Santiago Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Santiago

Santiago is a very large, sprawling city in one of the most expensive countries in South America. As such, it carries the cost but if you\'re careful there are some great bargains. Check out the quick-in, quick-out coffee bars and empanada restaurants but most restaurants you\'ll find...more Santiago is a very large, sprawling city in one of the most expensive countries in South America. As such, it carries the cost but if you\'re careful there are some great bargains. Check out the quick-in, quick-out coffee bars and empanada restaurants but most restaurants you\'ll find are quite expensive (great seafood variety). close

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by peterandsophia – posted on Dec 31, 2007

16

I stayed there for about three days and must say that I was surprised in positive. I sort of expected a typical big city and actually found a very agreable, charming place. It reminds me a bit at the farniente feeling you got in Barcelona. So it may be that you don\'t find touristical...more I stayed there for about three days and must say that I was surprised in positive. I sort of expected a typical big city and actually found a very agreable, charming place. It reminds me a bit at the farniente feeling you got in Barcelona. So it may be that you don\'t find touristical highlights - but instead just a place where you have a good time !close

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by inesb6592 – posted on Apr 6, 2007

8

after being in peru for 6 weeks, chilé feels very formal and upscale. wearing my normal clothes, i feel too dressed down compared to everyone else on the streets. from what i´ve seen so far, it seems like Chileans are very formal and like to dress up and look nice at all times....more after being in peru for 6 weeks, chilé feels very formal and upscale. wearing my normal clothes, i feel too dressed down compared to everyone else on the streets. from what i´ve seen so far, it seems like Chileans are very formal and like to dress up and look nice at all times. Santiago is a beautiful city!close

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by LanniL – posted on Mar 23, 2007

2

After coming from Mendoza, Argentina we were really pleased with the friendly vibe of Santiago. A very unpretentious city, we received many returned smiles. We also really enjoyed the atmosphere in Plaza de Armas. We were, however, very unpleased with the Suzcia Ave. area of bars and...more After coming from Mendoza, Argentina we were really pleased with the friendly vibe of Santiago. A very unpretentious city, we received many returned smiles. We also really enjoyed the atmosphere in Plaza de Armas. We were, however, very unpleased with the Suzcia Ave. area of bars and restaurants, very pushy, poor value and poor food quality. We would definetly reccomend people stay away from that hokey tourist trap. The side street of J.V. Lastarria, however, is most certainly worth a visit. Lots of quality cafes and restobars with fantastic food and quiet, friendly vibes. Go to Cafe Patagonia for a delicious, hippy style, bowl of friut and organic granola served in honey and yogurt or for there beautiful brunch buffet on weekends. Yum! We have been told to stay away from Santiago for it´s lack of culture, vibe or whatever, but after being in Chile and Argentina for the past 3 months our advice is to go and soak up the friendliness of the people and the hidden gems of colonial architecture in it´s side streets. Lots of peculiar photo opportunities for photo-heads. Enjoy.close

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by Sharpshin – posted on Feb 9, 2007

2

After the edginess of Buenos Aires and the mild sense of chaos in Peru, I found Santiago very easy to move around, pleasant and very relaxing. I enjoyed sitting in parks without being hassled and wandering around the city without being accosted every two minutes. As there are many more...more After the edginess of Buenos Aires and the mild sense of chaos in Peru, I found Santiago very easy to move around, pleasant and very relaxing. I enjoyed sitting in parks without being hassled and wandering around the city without being accosted every two minutes. As there are many more European-looking faces, I didn´t feel so obviously very different and the tourist.close

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by penelope783co – posted on Dec 20, 2006

3

My purpose in Santiago wasn't tourism so I don't really have an opinion on most topics. In November, the weather is warm. You will only need a light jacket in the evenings. Bring sunscreen if you're gonna be out a lot. There are plenty of malls, if you're in to that sort...more My purpose in Santiago wasn't tourism so I don't really have an opinion on most topics. In November, the weather is warm. You will only need a light jacket in the evenings. Bring sunscreen if you're gonna be out a lot. There are plenty of malls, if you're in to that sort of thing. I felt like money had a good value (purchasing power).close

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by vkarla – posted on Nov 18, 2006

2

I thought Santiago would be a big, polluted Westernised city with no heart or soul... how wrong I was! Ok, so there is alot of smog, but you hardly notice it for all of the stunning vistas and beautiful, colonial buildings. You will not believe how close the snow-capped mountains are or how clean...more I thought Santiago would be a big, polluted Westernised city with no heart or soul... how wrong I was! Ok, so there is alot of smog, but you hardly notice it for all of the stunning vistas and beautiful, colonial buildings. You will not believe how close the snow-capped mountains are or how clean and efficient the underground rail system is. Santiago is expensive compared to other major South-American cities. But this with good reason - the people have put in the effort to make it a world-standard city. A wonderful suprise!close

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by corryne – posted on Oct 14, 2006

2

Dont go to santiago in the winter as this place has no heating and we got very cold. (june) The bed was very comfortable and the hostel in general has a very chilled atmosphere. Dont expect any parties or entertainment as it is a family run affair. But you wont have any problems with the staff...more Dont go to santiago in the winter as this place has no heating and we got very cold. (june) The bed was very comfortable and the hostel in general has a very chilled atmosphere. Dont expect any parties or entertainment as it is a family run affair. But you wont have any problems with the staff who are very welcoming and extremely friendly. close

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by michael2191 – posted on Jun 7, 2006

7