centrally located in Santiago's downtown area. You can easily reach it by metro, with the La Moneda station on Line 1 being the most convenient. Many bus routes also stop nearby. Walking from other central attractions like Plaza de Armas is also feasible. 
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be expensive and fill up quickly. Public transport, especially the metro, is highly recommended for easier access and to avoid traffic congestion.
Yes, you can take photos from the surrounding plazas and streets. The exterior architecture and the flags are impressive. However, access to the immediate perimeter may be restricted due to security.
Nearby attractions include the Plaza de Armas, Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucia for panoramic views, and various museums and government buildings.
While the exterior is accessible, specific accessibility for tours inside may vary. It's advisable to contact the palace directly when booking your tour to inquire about specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is generally free, but guided tours of the interior require advance booking. These tours are also free of charge.
You must book your free guided tour online in advance through the official presidential website: visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. Slots are limited and fill up quickly.
Tour availability and times can vary. It's essential to check the official booking website for the most up-to-date schedule when planning your visit.
Yes, as it is an active government building, there are security checks. Visitors on tours will need to go through security screening.
While you can view the exterior and surrounding areas freely, interior tours are the primary way to experience the palace's historical significance up close.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The ceremony typically happens every two days at 10 AM. It involves a formal march by the Carabineros (Chilean police), complete with music and precise movements. It's a significant display of tradition.
Tours usually cover various patios, salons, and historical rooms, offering insights into Chile's presidential history and the building's past as the mint.
Yes, the palace grounds and nearby areas feature memorials, including visible repairs to bullet holes from the 1973 coup, serving as a stark reminder of its history.
The President works at La Moneda, but sightings are rare and not guaranteed. The palace is a working government building, not a tourist attraction for meeting officials.
La Moneda Palace is the seat of the President of Chile and has been a witness to pivotal moments, including the 1973 military coup and the establishment of democratic governance. It was also the former mint.
📸 📸 Photography
The front facade, the surrounding plazas, and the courtyards during a tour offer great photo opportunities. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also a popular subject.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around government buildings due to security regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
Photography rules inside the palace may vary depending on the tour and specific areas. It's advisable to follow the guide's instructions.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for exterior shots and details. For the Changing of the Guard, a telephoto lens can be useful. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the palace's grandeur.
Look for the repaired bullet holes as a unique historical photo element. Also, consider capturing the contrast between the historic architecture and modern Santiago.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Visitors can see physical reminders of this event, such as the repaired bullet holes on the exterior walls, offering a tangible connection to the past. 📸 Photographers
The Changing of the Guard ceremony presents dynamic opportunities for capturing movement and tradition. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Symbol of Chilean History and Governance
For over 70 years, it served its original purpose before transitioning to house the presidential offices, becoming a central symbol of Chilean democracy and governance. The palace's history is deeply intertwined with the nation's political landscape, most notably the tragic events of September 11, 1973. On that day, the palace was bombarded during a military coup, and President Salvador Allende delivered his final radio address from within its walls before his death.
+1 Today, the visible repairs to bullet holes on its exterior serve as a somber reminder of this pivotal moment in Chilean history. Visitors can explore this rich history through free guided tours, which offer a glimpse into the palace's various salons and patios.
Experiencing La Moneda: Tours and Ceremonies
Another must-see event is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Typically held every two days at 10:00 AM, this impressive display of precision and tradition by the Chilean Carabineros is a spectacle worth witnessing.
Beyond the tours and ceremonies, the palace grounds and underground areas often feature art exhibitions and are a significant historical landmark.
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