|
Santiago de Chile Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Santiago de Chile
- Santiago de Chile Holiday Package Deals
|
!
Search & Compare Discount on Santiago de Chile Hotels or Holidays
|
Santiago de Chile Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Santiago de Chile - The towering Andes provide an awesome backdrop
for the sprawling metropolis of Santiago. The population of this
flat urban stage that spreads out from a compact city centre
numbers more than five million. Despite this, a small town
atmosphere prevails downtown where friends will more than likely
meet and greet each other in the overcrowded streets and bustling
walkways of the main commercial district.
The
city is a curious mix of skyscrapers and 19th-century European
architecture, with some Spanish adobe bungalows thrown in for good
measure. Threaded through this architectural tapestry are numerous
green areas, busy markets, and quaint old squares. Street life is
vibrant, and adding to the vibe is the presence of numerous chic
sidewalk cafes, outside of which traditionally dressed women hawk
their wares hoping to catch the eye of the tourists. There are also
some small but impressive museums, several modern hotels, excellent
restaurants and some good shopping opportunities in the Ahumada and
Huerfanos pedestrian malls. The city exudes an
aura of health and wealth in the inner city and fashionable
suburbs, despite the shabby shantytowns stretching out from behind
the skyscraper facade. The city is also one of the 10 most severely
polluted cities in the world, thanks to its position in a bowl of
mountains. It is nevertheless an excellent base in which to spend a
relaxing few days taking excursions to the wineries, national parks
and ski areas, which are all within easy reach of the
city.
Advertisment: Search for a Holiday deal.
There are options for all Santiago de Chile holidays, hotels,
Santiago de Chile Flights and other deals with the
multi-search
booking engine.
Santiago de Chile
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Plaza de Armas
|
What is it? The Plaza de Armas is both the heart of
Santiago and the historical centre, a square hemmed in by
impressive Spanish colonial public buildings, including the
18th-century Cathedral and elaborate main post office that was once
the Spanish governors' residence. The square became the hub of
administrative, commercial and social life when the city was
founded in 1541 and today it remains the centre of life in the
city. Never a dull place to be by day with its constant activity
and throngs of people entertained by buskers and local artists, the
evenings are just as lively when passers-by can become embroiled in
chess games on temporary tables set up under the
trees.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art
Calle Bandera 361
www.precolombino.cl |
What is it? Spanning 4,500 years and about 80
pre-Colombian civilisations of South America the Museo Chileno de
Arte Precolombino (Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art) is a
fascinating place to spend a few hours. Located in the old Royal
Customs House, the exhibit displays are well lit and beautifully
arranged throughout four rooms set around a central courtyard. The
collection provides an informative insight into the cultures of the
Incas, Mayans, Aztecs and other once proud civilisations of the
continent, illustrating their artistic
diversity.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Phone:(02) 688 7348 |
3. Mercado Central
Corner of Calle Puente and Calle San Pablo
|
What is it? Santiago's colourful Mercado Central, housed
in an 1872 wrought iron structure, has a fruit and vegetable market
as well as a buzzing fish market where an assortment of glistening
fish is packed onto the tables. Mussels, oysters and clams sit in
buckets among an unidentifiable variety of crustaceans and
tentacled creatures. The fishmongers demonstrate their skill at
gutting and filleting amid a cacophony of frenzied buying. The best
time to visit is at lunchtime when a delicious sampling of the
wares can be enjoyed in the happily chaotic atmosphere of the
central hall.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 6am to 4pm
Phone: |
Santiago de Chile
holidays - Top Events
|
