When I think of my favorite places to shop in Santiago de Chile there are several that come to my mind.

Without a doubt, one of my favorites is Patronato neighborhood area.

Not only because there you can buy cheap and pretty clothes, but because it is a whole world in a few blocks with not only commercial appeal but also cultural.

Welcome to the world of Barrio Patronato

Located in Recoleta district near San Cristobal Hill, it is one of the most emblematic districts of the Chilean capital. Patronato has a long history in the city of Santiago.

The origins of Barrio Patronato come from the colonial times when it was part of La Chimba neighborhood, including the are across the Mapocho River (as well as indicates its meaning in Quechua).

The neighborhood gained importance in the commercial scene thanks to the Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian colonies that settled in the area since 1890, in time of Turkish-Ottoman Empire.

During the 80s, Patronato received the arrival of new immigrants, this time mostly from China and Korea that brought greater diversity to the neighborhood.

In Patronato is located San Jorge Church, which is the first Orthodox church in the country, founded in 1913 and in 1982 was founded in the neighborhood the first Korean Presbyterian Church in Chile.

The area has mainly low buildings, no more than one-floor constructions in the inner streets and many continuous houses. You can still find some ‘cités’ that were characteristic of the area, which has been gradually replaced by modern and taller buildings or new stores.

The first store in Patronato was installed in 1948 on Patronato st. #280 and since that time the Barrio Patronato is dedicated mainly to the textile trade. You can find products manufactured in Chile and imported mainly from Asia.

But not only clothing can be found at Patronato, supermarkets with Asian products, Chilean, Arabic, Peruvian, Korean, Vietnamese restaurants, sweatshops, embroidery and some urban landmarks.
From Independent clothing designers to wholesalers, the world of fashion in Patronato is a dream, especially for women.

Good prices and great deals that concentrate a within a few blocks with an unexpected variety of products, from seasonal clothing, footwear, handbags, luggage, jewelry, clothing for children and currently has also increased the offer to men.

Perhaps the prevalent characteristic of Barrio Patronato is the trendy clothes offer, with good quality -if you know look good- and all at very good prices.

My Secrets for Shopping in Patronato

I’ve spent years buying in Barrio Patronato and I know it almost like the palm of my hand. Some relatives have business there and I grew up visiting its streets, talking to the marketers and exploring every corner of these streets.

Patronato offers a massive variety and is very easy to get confused and end up buying a lot more than you need or planned.

Therefore, the first advice is: Be clear about what you want to buy …. or if you do not have a problem with it: Shop it all!

Shopping in Patronato: Quality v/s Price?

The clothes you’ll buy in Patronato will not be of any known brand and if any, is most likely to be an imitation.

But what is certain is that much of the clothing you find there it’s found at the mall with a very expensive brand label costing more than double (or triple) just because it has that label.

So if you do not mind carrying or wearing a piece of unknown brand, this is the place for you.

Always double check the clothes and especially check there are no problems at the seams.

There are clothes imported from China, very cheap, but the quality sometimes is not the best. Check them out. And if necessary check them twice.

If you want to save some money and find the best value, gives few laps and ask in different shops before buying. Many have similar (or the same) products and prices can vary from one block to another.

Safety while shopping in Patronato

Patronato is known for being a shopping district and is generally quite safe.

Like any place with a large affluent people not only walking but also buying, sometimes distracted or trying on the clothes, makes it an ideal place for thieves.

It’s nothing to be scared but it’s also not so strange to hear of pickpocketings, shoplifting or ‘carterazos’ as we call them in Chile.

So, please be careful with your belongings and valuables, as said:

• Always keep your purse or backpack in front of you.
• Avoid having your cell phone on hand while shopping.

This same advice applies to walk anywhere in the city, while you walk through the center of Santiago, you’re above the Metro or any other crowded place as big shoppings.

While there are two ATMs on Patronato street, there is almost always long lines to use them.

The cool fact in this area is, right in front of them you’ll find one of the smallest police station in the country.

• Take cash and hopefully small bills.
• Be clear about how much money you carry with you, and where you have saved it.

Where to find what you want to buy in Barrio Patronato

The commercial area of Barrio Patronato is organized into approximately 20 blocks. They are more or less organized related to different products that can be found.

There are local shops, garment factories, street vending and kiosk type shops established in the street.

Patronato street

It is the main entrance when you arrive by car. It is most shops with clothing and women’s accessories.

Manzano street

You find independent shops with clothing designers. Wholesalers also handbags, jewelry and watches.

Dardignac street

Mainly you will find handbags, jewelry, and men’s clothing.

 

Antonia López de Bello street

On this street, you will find many supermarkets, bakeries, and Asian restaurants.

Santa Filomena street

You find menswear and the Orthodox Churches

Eusebio Lillo street

On this street, you will find several restaurants and shops with Arab children’s clothing

 

       

 

Do you already Barrio Patronato? Do you have a favorite shop that you often visit in Patronato?