Gay Santiago
The frenetic capital of the world's longest and thinnest nation, Santiago is a bustling metropolis that serves as the political, economic, social, and cultural hub of this fascinating country. Located right in the center of the nation, it's an excellent jumping-off point to explore the rest of Chile and is equally interesting as a destination of its own. Combining Latin flair with some continued Spanish traditions, the city has a diverse heritage and is rich in taunting the senses with irresistible smells, sounds, sites, and tastes. Indulge your senses, and you're sure to have an amazing time.
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Santiago
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Santiago
Santiago has a large and vibrant gay scene, and Bellavista is the epicenter of all. This neighborhood is where you'll want to spend a lot of your time. You'll enjoy the gay bars and gay nightclubs plus Bellavista is also known for its hip and upscale restaurants, wine lounges, and more. The streets are paved with street art and you'll hear live music as you walk around the area. When you're ready for a break, you can stop in one of the many cafés and observe the city life around you.
Best Time to Visit Santiago
The best time to visit Santiago is between the months of September and November. March through May also have optimal weather for exploring the city. The beginning of Fall and the beginning of Spring offer cooler and crisper weather.
Top Things to See and Do in Santiago
Santiago has a lot of fun activities to do for anyone looking for a well-rounded experience. You'll enjoy strolling through the city and taking in the sights. Santiago is having its own "architectural renaissance" and design enthusiasts will relish in the excitement that's happening all around the city. Prize-winning architect Alejandro Aravena is leading the charge in and around the city. For example, you should check out the Bahá’í Temple by Canadian architect Siamak Hariri which looks like a lotus flower in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This is just one of many architectural gems.
Below, are some more recommendations of things to do and places to explore.
MUST DO Santiago Attractions & Activities
Cerro Santa Lucia - This park is located in the center of Santiago on a hill. (Where the word "Cerro" comes from). Here you will find beautiful views of Santiago, as well as some historical buildings to admire.
Funicular at Metropolitan Park - This park, as a famous cable car, will give you some aerial views of Santiago. Once you are done riding the cable car, the park has various museums, botanical gardens, and coffee shops—a great place to stroll and learn more about Santiago's history.
Plaza De Armas - For the architecture buff, this place is located in the epicenter of Santiago. Full of colonial streets and historic buildings, most were established in 1541. Here it's a great place to people watch, stroll throughout the courtyards and take in some excellent street food.
Cajon Del Maipo - Located approximately 15 miles south of Santiago sits the famous Cahon Del Maipo. A massive river gorge offers a lot of fun activities for the adventurous traveler. The locals come here to hike, bike, camp, or be in the outdoors.
MUST EAT Santiago Gay-Friendly Dining
Chilean food is very diverse and exciting. From street foods to traditional foods, there is a lot to try while visiting. Chile has a long coastline, which means you will have a lot of different seafood to choose from. If seafood isn't your cup of tea, that's ok! There are many other options to choose from (and drink from). Below you will find some different options that Santiago has to offer.
Empanadas - Empanadas are savory stuffed pastries filled with meat, cheese, shrimp, or anything you want. They come in savory and sweet options. These are a must-try when you come to visit.
Completo - This popular street food can be found on almost every street corner through Santiago. It's a hot dog that comes with a lot of toppings. This is why it's called a "Complete" hot dog. Complete translates to "Complete." the toppings are usually tomatoes, onions, chilis, sauerkraut, avocado, and more! You can go all out or keep it simple it's up to you!
Cazuela - This hearty stew is made with either beef or chicken. Then it's built up with rice, corn, and potatoes. It's delicious and filling.
Pastel de Choclo - This popular dish is made with mashed corn and meat. Usually beef or chicken. It's then wrapped and steamed. This is a very traditional dish and can be found throughout the city. Be sure to try this while vising.
Cabinet Sauvignon - Did you know that Chile is the largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon for South America? There are a lot of vineyards throughout Chile as the climate is perfect for grapes. Why not try wine from some grapes that may have been picked reasonably close to you?
MUST VISIT: Santiago Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
As mentioned earlier, Santiago has a vibrant and colorful gay nightlife. Bellavista is where all of the nightclubs and bars are located. Here you will find dancing, vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, and more. You can even find couples walking around holding hands, being free and open. The area is also full of gay-friendly wine bars and coffee shops. So you can spend the day sipping coffee and people watching and then dancing and celebrating at night.
Travel Safety Tips
Santiago, Chile, is considered a reasonably safe place to visit. However, practice common sense travel tips while traveling. Try not to carry too many items on you while exploring the city. Remember how to get back to your hotel room after exploring the city. Finally, lock up all valuables in your hotel safe. This way, you are guaranteed to have a fun and relaxing experience while visiting.
The Gay Scene in Santiago
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