Central Post Office

The basics

While the Central Post Office’s primary function is shipping mail and packages, there's also an on-site museum, the Museo Postal y Telegrafico, which traces the nation's postal history. Because the post office is located right at Plaza de Armas, it features on all sorts of sightseeing tours, including city walking and cycling tours and Santiago night tours. Consider a private, customizable tour if you want the flexibility to spend time inside the post office with a guide.

Things to know before you go

• The post office is a must-see for architecture fans and philatelists.

• If you need to buy stamps or send packages, give yourself ample time to account for potentially long lines.

• There’s a tourism office right next to the post office where you can get information about area attractions in Spanish and English.

How to get there

The Central Post Office is within easy walking distance of many of the city's main attractions, and the Plaza de Armas and its Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago) are right by the post office. You can also take Line 3 or Line 5 of the Santiago Metro to the Plaza de Armas Station or walk to Santa Lucia station, 13 minutes away, to catch Line 1.

When to get there

The post office is open during business hours from Monday through Friday and on Saturdays from late morning until early afternoon, so make sure to visit during these times if you want to send postcards or packages or just see the interior. Visiting any time will do if you're fine with seeing the exteriors.

The Plaza de Armas

The post office sits on the Plaza de Armas, one of the busiest squares in town. This lovely spot has several pretty fountains and statues, including a monument to the Indigenous people of Chile. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, including the neoclassical Town Hall and the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago (Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), celebrated for its baroque-meets-Neoclassical façade.