Sight-seeing in Santiago, Chile?

Question

I will be travelling to Santiago, Chile with a group of International Business students. Our mornings (and most early afternoons) will be spent in classes and group activities, but my evenings are free to do what I choose. What should I do with my evenings? What sights shouldn't I miss?! I hear that Chile has beautiful natural sights - anywhere particular that is easy to get to?

Answer 1

Fantasilandia.. big amusement park and very fun!

national zoo- it is huge! bigger than i have seen in canada..

los discotheques! my favorite.. there are millions.. if you like to dance there is nothing better than dancing with chilenos ;)

seafood is very good, and cheap

millions of markets to buy good things/movies/cds/clothes

malls

I suggest staying in Providencia, it is good part of city=)

Answer 2

The Pre-Columbian Museum in the downtown area, plaza de armas if I recall correctly, is outstanding. The Plaza is also a great hjangout. Like any big city, watch your wallet. Low crime rate but don't be foolish with your valuables.

If you like wine go to the Enoteca (wine bar) at the Parque Metropolitano, also known as Cerro San Cristobal. Outstanding views. Use the funicular unless you enjoy torture.

If you like seafood, served extremely casually, go to the Central Market (Mercado Central). It is one of the finest examples of wrought iron buildings around, and the food is great. Unique architecture and street musicians accompany a plethora of dining options, seafood is abundant in this food court.

Cerro Santa Lucía is a triangular-shape hilltop park, one of the more delightful attractions in Santiago. This is where Pedro de Valdivia, the conqueror of Chile, founded Santiago in 1540 for the crown of Spain.

Dine, but dine late. Restaurants close after lunch and don't reopen until after 7:00-7:30 ish. You had better eat lunch or you will eat junk or go hungry. Eating at 11:00 PM is common. They won't kick you out unlike our rude U.S. restaurants.

Eat lots of empanadas.

Get a private city tour, you, travelling companion, driver and interperter in a private car.

If time permits take the intercity bus to Vina Del Mar. The bus system is fantastic. Stay at hotel Cap Ducal

Answer 3

Santa Lucia Park is cool, and it's free.  It's in the middle of the  city, has great views, cool buildings and fountains, and often has live theater.  

The Ralli Museum is one of the best museums and the world and most people miss out on it.  It's free, allows cameras, and has one of the best collections of latin american art you will ever see.  

Museo Ralli

Museo Ralli is located at Alonso de Sotomayor Street 4110, Vitacura, Santiago.

Telephone:               (56-2) 2064224       I can't find a link to their website.  

Those were my two favorite spots.