Bellavista: Santiago Chile

One truth about Santiago is this: every neighborhood has its distinctive, almost stereotypical character. Las Condes, Barrio Brasil, Vitacura—all of these areas have their widely known reputation. The same is true for Barrio Bellavista. Ask any local or expat living in the city, and they’ll tell you that this artsy, busy area has a charm all its own. This lively and quirky neighborhood is located directly at the foot of the San Cristobal hill and spans several blocks, ending up on the bank of the Mapocho River. Known for its bohemian culture and thumping nightlife, Barrio Bellavista is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Santiago.

Bellavista offers a break from the imposing towers of apartments and offices that crowd much of the city. Its lower, more antique architecture is a pleasure in and of itself — you could wander these blocks for hours just looking at the different styles of homes and store fronts. It’s no surprise that Chilean poet and national treasure Pablo Neruda called this neighborhood home. One of the poet’s three homes, La Chascona (Fernando Marquez de la Plata 0192), was built in 1950 and is now open to the public for guided tours ($4.000 CLP per person, $1.500 for students and seniors).  If you start your day here, you’ll likely be inspired to keep soaking in the artistic culture that is abundant in the Bellavista quarter. Stroll through the streets and you’ll see a wide variety of art galleries, small theaters, and boutique shops. If you’re looking for a souvenir, Bellavista is known for its jewellery shops that sell lapis lazuli, a special Chilean stone. And if you’re visiting on the weekend, you won’t be able to miss the sprawling handicraft market that sets up on Saturdays and Sundays.

All of this cultural activity can work up an appetite—and fortunately, you’re in the right place. Bellavista is home to some of the most diverse and exploratory food in the city, and there are meals to fit every palate and budget.  All of the main streets, such as Pio Nono and Purisima, are crowded with cafés, bars, and restaurants, many of them offering set daily menus for a reasonable price. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, you can head into Patio Bellavista, the modern, cosmopolitan dining and shopping area located on Constitución. This trendy, attractive patio opened in 2006 and has been adding a range of restaurants and shops ever since. These spots will be more expensive, but offer a great selection of culinary options for a special night out.  A full list of the restaurants and shops in the Patio can be found at http://www.patiobellavista.cl/index.php/tiendas-y-restaurantes.html. If you’re pressed for time, make sure to get here early—the Patio is chock-full of locals and foreigners alike pretty much every night.

Any true examination of Bellavista would be incomplete without mention of its stellar nightlife offerings. Of course, the Patio stays open well into the night, with hip young professionals sipping expensive cocktails until at least 3 am. If you’re looking for a cheaper night out, have no fear—outside the Patio, the streets are lined with bars, many of which have very decent drink specials. A popular nightlife custom in Bellavista is to order liters of beer and drink them on street side tables, watching the immense crowds of people bustle by. On a Friday or Saturday night, this neighborhood is home to an audible buzz of revelers from all over the world kicking back and enjoying the vibe. Of course, one must be careful, as there are always inherent dangers in crowds of this size. But keep your wits about you and take it all in, and Bellavista will be one of the most memorable stops on your tour of Santiago.