San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco)

The basics

Today, this church is a popular tourist attraction, with a number of half-day and full-day city tours stopping here. Most only give you the chance to view the exterior, and while it's an impressive sight to behold from the outside, it's worth stepping inside to see over 400 years of interior elements, including paintings and ecclesiastical objects. Opt for a private tour if you want to ensure you can spend as much time as you’d like at the church.

Things to know before you go

• This historic church is a must-see for history buffs and fans of architecture.

• Remember to keep quiet while inside, particularly around people who are praying.

• There are no steps up to the church, making it possible to enter with a wheelchair.

How to get there

The San Francisco Church is located in the Paris-Londres neighborhood, a couple of blocks from the base of Santa Lucía Hill, and right on the main Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins (nicknamed La Alameda). The church is easy to reach using public transportation, by taking Line 1 or Line 3 to the Universidad de Chile station, a 2-minute walk away.

When to get there

The church is open daily, and if you want to attend Mass, then you should come on a Sunday morning or on a feast day. If not, come on a weekday or a Saturday between late morning and early afternoon, so that you can pay a visit to the adjacent museum.

San Francisco Museum (Museo San Francisco)

Just next to the church sits the San Francisco Museum of Colonial Art, where you can see all sorts of religious art and learn more about the church and its history. Along with temporary exhibits, this compact museum has permanent exhibits on topics such as Saint Peter of Alcántara, poet Gabriela Mistral, and the church itself.