Chile´s vibrant capital (pop. just under seven million), set in a spectacular setting surrounded by the Andes, is a city which combines a rich history with compelling culture both traditional and contemporary (including a rich legacy of art both in world-class museums and galleries and on its streets). Throw in a handful of charismatic bohemian neighbourhoods, a thriving nightlife, and a delicious dining scene, Santiago has something to offer for everyone who wants to get a taste of Chilean identity.
Some Fascinating History
As you walk around Santiago you can feel the pulse of its past and how it has shaped contemporary culture. The Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city, is ringed with iconic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Historical Museum. This is the perfect place to begin to understand the evolution of Santiago from colonial times to the present day. The capital is also a key place to understand Chile’s more recent history thanks to places like the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which lays out the traumatising history of the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet which was born in a violent coup d´état and ruled with an iron fist between 1973 and 1990 and invites visitors to reflect on the importance of historical memory in Chilean culture.
Artsy Bohemian Neighbourhoods
The soul of Santiago’s culture lives in its neighborhoods, hubs for creativity where you´ll find art galleries, theatres, designer shops, and a plenty of delicous dining ranging from traditional Chilean to international and avant-garde. Bellavista (Spanish for “beautiful view”) is home to the iconic San Cristóbal Hill and La Chascona, the house-museum built by the 20th-century Chilean poet and Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda (whose life and work are deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Santiago and Chile in general) for his flame-haired mistress Matilde Urrutia. But it´s also a Bohemian quarter known for its nightlife and the many bars and restaurants which line Pío Nono Street. Meanwhile, Lastarria is ideal for a quieter and more cerebral experience, with its streets full of bookstores, independent cinemas, cafés, and boutiques, and on weekends, packed with artisan markets and open-air cultural activities.
Vibrant Cultural Events
There´s always something on here when it comes to cultural events, with film, theatre, and music festivals packing the capital’s cultural calendar. One of the most renowned is the Santiago a Mil International Festival, which every January transforms the city into a stage for local and international theatre, dance and performance artists. In addition, the city is home to film festivals such as the Santiago International Film Festival (SANFIC), which attracts directors, actors and film buffs from around the world. Numerous live music events are also held throughout the year, from classical music concerts at the Teatro Municipal to alternative music and rock festivals.
A Mouthwatering Menu of Chilean and International Cuisine
As this country´s capital, naturally Santiago is the premier hub for its delicious cuisine. Along with key classic restaurants, markets such as La Vega Central and the Mercado Central are ideal places to sample traditional dishes such as cazuela (a soupy concoction of beef brisket or chicken, pumpkin, tomatoes, green beans, corn or cornmeal, quinoa, red peppers, chillis, and herbal seasonings), pastel de choclo (corn pie), and ceviche and other fresh seafood from the coast. In recent years Santiago has also emerged as an international culinary hub with restaurants which fuse cutting-edge techniques with local ingredients. Some chefs have brought the city onto the global gastronomic radar, offering a culinary experience that reflects the diversity and creativity of Chilean culture.
Come and explore this charismatic capital – and the glories of Chile beyond – with Iberia!