Neighborhood Guide to Santiago
After spending about two weeks in Santiago, I quickly got a feel for the different neighborhoods that make this South American city so fascinating. Although I didn’t know too much about Santiago before arriving in Chile, I was very pleased to learn that the city is actually quite ideal for a bohemian. The first thing you will notice about Santiago is how different each neighborhood is, which is made clear by the varying examples of architecture of the buildings.
Here are my favorite neighborhoods in Santiago:
Lastarria: This hipster and bohemian-worthy neighborhood was my home in Santiago. Two steps from my apartment door led me to a street filled with coffee shops, restaurants and local street venders trying to sell their products. My first night in Lastarria I met a very intoxicated poet named Homer who somehow convinced me to buy a copy of his book (I don’t even know Spanish). Located in Lastarria is the Santa Lucia, which easily became my favorite view of Santiago and ideal writing spot. Both the Museo Arqueológico de Santiago and the Museo de Artes Visuales are located in Lastarria and if you head to the nearby neighborhood of Bellas Artes you can visit the Museo de Bellas Artes and Parque Forestal.
Brasil: While Lastarria often gets the reputation for being hipster-central, Brasil is where the real bohemians live. Years ago, this neighborhood attracted the rich men and women of Sanitago who moved here to gain a bit of distance from the “common folk”. In more recent years, however, Brasil has become a hot-spot for the young and trendy. Many universities also set up campuses here, so Brasil residents tend to be either young and broke students or elderly couples who have lived here for years. When we walked through Brasil, the streets were quiet but the graffiti and quirky restaurants brought a lot of color to the neighborhood.
Bellavista: Instead of showing you an array of street art photos I took while wandering the streets of Bellavista, I’ll leave you with this video of some very excited youngins’ partying for apparently no reason at all. During the day, Bellavista is a quiet neighborhood full of color and cleanliness. It’s even home to the second of famous poet Pable Neruda’s three houses in Chile. Once the sun sets, however, Bellavista becomes party central with countless bars, dance clubs and restaurants.
El Golf: The modern El Golf neighborhood is as close to Miami as you can get. With skyscrapers, chic restaurants and recognizable chains like Starbucks and Applebees, it’s easy to forget that you are in Chile. Any given street in El Golf could fit in perfectly in many U.S. cities. Why are there so many “American” chain restaurants around? Well, as the business capital of Santiago, this is the place where internationals come during their work trips to Chile.
Providencia: For natives of Los Angeles, Providencia may remind you of Rodeo Drive. The Alameda is the city’s main boulevard that runs through Central Santiago. It eventually turns into Avenida Providencia which is where Providencia officially begins. Here you will find upscale shops, elegant styled buildings, and several luxury hotels.
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21 Comments
Nice guide but a few points to correct:
Museo Bellas Artes is in the Bellas Artes neighborhood, not in Lastarria
It’s El Golf, not just Golf
Alameda doesn’t run through Providencia. The road turns into Avenida Providencia where Providencia begins. Alameda runs through Central Santiago.
Thanks for letting us know Clare! We’ve updated our article with the info you provided
Nice article. I will be staying Miraflores next May, but I will make sure to visit these neighborhoods too. I must be bohemian too because I love neighborhoods like these.
Oops….I meant that I will be staying in Forestal Park close to Bellas Artes.
That’s a great area Renee! You will love it
I would really like to visit Santiago. I have heard a lot of great things about it.
Don Faust recently posted..My 2012 Travel Resolutions
You should! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the people there are really friendly, the landscape beautiful and don’t even get me started on pisco sours
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Starts A New Year
I’ve been getting really interested in a visit to South America lately. This just fuels the fire!!
dtravelsround recently posted..Up-close with elephants: a photo essay of life with an Elephant Nature Park herd
You should go! I met the nicest people there and despite knowing zero Spanish they were so friendly and kind!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Starts A New Year
Chile has always interested me as a country, largely, I think, because of it’s long thin shape. Another one to visit (it’s a big old world!)
Laurence recently posted..A trip to Wilsons Prom, Victoria
Hope you make it there Laurence! The landscape reminds me a lot Cali.
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Shopping in Shanghai
I’ve really got to explore South America at some stage. Its the only continent I haven’t been to yet.
Rob recently posted..My 10 Top Travel Photos of 2011
Wow – you’ve been nearly everywhere Rob! Weather wise, I recommend going to South America in the warmer months (December-February) but for a more local experience I found that going during their winter brings in far less tourists.
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Shopping in Shanghai
Great break-down. I’d def be hitting up the bohemian areas as well!
cheryl recently posted..2011: A Year In Review For cherylhoward.com.
Thanks Cheryl! The most bohemian neighborhood is definitely Brasil but Bellavista is a bit more modern and funky – both unique in their own way.
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Shopping in Shanghai
Good day Megan thank you for your great article on neighborhoods in santiago, chile. The post was very helpful for a report I am working on for university.
Sammy recently posted..Best Divorce Lawyer
I’m so glad I could help Sammy! Santiago is such a cool city. Every neighborhood is different.
Megan recently posted..How to Spot A Bohemian Traveler
Hello there Megan I really enjoyed your informative blog post on neighborhoods in santiago, chile. Thanks alot : ). that is excellent material. and a Good post. Carry on the fantastic work…
Samantha recently posted..gerber coupons
Great to hear Samantha! I loved spending a few times in Santiago. Such a unique city with so many bohemian neighborhoods.
Megan recently posted..Inner Peace in Unlikely Places
Very helpful blog about the neighborhoods! Quick question if I may….which neighborhood would you recommend to a family of four staying in Santiago for two full weeks (2 adults, 2 kids (ages 6 & 9) this summer? This will be our first trip to Chile and we want to explore the city yet know that we are in a safe area with plenty to do within walking distance.
Thanks for reaching out Elizabeth! Based on the neighborhoods I got to know, I’d recommend Lastarria. It’s bohemian but not in the grungy sense – more in the upscale, trendy sense and still has lots of personality and is close to other fun neighborhoods and touristic sights. That’s where I stayed actually and loved it. I saw families there as well – there are tons of restaurants and a fun weekend market for buying food, books and other items. Hope this helps!