Santiago Travel Guide

The words "boring" or "dull" have no place in the subject of Santiago's nightlife. Even during the day, Santiago is no less interesting, with its many cultural contrasts that will no doubt give the visitor many things to think about.

During the summer, the whole of Santiago becomes a huge theatre, with its many festivals and performances. What is known as the Teatro a Mil (mil meaning a thousand) takes place in Mapocho station every day in January and competes with the many free theatre festivals organized by various councils in the capital city, such as La Florida or Providencia.

For music-lovers, the choices are both excellent and wide. Whether you are interested in seeing one of the concerts of world-famous bands such as Inti Illimani or Los Jaivas, or attending one of the many folk, jazz or classical concerts offered throughout the city, Santiago has something for you, no matter your musical preference. If it's rock you are after, you should have a look and see what is going on in places like La Batuta or La Pica de don Chito, where there tend to be many concerts organized throughout the year. During the summer, the Opera at Santiago's Teatro Municipal presents concerts practically every night, presenting some of the new music that has come out during the season.

Summer is also a time for cinema, and there are many festivals and retrospectives in various cinemas located throughout Santiago. The art cinema Normandie offers excellent retrospectives of the best films of the year at very reasonable prices (USD2 for students). The art cinema Alameda is also worth paying a visit to. It organizes interesting retrospectives of European, Latin American and Asian cinema, as well as entertaining animation features.

The nightlife in Santiago takes place in various areas throughout the city. One of the most popular areas is the Barrio Bellavista, with its bohemian feel and its many restaurants, bars and discotheques.

Paseo San Damián is another popular area, although slightly more expensive. One of the nicest things about this area, apart from the music, the drink and the good food, is the fresh air of one of the highest points of the city.

If what you are after is dancing, or you want to, as they say in Chile, 'throw the house out of the window' (a Chilean version of 'paint the town red'), just open the Yellow Pages and take your pick! In Santiago the partying begins around midnight and goes on right through till dawn. Most of the discotheques have a wide range of drinks and offer the latest in sound and lighting equipment.

One of the most popular dance clubs at the moment is Skuba, full of national jetsetters. Another place where good fun is guaranteed is Skalibur, where you can have a drink in King Arthur's atmosphere.

Nightspots with a gay and lesbian focus are also plentiful, and include bars and discotheques with excellent musical performances and an exciting atmosphere. Fausto, Bunker or Bocara are all good choices.

If what you are after is a place with its own identity and idiosyncrasies, Plaza Ñuñoa is the place to go. Famous for being the bohemian center of Santiago, this neighborhood is a wonderful place to hang out at night. Take a walk around the gardens, or spend a night with your friends in one of the many bars and discos in the area. You might even want to buy a book in the second-hand bookshop there.

Another similar place is the Barrio Brasil, located right in the city center. The buildings in this area, which feature Colonial architecture, are home to many university students in Santiago. There are many bars and restaurants in this area, where you can eat, drink or even read a poem if you feel up to it.

There are many other things one can do at night in the center of Santiago. Why not simply have a walk along the Paseo Ahumada, where there are many street stalls selling trinkets and treats? At the end of that street, you will come across the recently refurbished Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by Colonial buildings, the place is full of street painters and musicians who perform all sorts of concerts on the stage.

Santiago has more than one face. And this is part of its attraction: modern shopping malls on the one hand, and indigenous arts and crafts exhibitions (in the Cerro Santa Lucía) on the other, street performances and juggling outside the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art), and visual art exhibitions in its many galleries and underground stations. Santiago is a city of healthy contrasts between its different areas, with a truly fascinating cultural and architectural diversity.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 102