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Santiago City Guide

overall city rating 72%

Santiago is the capital and largest city of Chile. Not only is it one of South America's most sophisticated cities, this thriving metropolis is also home to a third of Chile's entire population. This city's secret little gem is its one-of-a-kind location sprawled below some of the highest peaks of the Andes range, providing a breathtaking city view of the snow-capped mountains. There are many attractions to be seen throughout the city, with lots of them found in the area that runs along the length of the Mapocho River and in 'el centro', the city's historic centre. It's here in the city centre that you'll find museums such as the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, cathedrals like the Catedral Metropolitana, and a selection of important cultural and civic buildings. Take a nice stroll through some of Santiago's beautiful and well-maintained parks. two of the most popular of which are the Barrio París-Londres Park and the Cerro Santa Lucía hilltop park. If you have kids with you, the Parque Metropolitano Zoo makes a nice treat. There's also the aerial tram at Cerro San Cristóbal, the Museum of Science and Technology or even the Railway museum. As Santiago is home to two American-style megamalls and has numerous crafts markets, you will never be short of somewhere to shop. Throughout the city you'll find a mix of ethnic restaurants and trendy eateries. Santiago also has a vibrant and lively nightlife so you'll have no problem finding somewhere to party the night away.

Reviews of Santiago from boo.com

  • traub from USA has 33 reviews traub says:

    Santiago is a good value for backpackers and a nice break from all the outdoor activities that Chile has to offer. ATMs, restaurants, and clubs are common. Cinemas offer English-language movies and are very cheap.

    Posted: on Feb 26, 2008 |

    positive negative

  • peterandsophia from Australia has 16 reviews peterandsophia says:

    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… more

    Posted: on Dec 31, 2007 |

    positive negative

  • drownxyu1529 from England has 4 reviews drownxyu1529 says:

    Santiago isn\'t really a party city like Buenos Aires or Rio, but it definitely has it\'s charms. Whether climbing Santa Lucia Hill, or taking the funicular - Or having a night out at Bellavista or Dancing in Blondie at 4am.. it has something for all.

    Posted: on Nov 18, 2007 |

    positive negative

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Best things to do in Santiago

  • 1. no images available for Calle Dieciocho and Palacio Cousiño Macul Calle Dieciocho and Palacio Cousiño Macul

    What?
    Old and historical area.
    Where?
    Metro to Toesca.
    Anything else?
    Calle Dieciocho is like taking a step back in time. The Palacio Cousiño Macul was once the home of Chile's grandest entrepreneurial dynasties, the Goyenechea-Cousiño family. This palace was completed in 1878 and dazzled people with its grandeur.
  • 2. no images available for Iglesia, Convento y Museo de San Francisco Iglesia, Convento y Museo de San Francisco

    What?
    The Church of San Franciso.
    Where?
    Metro to Santa Lucía.
    Anything else?
    This church was built between 1586 and 1628 and is the oldest standing building in Santiago. It is home to Virgen del Socorro, the first Virgin Mary icon in Chile brought here to Santiago by Pedro de Valdivia, the conquistador of Chile.
  • 3. no images available for Estación Mapocho Estación Mapocho

    What?
    Cultural centre.
    Where?
    Metro to Calicanto.
    Anything else?
    Built in 1912 this building was originally a train station. After years of abandonment, the government invited architects to sketch a renovation of it as part of a contest, and it was redesigned as a four-story, grand cultural centre.

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Upcoming events in Santiago

Event data provided by eventful

  • Apr 11

    ANGERFIST

    ANGERFIST
    • When: Apr 11, 2010 (Sunday)
    • Where: amanda
    • What: Ages: All Ages 5 bands..including xtract find out more
  • Apr 12

    ANGERFIST

    ANGERFIST
    • When: Apr 12, 2010 (Monday)
    • Where: Rubick Bar
    • What: Ages: All Ages Rubiks annual hardcore festival...feating several bands.. find out more
  • Apr 10

    ANGERFIST

    ANGERFIST
    • When: Apr 10, 2010 (Saturday)
    • Where: CLUB CADILAC
    • What: Ages: All Ages find out more

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Recommended Hotels

  • 1. photo of Santiago Private Homestay & ApartmentsSantiago Private Homestay & Apartments

    What?
    A small family run guesthouse.
    Where?
    In the Plaza Italia area, close to the Baquedano metro station.
    Anything else?
    Tea/coffee provided free of charge. WiFi available. Guests can use the kitchen and the laundry facilities. The guesthouse has a lounge with a tv/dvd player. Parking is provided.

    boo rating 89%

  • 2. photo of House SantiagoHouse Santiago

    What?
    Hostel.
    Where?
    Centrally located in the Providencia neighbourhood.
    Anything else?
    Fully service hostel with 2, 4 and 6 bed dorms. Property also has 2 areas, a TV room with satellite TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry services and BBQ area.

    boo rating 78%

  • 3. photo of Hotel AlamedaHotel Alameda(2 star hotel)

    What?
    A small 2 star hotel.
    Where?
    Short walk from Estacion Central subway station.
    Anything else?
    Rooms have a private bathroom, tv and safe deposit box. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant. Breakfast is included in the price. Luggage storage provided.

    boo rating 63%

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