Walking tour in Santiago Center Area

Santiago is located in the middle of the Aconcagua Valley and surrounded by the beautiful Andes Mountains (which if you’re very lucky you can appreciate in all its beauty), it’s one of the safest capitals between South American countries but at the same time one of the most polluted because of its geographical location. The best time to visit is during the spring (National Holiday is in September, called “Fiestas Patrias”!) when it is more pleasant to discover Santiago.

Being the most populated region of Chile, with nearly 50% of the population living in the Metropolitan Region. In certain areas the city exudes certain cosmopolitan air, looking like any big city in the world and with an exaggerated imitation of the American style.

With a colonial past, the city was founded in 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia, called originally “Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura”, being named capital of Chile at the time of the Constitution of the Chilean Republic in 1810. Despite having almost disappeared many times due to earthquakes, floods and attacks of the Mapuche indigenous people. The buildings and colonial streets are part of the most beautiful in the city. Most are located in the area of the Centre of Santiago and are easily reachable by foot and without spending any money.

Here is Free Guide to discover Santiago and my list of some of my favorites places within the city:

Santa Lucía Hill

Located in the Centre of Santiago, next to the National Library and Barrio Lastarria. It was the place where the Conqueror Pedro de Valdivia founded the city. It has a height of 69 meters, and from the top you can see a beautiful view of the city centre if  you’re lucky on having clear and unpolluted sky for few hours. It was declared a historical monument in 1983.

At the top you can find two Forts and a cannon that is fired at noon every day since 1825, which has been suspended many times for various reasons. Currently works at mid day, so if you are out there or in the surrounding area don’t panic if you hear a big noise at that time of the day! At its peak there is also a castle, which currently hosts different kind of parties and dinners. I recommend to not get there at hours without sunlight there is a big risk of assaults.

Free entrance. Monday to Sunday: 09 to 20 h. Guided tours: Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10:00 starting from the office of the Hill. turismo@munistgo.cl

 

La Moneda Palace

(Palacio de La Moneda)

Was originally the center of minting coins of the country. Its construction began in 1784, with very solid walls, more than one meter of thickness. In 1846 it became the main seat of the Government, until today the office of the President of the Republic is located here. Can be visited from Monday to Friday and the changing of the guard is at 10:00 in the week and 11:00 on weekends and public holidays.

There are guided visits by contacting mail visitas@presidencia.cl. Free entrance. There’s a cultural center outside in the underground that’s definitely worth the visit too.

New York Street

The most beautiful streets of Santiago are the ones that still retain the colonial style, this street which keeps the style of the past is just few meters away from La Moneda. There are some traditional restaurant with old waiters with whom you can venture to ask for French fries and might have mashed potatoes because the waiter says that is the best for you today.

Plaza de Armas and surroundings

It is the place of the point zero within the urbanization of Santiago and was the scene of the Foundation of the city. Characteristic buildings that surround it are dependencies of the main Post Office (Correo Central), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Municipality of Santiago and Real Audiencia Palace (Palacio de la Real Audiencia).

Center of social meetings until today, Chileans and lot of immigrants spend their days around it. You can find different artistic expressions such as painting, clowns, music and very spicy Street humor which invites many people every day to chill out for few minutes from the hectic life in the capital (watch out for pickpockets while watching the shows!).

Central Market

Opened in 1872 and declared a historical monument in 1970. It is an icon in the city of Santiago. Until today is selling fresh seafood within the center of Santiago. Inside you can find also many restaurant whose specialty is food from the sea. There are different style and price being located in the center of the place the higher values.

Don’t panic if many scream and talk about trying to convince you to eat at their establishments, looks calm prices and supply and quiet decide where to eat. Just across the street is the legendary bar “La Piojera”, which I’ll tell you about in another post.

Free entrance. https://www.mercadocentral.CL

 

La Vega Central

The biggest fruit and vegetable market which supplies many restaurants and shops in the city. Inside you can also find traditional restaurants with Chilean food at very reasonable prices. It is one of my favorites places in the city, reflecting the local culture; whenever I can I am going to explore the endless aisles with products from most parts of the country, mainly from the central area, but at the same time you can find products from neighboring countries.

Close to it are located the Tirso de Molina Market (Mercado de Abastos Tirso de Molina), the Flower Market (Pérgola de las Flores) and the Little Vega (La Vega Chica). Free entrance. https://www.lavega.cl

Forestal Park

Located in the heart of the city is one of the green lungs that run through it. It was created in 1894 and since 1997 the Park and its surroundings remains protected as declared Typical or Picturesque Zone. It has about 6500 species of native and introduced trees. It has sectors for children and sculptures installed along it and especially on weekends you can find street performances, theatre, jugglers, musicians, etc.

Inside of this park is located the Museum of fine arts and the also the Contemporary arts Museum MAC. Free entrance.

Barrio Bellavista and Barrio Lastarria

These two are nice areas to explore and enjoy the afternoons and nights in Santiago.

Both located close to the Mapocho River and Forestal Park, are the most Bohemian districts of the capital. In them you will find numerous coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, theatres and discos of the most varied styles.

Persa Bio Bío Market and Franklin neighborhood

One of my favorite places to visit in the city is this massive market where you can find almost everything you can imagine. From antiques, to clothes, furnitres and lots of national and international food.

Don’t miss this place if you are in Santiago for the weekeend! (You can read more about it here)

 

Haveyou ever visited Santiago? Which is your favorite place in the city?