5 Interesting Barrios in Santiago de Chile

Several neighborhoods in Santiago offer interesting places to explore:

Barrio El Arrayan: In Lo Barnechea Comuna, holds the best traditional food in Santiago with the restaurant called “Doña Tina” The place has rustic décor, several sitting areas, and offers a great variety of national and international food. Doña Tina offers Chilean food like Pastel de Choclo (corn pie with beef casserole) and Chile´s famous Cazuelas (soup) that is good in the wintertime and their infallible Chilean salad is also simple, but good. If you have visited other countries in South America you will agree that Chile is not famous for its food. But we considered important to share their culture and food is part of it. It is really easy to get to this restaurant. There are buses that go to Plaza San Enrique and you could walk to the restaurant, or a taxi will get you there. It´s best to call and confirm hours of service 56-9-7397-1741. El Barrio El Arrayan is a favorite among people due to the park “Santuario de la naturaleza” This is a place worth exploring or simply enjoying nature. They have picnic areas ideal for barbecues. In addition, there is a playground and different trails for trekking and cycling. This is a well maintained park that charges an entrance fee of $8.00 USD for adults and $6.00 USD for kids. The popularity of this place is thanks to the easy access from Santiago without much traveling time you could enjoy the great outdoors.

Barrio Bellavista: this is the most popular neighborhood in the Providencia Comuna. It offers an array of restaurants, bars, boutique shops, jewelry made with the Chilean famous Lapis Lazuli, and more tiny shops that offer a great variety of knick knacks all concentrated in what is called El Patio Bellavista. Nearby is one of the houses that belonged to Pablo Neruda (famous Chilean Poet). The house is called “La Chascona” and has been turned into a museum. Also in this barrio at the end of the calle Pio Nono, you can find the funicular, an inclined rail car, which takes visitors to the top of Cerro San Cristobal, the highest point in the city. On a clear day it provides the best view of the city. The Santiago city zoo is also near the starting point of the funicular and they have an entranceway half way up the funicular’s climb. The metro system, which is affordable and often times faster than riding in a taxi, has a major station called Baquedano that is near Bellavista. Upon exiting the station, head north, crossing the wide avenues around the west side of Plaza Italia, and then walk across the bridge over the muddy Rio Mapocho.

Barrio Italia: this barrio is unique in Santiago. It consists of many blocks of old style buildings where Italian immigrants used to live, hence the name. This Barrio Italia was originally known as Barrio Santa Isabel due to the name of the Avenue Santa Isabel where the metro has a station a short walk to Barrrio Italia. New businesses have been sprouting up in this upcoming trendy area. There are several small coffee shops that make for a nice morning reading spot. Also for lunch or dinner are many different international cuisine options, including German, Italian, Peruvian, French, Chilean, Sushi, among others, and many bars providing their Chilean beer as well foreign ones. The other main avenue to stroll by in this barrio is Caupolican where antique furniture restoration shops line the block. These antique stores make an interesting place to visit but it is pricey at times. A classic restaurant option is Santa Bohemia, which is right on the corner of Av. Italia and Av. Caupolican. The prices are average but the ambience in the historic building is different and they make a good lunch.

Barrio Lastarria: it is a pretty cool neighborhood with winding streets. It encompasses a Bohemian culture adding a touch of intellectual style to the fast-moving and otherwise stressful life in Santiago. The main street is not very long, but still has a lot to offer starting with the Plaza Mulato Gil de Castro, a small square, with shops and restaurants. This square plaza takes its name in honor of Jose Gil de Castro, a Peruvian artist, whose portraits of political figures and members of the aristocracy of oil on canvas are well-known among Chileans and Peruvians. Jose Gil de Castro lived in a Casona in Barrio Lastarria. For wine enthusiast not having time for excursions to the famous Chilean vineyards, the wine bar BocaNariz is a must do. The location is very good but the bar is not very big. There are more restaurants and bars along the street and one peculiarity is the theater on the corner called Cine Arte El Biografo, or simply El Biografo. It offers only two movies at a time but, especially foreign movies meaning European films as well as American films. For more updates or upcoming films you can visit their web page elbiografo.cl Barrio Lastarria makes an alternative setting, an escape within the chaos of Santiago.

Barrio Patronato: this barrio has a complex vibe since you will find people from all over the world – Peruvians, Indus, Chinese, Arabs, Taiwanese, Koreans, and Japanese. This place is more famous for everything they have for sale: clothes, housewares, kitchenware and all sorts of imports at a very good price. Just remember to always be careful and try not to bring too much attention to yourself. Robbers are everywhere in a big city. It is best not to be alone here and just bring cash with you. No purse, no cameras, just keep it plain and simple while taking in the shopping chaos.

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ResearchGate: James M. Wise

South America seems to refuse to show its inexhaustible creative force.