Santiago

Santiago

Santiago in Metropolitan Region (Chile)

Santiago guide

Dynamic and cosmopolitan Santiago is a vital and versatile city. Home to many events showcasing the very best of Chilean culture, it also hosts superb international festivals of sound, flavor and color. The Chilean capital breathes new life into all its visitors!

The city’s diversity shines through in its many contrasting neighborhoods. Set out to explore the city streets and you’ll discover beautiful and original art galleries, design shops and handicraft markets, as well as a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. Night owls can enjoy a taste of lively Latino nightlife in hip Bellavista!

Visit downtown Santiago to get a real feel for the city. Learn more about the country in its many fine museums, or wander around the famous Central Market – a gourmet’s delight.

Fans of the great outdoors can head for the hills that surround the city and marvel at panoramic views of Santiago with the magnificent Andes as a backdrop. Take the opportunity to grab a picnic and visit one of the city´s many parks.

You’ll find first-rate shopping opportunities in the stylish Alonso de Córdoba neighborhood and in the city’s many modern malls.

City tour

Ready to see the capital from a different perspective? Why not explore Santiago by bike, hop on a bus for a fascinating tour, join a fun group for a gourmet outing or trace the footsteps of the most famous Chilean poets?

For an overview of the city’s main landmarks, catch one of the hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses that offer sightseeing tours of Santiago, with timed stops at the most popular spots and shopping malls. You may be interested to know that they also stop at a number of independent Chilean design shops.

Visit the city’s green spaces by bike – it’s by far the best way by far to explore at your own pace. Rent a bike or join a two-wheeled tour of Santiago’s main attractions.

Try a brisket sandwich, hot seafood stew and maybe a glass of pipeño (see sidebar) on one of the culinary tours focused on local food. Your route may take in some of the bohemian haunts of well-known Chilean poets, and you could find yourself being spontaneously serenaded in the street by a group of talented buskers!

Shopping

In Santiago, independent designer shops can be found in cosmopolitan districts like Lastarria and Italia. If your taste is for more refined luxuries, visit the Alonso de Córdova neighborhood for exclusive international brands and elegant local boutiques.

Bellavista

Relax and share a drink with friends in the Bellavista District. Known for its Bohemian history, this is the ideal place to relax and “tirar la talla”. An endless list of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs await you every night because, Bellavista never sleeps!

During the day you can visit the house-museum, La Chascona, which belonged to the poet laureate Pablo Neruda. You can also visit several local theaters such as San Ginés, Centro Mori and the Bellavista Theater, among many others.