The Chilean capital does not immediately enthrall visitors as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro do, but there is plenty to occupy the curious traveler.
After a quick breakfast at trendy Wonderful Cafe in Lastarria ($8), take a digestive stroll through the Bellavista neighborhood to Parque Metropolitano, and head to the top of Cerro San Cristobal for an outstanding view of the city.
Mercado Central, The Historic Santiago Fish Market © Jeremy Richards | Dreamstime
Follow the Parque Forestal to the Central Market. After marveling at the stalls stacked high with produce from all over Chile, settle down for a seafood lunch in the central area ($25), which is something of a Chilean institution. After enjoying the huge variety of seafood, walk through downtown Santiago to the Plaza de Armas.
La Moneda, Presidential Palace © Dmitry Chulov | Dreamstime
From here, move to La Moneda, the presidential palace. Continue your walking tour through the bohemian neighborhood of Lastarria, with its plentiful cafes and small art galleries. Head to the strange geological feature that is Cerro Santa Lucia, a park on a steep-sided hill in the middle of the city. Climb to the top of the hill for another view over Santiago, and read the inscription left in reference to Charles Darwin’s visit to the site.
Santiago Museum of Contemporary Art © Mvildosola | Dreamstime
Continue your cultural afternoon at the Santiago Museum of Contemporary Art, whose collection runs to more than 2,000 pieces ($1). After a leisurely visit, move on to Bellavista for dinner and drinks with the varied local crowd.
Graffiti Street Art of Barrio Yungay © Jeremy Richards | Dreamstime
Many places offer Chilean favorites chorrillana, strips of meat, fried eggs and onions on a bed of french fries ($7); and terremoto, a cocktail made of sweet wine, Fernet branca and pineapple ice cream ($5). It may seem like an unlikely combination but the locals swear by it, and you’ll soon find out why when you find yourself dancing the night away in La Feria nightclub (entrance $22.50, drinks $9).
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