what to see and where to shop

With the price increases in Argentina and the stability of the dollar, Chile once again became a “land of opportunities” for buy good and cheapand they returned with force shopping trips to the other side of the mountain range, especially to Santiago de Chile.

In a recent tour of some malls in the Chilean capital, Clarín was able to verify the huge price difference with which the neighboring country tempts Argentines in many mass consumption items, especially in clothing and electronics.

Walking through malls and paying attention to promos you can find prices that represent half, and in some cases even lesswhat the same product from “this side” of the mountains is worth, such as top brand jeans at 19,900 pesos (the current price is practically 1 to 1, so it costs the same in Argentine pesos), inflatable jackets for 25,000 , children’s sneakers in a “2×1” promotion at $27,000 for two pairs, or mid-high-range phones at $250,000, when in Argentina they are quoted at no less than double.

But since Santiago de Chile is much more than its malls, it is worth the trip to indulge in shopping with walks through a city with history that in recent years has transformed enormously, becoming one of the most modern cities in Latin America.

A modern and constantly expanding metro network, large skyscrapers, highways and traditional neighborhoods transformed into centers of gastronomy and art are some of the examples of the changes that the city has experienced, now much more friendly and attractive for the tourists .

Therefore, as it would be a shame to go through Santiago without seeing at least some of its attractions; here, one three-day getaway proposal that combines walks through some unmissable areas in the morning with visits to shopping centers close to the afternoon.

Three days of tourism and shopping in Santiago, an ideal plan to take advantage of the next June long weekends.

It is not recommended to go through Santiago without visiting the La Moneda Palaceor simply “La Moneda”, as the Chilean government house is called.

Overlooking the famous Alameda Avenue, La Moneda is the political and historical center of Chile, which saw former president Salvador Allende die in the 1973 coup d’état, commanded by General Pinochet. There are guided tours.

On the esplanade in front of the historic building there is a modern cultural center semi-underground and glazed, with temporary and permanent exhibitions, activities and workshops and headquarters of the National Cinematheque of Chile.

From there it is worth walking along the pedestrian Smoky Walkwith its shops and street vendors, to the Main Squarefounding point of the city, and then pass through the Central Marketone of the most characteristic gastronomic centers of Santiago, with restaurants where you can taste typical food, mainly fish and seafood.

400 meters away and crossing the Mapocho River is La Vega, another traditional market in the Chilean capital.

If you don’t have lunch there, there is the option of Lastarria, 15 minutes walk. It is a neighborhood of elegant restaurants, cafes and bars, with semi-pedestrian cobblestone streets populated by craft stalls, surrounded by old buildings.

At the Universidad Católica station you can take Metro line 1 to the Tobalaba station – it is a 15-minute trip -, 400 meters from the Costanera Centerthat unmistakable glass tower – when it was inaugurated it was the tallest building in Latin America – which, in addition to offices, houses the main mall of the city -of the country, actually-, undisputed leader in the ranking of shopping centers.

Costanera Center achieved sales in 2023 of 735 million dollars, 2.2% more than the previous year, and the number of visitors grew 5.8%, exceeding 28 millionfigures that clearly place it in first place among the malls in Chile.

There is the Sky Costanera, the highest viewpoint of South America, 300 meters high and with a panoramic view of the entire city.

You can go up with a cable car (recommended for the views), a funicular and even on foot. Anyway, since Mirador de la Virgenat the top of the San Cristóbal hill, you get great views of the city and mountains background.

The hill is in the Metropolitan parkthe largest green space in Santiago -700 ha-, and also houses the Japanese Garden, the Adventure Park and public swimming pools.

Downstairs, very close to where the funicular departs, you can visit The chascona, which is the house that the poet Pablo Neruda had in Santiago, with its stairs, crazy corners and collection of objects from all over the world. Safety pin.

And also at the foot of the hill, the Bellavista neighborhood It is a very good option for lunch, full of bars and restaurants among colorful houses and a bohemian atmosphere of ateliers and art galleries.

You can take Metro line 5 at the Bellas Artes station and in Baquedano combine with line 1 to go to the Manquehue station (about 30 minutes away). 800 meters from the station is the beautiful Araucano parka large green space in the commune of The Counts where you can exercise or enjoy many games for children.

Next to the park, at the intersection of Cerro Colorado and Rosario Norte avenues, two malls will invite you to continue shopping: Arauco Parkthe first large shopping center in Chile, opened in the early eighties and second in sales ranking last year. With more than 350 stores of the main brands, it is one of the most important shopping centers in Chile.

And right in front, the mall Open Kennedywith other brands highly sought after by Argentines such as Decathlon, Ikea or H&M, among others.

If it’s Sunday, better: little town Los Dominicoswhere Metro Line 1 ends, is a craft center that reproduces a small town with small stone streets and craft shops of different types, specializing especially in semi-precious stones –many works in lapis lazuli, national stone of Chile-, saddlery and basketry, but also much more. It’s a nice, relaxing walk, and there are also several places to eat.

700 meters from there, along Pedro Hurtado Sur Avenue, the mall Plaza Los Dominicos It can be a good surprise, because it is usually less visited than the previous ones and also has tall main stores, from H&M to Zara or Nike, or Johnny Rockets and Taco Bell in their food court. A great shopping experiencemore relaxed and less crowdedin a mall with spacious and comfortable spaces.

Also with large spaces, but with a lot of people, two km north of the little town Los Dominicos is Alto Las Condesthe third mall in the 2023 sales ranking, which adds a very nice one to its list with the vast majority of the main stores outdoor terrace on the top floor, with a viewpoint very close to the mountain.