Guidebook for Santiago
Food Scene
José Victorino Lastarria
José Victorino LastarriaPubs, restaurants, art spaces.
One of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Santiago is Bellavista, which is known for a great many things including its reputation as an artsy enclave and center for nightlife. Situated between the Mapocho River and Cerro San Cristóbal, Bellavista was home to Chile’s elite until recently, and its history is still evident in its stately urban architecture.
Bellavista offers the perfect combination of fine food, arts and entertainment. Choose from one of the dozens of incredible restaurants that line streets like Constitución and Loreto, and then take in one of the neighborhood’s cultural or recreational events.
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Belavista
BellavistaOne of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Santiago is Bellavista, which is known for a great many things including its reputation as an artsy enclave and center for nightlife. Situated between the Mapocho River and Cerro San Cristóbal, Bellavista was home to Chile’s elite until recently, and its history is still evident in its stately urban architecture.
Bellavista offers the perfect combination of fine food, arts and entertainment. Choose from one of the dozens of incredible restaurants that line streets like Constitución and Loreto, and then take in one of the neighborhood’s cultural or recreational events.
Art, design and excelent cuisine
It’s very easy to lose yourself in Barrio Italia in Santiago.
Art galleries, antique shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, pizza places, live music, bookshops, shops for interior décor, lighting and clothes. Indian, Mediterranean, Spanish and Chilean cuisine. And bicycles – many, many bicycles.
Music from buskers, conversations and stories from the antique shop owners, gossip from the residents still in the neighborhood are another part of what you will find on a Saturday at midday, the best day and time for a visit.
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Barrio Italia TV
Avenida ItaliaArt, design and excelent cuisine
It’s very easy to lose yourself in Barrio Italia in Santiago.
Art galleries, antique shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, pizza places, live music, bookshops, shops for interior décor, lighting and clothes. Indian, Mediterranean, Spanish and Chilean cuisine. And bicycles – many, many bicycles.
Music from buskers, conversations and stories from the antique shop owners, gossip from the residents still in the neighborhood are another part of what you will find on a Saturday at midday, the best day and time for a visit.
Everything Else
Parque Bustamante station
Nice Park with a literary café.
Sightseeing
Hilltop and urban park, which has spectacular city views, walking trails, botanical gardens and family-friendly activities.
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Cerro San Cristobal
Hilltop and urban park, which has spectacular city views, walking trails, botanical gardens and family-friendly activities.
Neoclasical building. Chilean Government Seat since 1922.
Its high walls are witnesses of the country's history, like the bombing during the Military Coup in 1973 when former president Salvador Allende died.
Today, you can access to the Palace from the Constitution Square going north, getting to see its interior gardens.
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La Moneda station
Neoclasical building. Chilean Government Seat since 1922.
Its high walls are witnesses of the country's history, like the bombing during the Military Coup in 1973 when former president Salvador Allende died.
Today, you can access to the Palace from the Constitution Square going north, getting to see its interior gardens.
A natural, 230 foot hill and Park, offerering panoramic views of the city
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Santa Lucía
A natural, 230 foot hill and Park, offerering panoramic views of the city
Santiago’s former city center is a big draw for tourists and residents alike. There are often events being held in the Plaza and it’s surrounded by history. Don’t miss the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, if you’re a photography buff bring a tripod to get some great shots inside this beautiful church, admission is free. If you like religious history check out the adjoining Museo de Arte Sagrado.
If you’re a general history buff, visit the Museo Histórico Nacional, in the Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago Building, a great museum of Chilean history which is free on Sundays and holidays. Make sure to take the tour of their clock tower, and get a great view of the Plaza from above. In the main plaza you’ll see tons of street entertainment, art for sale, and get a good view of the people living and working in Santiago. The Chess Club of Chile almost always meets here during the day, if you think you have what it takes you can challenge someone to a game. If you enjoy more ancient history they don’t miss the reopened Museo Chileno De Arte Precolombino just around the corner, this gem is a don’t miss for visitors! Closest Metro: Plaza De Armas.
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Plaza de Armas
Plaza de ArmasSantiago’s former city center is a big draw for tourists and residents alike. There are often events being held in the Plaza and it’s surrounded by history. Don’t miss the Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago, if you’re a photography buff bring a tripod to get some great shots inside this beautiful church, admission is free. If you like religious history check out the adjoining Museo de Arte Sagrado.
If you’re a general history buff, visit the Museo Histórico Nacional, in the Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago Building, a great museum of Chilean history which is free on Sundays and holidays. Make sure to take the tour of their clock tower, and get a great view of the Plaza from above. In the main plaza you’ll see tons of street entertainment, art for sale, and get a good view of the people living and working in Santiago. The Chess Club of Chile almost always meets here during the day, if you think you have what it takes you can challenge someone to a game. If you enjoy more ancient history they don’t miss the reopened Museo Chileno De Arte Precolombino just around the corner, this gem is a don’t miss for visitors! Closest Metro: Plaza De Armas.
If you visit on Sundays you will find this area full of Chileans enjoying Parque Forestal right around Museo Bellas Artes. There’s often a flea market of sorts with tons of people setting up blankets on the grass and selling used clothes, art and many other things. You will find people playing music and break dancing, jugglers practicing their routines, and a variety of street entertainment that you can enjoy even if you don’t speak much Spanish. You really can’t go to Santiago without seeing this.
Walking along the shaded pedestrian pathways is a nice break from the busy sidewalks of Santiago and a great place to stop and rest during your explorations of Santiago Centro. In addition every Sunday the streets here along the Mapocho River are closed from 9am until 2pm for cycling, running and any non-motorized traffic. This area is also generally along any organized race route in Santiago and additionally there are many events held on the lawns or streets in front of Museo Bellas Artes, so, if you see things being closed off, stick around and enjoy the upcoming activities. Closest Metro: Bellas Artes.
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Parque Forestal
If you visit on Sundays you will find this area full of Chileans enjoying Parque Forestal right around Museo Bellas Artes. There’s often a flea market of sorts with tons of people setting up blankets on the grass and selling used clothes, art and many other things. You will find people playing music and break dancing, jugglers practicing their routines, and a variety of street entertainment that you can enjoy even if you don’t speak much Spanish. You really can’t go to Santiago without seeing this.
Walking along the shaded pedestrian pathways is a nice break from the busy sidewalks of Santiago and a great place to stop and rest during your explorations of Santiago Centro. In addition every Sunday the streets here along the Mapocho River are closed from 9am until 2pm for cycling, running and any non-motorized traffic. This area is also generally along any organized race route in Santiago and additionally there are many events held on the lawns or streets in front of Museo Bellas Artes, so, if you see things being closed off, stick around and enjoy the upcoming activities. Closest Metro: Bellas Artes.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights seeks to draw attention to human rights violations committed by the Chilean state between 1973 and 1990. Its mission is to allow dignity for victims and their families, stimulate reflection and debate and to promote respect and tolerance in order that these events never happen again.
It is a Bicentennial project, inaugurated on January 2010, by then President Bachelet. Its purpose is to promote educational initiatives that enhance knowledge and consideration. Its location, on Matucana Street, is also part of an ongoing effort to promote the cultural circuit of Santiago’s West Side.
Through objects, documents and archives presented in different settings and formats, as well as a innovative sight and sound presentation, it is possible to learn part of this history: the military coup, the repression that took place in the following years, the resistance movement, exile, international solidarity, reparation policies.
The archives’ patrimony includes oral and written testimonies, legal documents, letters, tales, literary production, press clips, visual and radio material, feature films, historical material and documentary photos.
Its spaces for temporary exhibitions, its 8,000 square meter plaza, the auditorium and the public art pieces that are part of the architecture are intended to transform the Museum into a high profile cultural institution in Santiago.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a dynamic and interactive space that rescues Chile’s recent history and recovers truth, which grows and reflects itself in a culture of respect for the dignity of individuals.
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Minjasafn og mannréttindasafn
501 MatucanaThe Museum of Memory and Human Rights seeks to draw attention to human rights violations committed by the Chilean state between 1973 and 1990. Its mission is to allow dignity for victims and their families, stimulate reflection and debate and to promote respect and tolerance in order that these events never happen again.
It is a Bicentennial project, inaugurated on January 2010, by then President Bachelet. Its purpose is to promote educational initiatives that enhance knowledge and consideration. Its location, on Matucana Street, is also part of an ongoing effort to promote the cultural circuit of Santiago’s West Side.
Through objects, documents and archives presented in different settings and formats, as well as a innovative sight and sound presentation, it is possible to learn part of this history: the military coup, the repression that took place in the following years, the resistance movement, exile, international solidarity, reparation policies.
The archives’ patrimony includes oral and written testimonies, legal documents, letters, tales, literary production, press clips, visual and radio material, feature films, historical material and documentary photos.
Its spaces for temporary exhibitions, its 8,000 square meter plaza, the auditorium and the public art pieces that are part of the architecture are intended to transform the Museum into a high profile cultural institution in Santiago.
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a dynamic and interactive space that rescues Chile’s recent history and recovers truth, which grows and reflects itself in a culture of respect for the dignity of individuals.
Arts & Culture
Bellas Artes station
City Art Museum.
You can also visit the Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda, located under the plaza behind La Moneda, which has several different art and cultural exhibits at any time. Entry is free if you go before 12pm, they also offer free tours, ask about availability. Closest Metro: La Moneda
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Menningar Miðstöð Palacio de La Moneda
You can also visit the Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda, located under the plaza behind La Moneda, which has several different art and cultural exhibits at any time. Entry is free if you go before 12pm, they also offer free tours, ask about availability. Closest Metro: La Moneda
GAM center is a meeting place for audiences and creators, specialized in stage and musical arts. It has rooms to rehearsal rooms and theaters for musicians, actors, and dancers, and rooms to hold seminars, visual arts displays, a recording studio, and a library
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Miðstöð Gabriela Mistral
227 Av Libertador Bernardo O'HigginsGAM center is a meeting place for audiences and creators, specialized in stage and musical arts. It has rooms to rehearsal rooms and theaters for musicians, actors, and dancers, and rooms to hold seminars, visual arts displays, a recording studio, and a library
Shopping
The Constanera Center is Santiago’s latest and greatest shopping mall. Full of boutique and big-name stores.
Closest Metro is Tobalaba and as it’s on the main road that traverses from Vitacura right into downtown Santiago, getting a bus there is very easy.
It boasts all the popular stores – TopShop, Zara, Levi’s, Bobbi Brown, M.A.C., Espirit and H&M.
Costanera Center opened its doors in June of 2012 in Providencia, one of Santiago’s most happening neighborhoods. With more than 197,000 square meters of floor area, it is Chile’s and Latin America’s largest mall and one of the most important on the continent.
Thanks to its location, connection with the community and access to public transportation, it is easily accessible from many different parts of Santiago.
Visitors love the more than 300 stores distributed throughout six thematically-organized floors including exclusive boutiques and the best international brands such as H&M, Banana Republic, Gap, Topman, Aristocrazy, Hugo Boss, Guess and Zara, among others.
An exclusive benefits program called “On Tour Costanera Center” is available to foreign tourists. The discount bracelet opens the door to enticing offers at more than 100 stores. To register, go to the On Tour booth on the second floor of the mall, show your foreign passport or ID and enjoy the program s benefits.
Costanera Center also has a wide variety of the best culinary options including a strip with different types of restaurants, a 2,000 person capacity food court, 12 Premium movie theaters and a supermarket, in addition to other services.
Sky Costanera was recently opened on the upper floors of the tower. This highest observation deck in Latin America is 300 meters high and is the only one with a 360-degree view of Santiago. Sky Costanera is open every day of the year, except state holidays, and offers free guided visits in three languages.
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Costanera Center
2425 Andres BelloThe Constanera Center is Santiago’s latest and greatest shopping mall. Full of boutique and big-name stores.
Closest Metro is Tobalaba and as it’s on the main road that traverses from Vitacura right into downtown Santiago, getting a bus there is very easy.
It boasts all the popular stores – TopShop, Zara, Levi’s, Bobbi Brown, M.A.C., Espirit and H&M.
Costanera Center opened its doors in June of 2012 in Providencia, one of Santiago’s most happening neighborhoods. With more than 197,000 square meters of floor area, it is Chile’s and Latin America’s largest mall and one of the most important on the continent.
Thanks to its location, connection with the community and access to public transportation, it is easily accessible from many different parts of Santiago.
Visitors love the more than 300 stores distributed throughout six thematically-organized floors including exclusive boutiques and the best international brands such as H&M, Banana Republic, Gap, Topman, Aristocrazy, Hugo Boss, Guess and Zara, among others.
An exclusive benefits program called “On Tour Costanera Center” is available to foreign tourists. The discount bracelet opens the door to enticing offers at more than 100 stores. To register, go to the On Tour booth on the second floor of the mall, show your foreign passport or ID and enjoy the program s benefits.
Costanera Center also has a wide variety of the best culinary options including a strip with different types of restaurants, a 2,000 person capacity food court, 12 Premium movie theaters and a supermarket, in addition to other services.
Sky Costanera was recently opened on the upper floors of the tower. This highest observation deck in Latin America is 300 meters high and is the only one with a 360-degree view of Santiago. Sky Costanera is open every day of the year, except state holidays, and offers free guided visits in three languages.
Drinks & Nightlife
Owned by Chile’s top satirical magazine, The Clinic, and covered in its political cartoons, this infamous bar is where the intelligentsia comes to bicker over beers. It’s also a great introduction to the political landscape, particularly for any left-leaning, socialist-minded, Chile-curious individuals. Bar The Clinic is one of the best places in town to sample some of the fantastic craft brews coming out of Chilean Patagonia, including Austral Calafate and Kunstmann Arándano. Or, if you prefer wine, the menu has four pages of Chilean varieties within its cheeky, tabloid layout, which mimics the tone of its parent magazine.
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Bar Radicales
578 MonjitasOwned by Chile’s top satirical magazine, The Clinic, and covered in its political cartoons, this infamous bar is where the intelligentsia comes to bicker over beers. It’s also a great introduction to the political landscape, particularly for any left-leaning, socialist-minded, Chile-curious individuals. Bar The Clinic is one of the best places in town to sample some of the fantastic craft brews coming out of Chilean Patagonia, including Austral Calafate and Kunstmann Arándano. Or, if you prefer wine, the menu has four pages of Chilean varieties within its cheeky, tabloid layout, which mimics the tone of its parent magazine.