La Moneda
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La Moneda Palace

4.5
·3k reviews·Santiago, Chile

Chile's presidential palace, a historic neoclassical marvel and site of pivotal national events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Every other day, 10 AM

Witness the Changing of the Guard

CrowdMedium
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La Moneda

La Moneda Palace

Best Time

Every other day, 10 AM

Witness the Changing of the Guard

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Chile's presidential palace, a historic neoclassical marvel and site of pivotal national events.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A must-visit for history and architecture lovers, offering a glimpse into Chile's past and present."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Free Tours Online

Secure your spot for a free guided tour by booking in advance on visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. 🎟️

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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,773 reviews

Type

Local Government Office

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard

Front of the Palace

A splendid, ceremonial display of Chilean Carabineros marching with precision. Don't miss it!

Palace Architecture

Palace Architecture

Exterior and Courtyards

Admire the neoclassical grandeur of this historic building, a symbol of Chilean governance.

Underground Art Exhibitions

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

Bullet Hole Memorials

Exterior Walls

Look closely for repaired bullet holes, a poignant reminder of the 1973 coup d'état.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Free Tour in Advance

Free guided tours of La Moneda Palace are available, but you must book them online in advance via visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. Slots fill up quickly, so plan ahead to explore its historic halls and patios. TikTok

Timing Your Visit for the Guard Change

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a splendid event, usually held every two days at 10:00 AM. Arrive early for a good viewing spot, as the ceremony moves from the back to the front of the palace. Reddit

Best Times

When
Every other day, 10 AM
Why
Witness the Changing of the Guard
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for tours
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings with light shows
Why
Spectacular 3D video mapping
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Alegría Canina en las Afueras del Palacio de #LAMONEDA (Santiago de Chile). 18.5.2022 . Video de Mellamanrock por IG... #perro #Carabineros #Chile
@momentocoyh
183.1K likes • 1.1M views

Book Free Tours Online

Secure your spot for a free guided tour by booking in advance on visitaspatrimonio.presidencia.cl. TikTok 🎟️

Arrive Early for Guard Change

Get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony by arriving a bit before 10 AM. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Piñera tambien hizo la linea azul de google street view #streetview #piñera #piñericosas #googlestreetview #lamoneda #santiago
@imagia360
65.5K likes • 785.7K views
Built in 1784 and designed by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca, La Moneda was one of the finest neoclassical buildings in Latin America. It served as Chile’s Mint for over 70 years before becoming the presidential palace. Want to explore more hidden stories of Santiago? Book a tour with me! 🇨🇱✨ #SantiagoChile #LaMoneda #ChileHistory #HiddenStories #ArchitectureLovers #Neoclassical #TravelToChil...
mariaz_santiago_guide
42 likes • 2.1K views

Explore Underground Art

Don't miss the art exhibitions located beneath the palace for a cultural treat. Reddit 🎨

Look for Bullet Hole Repairs

Spot the historical scars on the palace walls from the 1973 coup. Reddit :camerawithflash:

“Palacio de la Moneda” #wickoshot #wickoshotfriends #chile #chilegram #santiagodechile #palaciodelamoneda #travel #viaje #places #palacio #palace #holydays #video #viralvideos #instadaily #reels #reelsinstagram #wow #nice #cool #insta #instagram #instagood #viral
wickoshot
91 likes • 1.1K views

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. TikTok 🎟️

Arrive Early for Guard Change

Get a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony by arriving a bit before 10 AM. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Explore Underground Art

Don't miss the art exhibitions located beneath the palace for a cultural treat. Reddit 🎨

Look for Bullet Hole Repairs

Spot the historical scars on the palace walls from the 1973 coup. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Virtual Tour Option

If you can't visit in person, enjoy a virtual tour of the palace. TikTok 💻

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

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

Historical significance
Neoclassical architecture
Changing of the Guard

What People Dislike

Security restrictions
Limited perimeter access

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

Nearby attractions include the Plaza de Armas, Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucia for panoramic views, and various museums and government buildings. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, as it is an active government building, there are security checks. Visitors on tours will need to go through security screening. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. TikTokReddit

Tours usually cover various patios, salons, and historical rooms, offering insights into Chile's presidential history and the building's past as the mint. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram+1

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

Photography rules inside the palace may vary depending on the tour and specific areas. It's advisable to follow the guide's instructions. TikTok

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. Instagram

Look for the repaired bullet holes as a unique historical photo element. Also, consider capturing the contrast between the historic architecture and modern Santiago. Reddit

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