Here's a list of Ten Places to Visit in Santiago de Chile:
1. Plaza De Armas – Plaze de Armas is Santiago’s main plaza. This is also the place where you can find the national cathedral and main post office. The plaza is just a few blocks from the traditional Central Market. I the previous years, Plaza de Armas had been used as a meeting and recreation place for the community of Peruvian immigrants. There are some traditional Peruvian restaurants and Peruvian spice and food stores, a good place to visit in day time and just relax and enjoy walking around the plaza.
2. Parque Forestal – This is a long park parallel to the Mapocho River and also the National Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art Museum can be located here.
3. Parque Metropolitano – This park is where you can find the Cerro San Cristóbal. It’s a huge park which makes it a good place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery. If you go to the top you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city and if it’s a clear day you can also see the Andes. There is also a botanical garden, zoo and swimming pools.
4. La Chascona – It is one of the three homes of the famous poet Pablo Neruda. La Chascona that means tangle-haired woman is located in the artistic Bellavista neighbourhood. You can find a lot of unique artefacts collected by Neruda throughout his life, as well as artwork by some of his famous friends.
5. Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda – It is an underground cultural center under the La Moneda Palace that has art and cultural exhibitions all year. Local crafts and souvenirs are also being sold in the local gift shop. There is also a café within the facilities.
6. Santiago Centro – This area is a nice place for a walk down in some of its major Paseos. Paseos are streets turned pedestrian walkways. Take a stroll and discover some hidden gems of the city.
7. Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral – It is one of the most impressive cultural center in Santiago built on the former military Diego Portales building. The center has an art and film focused library. The place also has a theater, concert halls, a restaurant, a café, and public spaces for resting. The place is located on Universidad Católica metro station.
8. Centro Cultural Matucana 100 –Matucana 100 is an exhibition venue for a variety of arts. This is definitely a good place to visit if you enjoy viewing art.
9. Jazz Clubs – The city of Santiago is home to a lively and awesome jazz scene. The Club de Jazz de Santiago is probably be one of the best clubs in the city among the other clubs that are scattered around Santiago. This small club brings in some of the best local, national, and international artists specializing in everything from latin jazz to blues to bossa nova. Check this out if you’re into listening to great music.
10. Teatro Municipal – This is a historical performance venue that includes international dance and opera. Another must visit for those who like to watch dance performances.
Have you been to Santiago? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): Santiago by patrickcoe/ Plaze de Armas by kyle simourd/ Parque Forestral by magoexperto/ Parque Metropolitano by JavierPsilocybin/ La Chascona by mollymazilu/ Centro Cultural Palacio de La Moneda by pablo/T/ Centro de Santiago by Avodrocc/ Centro Cultural Matucana 100 by GustavoSalinas/ Teatro Municipal by magoexperto/