Santiago: A place to visit

Santiago has so many sights and activities worth seeing and doing that it's hard to limit the recommendations to only 5 items. Here’s my list of things to do in Santiago, Chile. These are the things that I really love about Santiago.

Bellavista: The ultimate nightlife sector of Santiago is also very centrally located. Tons of bars (for drinking), discotecas (for dancing and drinking), and restaurants (for eating, and of course, drinking). There is also plenty to do here during the day, but be on your guard at night as there are many drunks and people looking to take advantage of outsiders. I choose Bellavista because I love the nightlife, and Bellavista it's open even in the day, so it doesn't matter the hour, you can have fun!

Parque Arauco: If you want to see where the upper echelon of Santiago buys its clothes, check out some of the department stores at this huge indoor/outdoor mall. Has a year-round ice-skating rink, stores of all the marks, my favourites: Nike, Adidas, Zara, and others, a Hoyts Cinema, outdoor Restaurants and live music Saturday evenings. I love this mall because the infrastructure is very beautifull, combines the modern with nature (outside), and inside is so chic!

Lastarria: One of the more bohemian streets in Santiago, go for a stroll at night and pick from one of the many restaurants, sushi bars or cafés to eat at. During the day/evening, there are a few street vendors that cater to the more sophisticated crowd, like the guy who sells original prints of historic Chilean newspaper editions or prints with beautifull grounds, including express portraits. You can also head towards Museo Bellas Artes from here and there are even more mid-upper range restaurants, cafés and bars to chose from. There’s also an art theater that plays principally foreign films on Lastarria. I choose Lastarria because, even I went once time, I liked the bohemian life... and the sushi bars!

Central Market (Mercado Central): After walking around the fish market of Santiago, have a meal at one of the restaurants. Although touristy and a bit overpriced, you’ll find the most exquisite seafood in the city, including crabs the size of a basketball. While you’re here, check out La Vega Central, the biggest fruit market in Chile (a whole city block), just across the river from Mercado Central. If you go to the central market, you should have a Terremoto at la piojera. The terremoto (translation: earthquake) is a Santiago drink that every traveler needs to try. What is it? A mix of wine, pisco (a domestic liquor made from grapes), pineapple ice cream, and a hint of grenadine. Make sure to mix well and you will walk out feeling like a tremor just hit you. La Piojera is only a minute’s walk from Mercado Central. I Choose the market because the food in here is exquisit! and it's full of tourists. The only thing that disturbs me a little bit is that the sellers practically throw over you, for your choise to their restaurant.

Patronato: Patronato is a market that begins at the metro station with the same name. It has tons of clothes and accesories from every prices! it's cheapper than Parque Arauco, and sometimes, the clothes are the same. I love it because there's always a piece like made for me.

There are so much more places to visit in Santiago, but these are those that I love the most.