It belongs to the Santiago Metropolitan Region which is the capital and seat of the executive branch.

It is south of Huechuraba, east of Independencia and Conchalí, west of Providencia and Vitacura, and north of Santiago.

The Mapocho River and the San Cristóbal Hill form the natural boundary on the south and east sides, respectively, of Recoleta.

As a commune, Recoleta is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council, headed by an alcalde that is directly elected every four years.

On the other hand, the commune belongs to the VII Senatorial District that represents the entire Metropolitan Region of Santiago.