Santiago is the capital of the beautiful country of Chile. This city is the perfect mix of modern elements with Latin culture and gorgeous nature. Santiago is surrounded by both the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. The array of architecture goes from sleek and modern to neoclassical design. There is so much culture, cuisine, and history in Santiago you can’t miss it!
Cannot Miss Sites
Plaza de Armas is the historical center of the city as well as the home to many historic buildings. The beautiful square is covered in palm trees and surrounded by some truly gorgeous buildings. Some of them are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Royal Court Palace. There you will also find local painters working and selling their art.
Cerro San Cristóbal is one the most beautiful spots in the city because it gives you the perfect view of the city and all the nature that surrounds it. This park is not only home to spectacular views but also the National Zoo, a Japenese style garden, and two pools that are open in the summertime. Although to get to it it’s about a 45-minute hike, it’s worth it in the end. You can also take a funicular up there if you can’t make it physically.
Museo de la Memoria y de los Derechos Humanos is a fairly new museum that opened to celebrate 200 years of independence for Chile. This is an essential stop on the tour of Santiago because it really gives you the history behind the city’s past problems with dictatorship and human rights violations, an important issue still today in Chile. Although the museum is free, unless you speak Spanish you should pay to get an English audio guide.
Markets
There are so many different markets throughout the city, and they are essential to getting the full authentic feel. Start with La Vega Central Market, where you will find an amazing array of produce grown in the Chilean Central Valley. This is one of the most famous, largest, and oldest markets in the city. It was created in the late 19th century and is home to over 500 stalls.
If you are looking for small trinkets and gifts for friends and family back at home, stop by the Santa Lucia Market for all your shopping needs. There you will find inexpensive items, but things that are still authentically Chilean.
If you are looking for something more upscale, check out the Los Dominicos Village, a market that sells handmade artisan goods. There are tons of shops and cafes that offer authentic Chilean style, and often there are street performers and musicians.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Santiago is one of the best in South America. Keep in mind that most parties don’t start before midnight. If you are looking to bar hop, go to the Barrio Bellavista neighborhood. The best advice for a night out in Santiago is to just go where the people are, and wherever everyone is gathering is the best place to be.
