Bellavista is a bohemian neighbourhood, or “barrio,” in Santiago with colourful architecture, natural beauty, history, nightlife and shopping. The neighbourhood thrives on the energy of its cafés, bars, galleries and boutiques. Visit the stores and restaurants occupying colourful old homes and converted warehouses as you walk through the maze of leafy streets.
On Calle Pío Nono, cafés spill out onto the pavements and locals dance in bars to live music. Browse the stalls of the weekend Feria Artesanal Pío Nono market for local handicrafts. Stroll around the courtyards of Patio Bellavista, a modern retail complex, to find bars, restaurants, wine sellers, souvenir shops and art galleries. Catch a theatre production, stand-up comedy or tango show at El Cachafaz Teatro Café Concert.
Shop for precious stones, jewellery and trinkets in stores along Avenida Bellavista. Retailers here are famous for crafting figurines, jewellery and home décor from lapis lazuli, a blue semi-precious stone commonly found in northern Chile.
Be sure to visit La Chascona, the former home of revered Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Find displays of Neruda’s personal items, including African carvings, a book collection and his certificate for winning the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. A painting of Neruda’s face in profile is the subject of one of the many striking street murals that you’ll come across in Bellavista. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the works of both amateur and professional artists.
Enjoy the green spaces and recreational activities at the tree-filled Parque Metropolitano, Santiago’s largest urban park. Follow walking trails to discover manicured gardens, picnic spots and children’s play areas. Cool off in the two public swimming pools during the summer months. See more than 150 animal species at the Chile National Zoo.
Walk, cycle or ride the funicular to the Cerro San Cristóbal lookout for city views. On a clear day it’s possible to see the snow-covered peaks of the Andes mountain range. Check out the tall Virgin Mary statue, an iconic Santiago landmark.
Barrio Bellavista lies between the Mapocho River and the picturesque Cerro San Cristobal. Located in the northwest corner of the Providencia suburb, Barrio Bellavista is easily accessible by public buses and the metro. A hop-on hop-off tourist bus stops at Patio Bellavista and Parque Metropolitano. Walk to Barrio Bellavista in 25 minutes from Plaza de Armas, via Parque Forestal.
