Santiago de Chile is for some people a big city, a bit stressed, polluted and a little noisy. But for others, it is a vibrant city, with very entertaining neighborhoods, close to nature, with a great cultural offer and special nightlife.

While you are planning your visit to Santiago, you will be wondering about the location and where to stay during your stay, this little guide is exactly for you.

The Metropolitan Area of Santiago is organized into 35 districts, some of them housing emblematic neighborhoods and known by many for their characteristics and what they offer to those who visit or live in them.

There are different neighborhoods and many of them are located in the Santiago district, which is located in the center of the city and includes most of the historical sites of Chile’s capital, such as the site where Santiago de la Nueva Extremadura was founded in 1541

If you are going to stay for a few days in the capital, I recommend the districts and neighborhoods, called “Barrios”, that are my favorites because of their location, connectivity, accommodation options and because of the variety of activities you can enjoy in them.

 

Barrio Lastarria

One of the most entertaining and culturally interesting neighborhoods in the city. Directly connected to Metro Line 1 and downtown Santiago through the main avenue and the interior streets such as Merced or Santo Domingo.

It is a small neighborhood but it houses all the essentials, such as good restaurants and small cafes, bars and independent designer shops where you will find special memories of your trip to Chile. One of the outstanding places is the  Centro Cultural GAM  with an important part in the history of Chile and today center of cultural events and art gallery.

It is also a place to find some luxury hotels and small boutique hotels that are beginning to give a new international face to Lastarria neighborhood.

Hotels in Barrio Lastarria

In Barrio Lastarria, I recommend  The Singular, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, with an ideal location for those who want to have a stay immersed in the city. It has a pool and spa that will make your stay even more comfortable.

The  Cumbres Hotel is also an excellent alternative for those who like Design and special attentive service. With spacious rooms and simple design, it also has an outdoor pool in height with an excellent view.

The Hotel Luciano K, located in a building part of the National Heritage, has a beautiful terrace and a modern and very cozy decoration that is definitely worth knowing.

 

Barrio Bellas Artes

Directly next to the Barrio Lastarria, the Bellas Artes neighborhood is another excellent alternative for those who like to visit different cafés and restaurants every day and love art.

Several of my favorites are here, like the Peruvian restaurant Donde Guido and its amazing sandwiches, ice cream parlors like Mó or the Melinka pastry shop, the Pad Thai of Thai Express, the Bibimbap from Everyday, or the Indian food of the New Horizon on Merced Street.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes)  is at the beginning of the neighborhood in the middle of Parque Forestal, one of the largest green lungs in Santiago and a very pleasant area to walk during the day and escape from the intense rhythm of Santiago downtown.

Hotels in Barrio Bellas Artes

With an excellent vintage design and a perfect location, two blocks from the Metro Bellas Artes, the Hotel Magnolia is one of the best in this area of Santiago. The terrace with a perfect view of the city center and excellent service will make you enjoy your stay in the city.

The Hotel Altiplánico is another excellent alternative if you want to be close to Forestal Park and be surrounded by entertaining places to visit. Its rooms are spacious and with modern decor and excellent service.

Barrio Bellavista

Another of the historically bohemian and cultural neighborhoods is Barrio Bellavista.

In its streets, there are two districts, Providencia and Recoleta, while for those who know it more thoroughly it includes two worlds: one darker and nocturnal and the other more diurnal and cultural.

It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in Santiago since you find almost everything you need, from social life to nature, one of the most well-known accesses to Cerro San Cristóbal, including the zoo, the Virgin that protects the city and the funicular, It is located at the end of Pío Nono street, the main artery of this neighborhood.

If you are a lover of theater and culture, you will find in Barrio Bellavista a good offer of plays, galleries and music concerts of all kinds, as well as lots of nightlife in bars, restaurants, and discos.

A very interesting place if you like history and poetry is to visit one of the houses of the poet Pablo Neruda, La Chascona, which is located on Calle Fernando Marquez de La Plata.

One of the most entertaining times of my years in Santiago was when I lived in this neighborhood!

Hotels in Barrio Bellavista

To enjoy life in the Barrio Bellavista I can recommend three hotel options:

Far away, my favorite is The Aubrey Boutique Hotel, installed in an old house restored just at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, it is one of the best boutique hotels in Santiago. It includes a wine and piano bar that will give ambiance to your nights.

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, very close to San Cristobal Hill and Pablo Neruda’s House,  Hotel Castillo Rojo is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the nightlife and culture that the neighborhood offers. Installed in one of the emblematic houses of the Barrio Bellavista, the hotel has two restaurants and tastings of wine and other drinks according to the occasion.

A more budget alternative is the Rado Boutique Hostel, with a rock & pop style decoration and a perfect terrace to enjoy the evenings with views of Cerro San Cristóbal. Just steps away from Patio Bellavista and the main attractions of the neighborhood, it is an excellent option to enjoy your stay in Santiago.

 

Santiago City Center

The center of Santiago is an ideal area for those who want to be in the middle of the action.

One of the busiest communes and home to offices and residential areas, the center is always active and there is always something new to see or do.

From the most important places in Santiago, including the La Moneda Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Santiago, the Teatro Municipal, cinemas, traditional restaurants and a large amount of trade of all kinds.

Hotels in Santiago Centro

If you want to stay in the city center I can recommend the  Hotel Boutique Matildas, located steps from La Moneda and located in an old house, the hotel combines the classic design in its architecture with the modern in the design of the rooms. a small garden and terrace perfect for a quiet space in the heart of the city.

Another alternative is the  Hotel Casa Zañartu, located in an old national heritage house, with a classic decoration style that includes antique paintings, the hotel has an excellent location to visit museums and the emblematic places of the city. It has a restaurant and a small terrace to enjoy.

If you prefer a classic style, a very good option is the  Hotel Plaza San Francisco. Located on Avenida Alameda, the hotel has all the services you may need during your stay in the city, including swimming pool, gym and a very busy bar in the evenings.

 

Barrio Italia

One of the neighborhoods that have grown the most in recent years. From being a purely residential neighborhood it has become one of the hippest areas of the city.

Many design stores of all kinds, from furniture and lamps to shoes and exclusive clothes, antiques that include furniture and books as well as stores with items for children or specialized in hobbies and sports.

It is a special neighborhood to enjoy on weekends when all these shops, cafes and restaurants are open and you can fully enjoy the Barrio Italia.

Do not miss to stop at least once at the small shop XocoPorti, if you love chocolate you will remember me forever. If the sweets are your thing, a bit away from the most active area of this district is one of the best patisseries in Santiago, Lalaleelu is a must-visit!

The location of the Barrio Italia is excellent and very easy to access by public transport, but also very convenient if you go in your own car or bicycle.

Hotels in Barrio Italia

One of my favorites is the  Maison Italia Hotel, located in an old house restored with a modern design and very well thought out to give the greatest comfort and warmth. Each room has a small terrace, the bar offers signature drinks and the kitchen is remarkable. They have bikes available for their guests!

Another good option in Barrio Italia is the Quiral Hotel Boutique, housed in an old house dating from 1900 restored in a very quiet area of Providencia. Their rooms are cozy and bright, the service excellent.

The Edelweiss Boutique Hostel is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a stay at a cheaper value. The rooms are small but with everything necessary to make them comfortable, as well as the design of the common areas is very well thought out.

 

Providencia

Undoubtedly one of the busiest and busiest districts of Santiago. Many offices and shops of all kinds are located on the main streets of this commune and a lot of activities to do for all tastes.

From large shopping centers, including the  Costanera Center that houses the tallest tower in Latin America, the Sky Costanera, quiet parks bordering the Mapocho River or the Metropolitan Park, theaters, restaurants, and cafes, etc.

Hoteles en Providencia

For those who like to be in the middle of the action,  Hotel Solace Santiago is located in the heart of Providencia, very close to the Pedro de Valdivia metro. It has an excellent design and attention and the best thing is its terrace with a swimming pool in height with a beautiful view towards the east of the city.

Located in a quiet area of the Providencia district, at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal and very close to all the attractions of the area, Hotel Ladera is a very good alternative for those who want to enjoy a stay in Santiago. It includes a pool on a terrace with a beautiful view of the city and a sauna available all day!

 

Las Condes

It is a largely residential area but also houses large shopping centers such as  Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes that both have very good restaurants.

If you like Peruvian food, do not miss the Lima Gourmet Restaurant on Avenida Las Condes, they have the best pisco sour in Santiago and the ceviche is amazing!

Not only is there a wide offer of Airbnb’s in Las Condes, but also an excellent range of hotels, mostly in the medium to high price range.

Hoteles en Las Condes

One of my favorites is the  Hotel Plaza Bosque, for its location a few blocks from the Manquehue subway, but also very close to the Parque Arauco Mall. It has a very good bar and restaurant and the rooms are spacious and most with a beautiful view.

The Marriott Hotel, which also has next door the most economical version of the courtyard, is located right next to Mall Parque Arauco on Kennedy Avenue. A classic chain that maintains the design of its rooms and quality service.

One of the good classic 5-star hotels in Santiago, the W Hotel is always an excellent option with luxury service and designs. The bar on the terrace and the outdoor pool are my favorites! The restaurant always has dishes to enjoy and its location is perfect for Foodies who want to explore the neighborhood of Isidora Goyenechea.

The Icon Hotel is another good alternative for those who prefer to stay in quieter areas. It has a terrace with incredible views of the city, plus a heated indoor pool opens all year and a bar to enjoy the afternoons of Santiago.

Undoubtedly, Santiago de Chile is one of the cities with the highest growth in recent years in South America and the gateway to travel through Chile.

Your stay may include activities in the city and its surroundings, if you want to know the vineyards of Santiago and learn more about wines, I recommend this tour that will guide you through one of the most beautiful and ancient wine producers in the capital. You can BOOK HERE this entertaining activity that includes a sommelier class.

One of the unforgettable activities, if you are a nature lover, is a trip to El Morado Glacier, I did this trekking and I was amazed not only with the service of the company but with the environment that was impressive. HERE you can read a complete article of this activity

What is your favorite neighborhood in Santiago de Chile?

 

 

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Updated August 2019