Lastarria, Santiago’s new hot spot
Alan shares his top tips of where to eat, drink and find cultural stimulation in Lastarria, Santiago’s new neighbourhood hot spot.
He writes:
Lastarria neighbourhood in central Santiago has blossomed in the last few years into the hot new area to stay whilst visiting Chile’s capital.
Sandwiched between the Parque Forestal, Santa Lucia Hill and Alameda Avenue, next to downtown Santiago, this island of turn-of-the-century buildings has largely escaped the bulldozers of progress.
It has transformed itself into an oasis of boutique hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars, sprinkled with small shops, antique market stalls and capped with some first-rate museums.
Its location means that some of the city’s main tourist attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Precolumbian Museum, Central Market and Moneda Palace are not more than a 15-minute walk away.
At night, the bright lights of Santiago’s Bohemian quarter, Bellavista, are reached in a 10-minute stroll.
For those wishing to make Lastarria their base there are many new boutique-style hotels to choose from.
To rest your head:
Luciano K – Great location next to the Plaza Italia with good public transport links. This art deco style hotel has comfortable, well-decorated rooms although we would suggest avoiding the standard rooms with interior windows. Great breakfast.
Ismael 312 – Facing the Parque Forestal and a stone’s throw from the Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum). This funky hotel is comfortable and practical and its included breakfast can be eaten at any time of the day.
Cumbres Lastarria – Treat yourself to the modern comfort of this hotel in the middle of Lastarria. Great rooftop restaurant with views.
To satisfy your appetite or quench your thirst you might consider:
Sur Patagonico – Patagonian lamb as well as wild boar, venison and trout can all be found at this Patagonia restaurant. Some good craft beers to wash it all down with.
Bar Restaurant Opera Catedral – This two-storey building houses a coffee shop, bar as well as a restaurant. Good food and great venue for live music.
Chipe Libre – Republica Independiente del Pisco – Both Chile and Peru claim Pisco as their national drink. This great bar/restaurant with gastro-pub style food is the place to indulge in a pisco-based cocktail…or two.
To find some cultural stimulation you might consider:
Museo De Bellas Artes – Santiago’s fine arts museum housed in a beaux-arts style building from the early 20th Century. The museum’s collection of over 3,000 pieces includes the country’s largest collection of Chilean sculpture and the second-largest collection of Chilean paintings, dating back to the colonial period. Closed on Mondays.
Museo De Artes Visuales – The Visual Arts Museum puts on varied contemporary art exhibitions by current Chilean artists.
Museo Arqueologico De Santiago – The Archaeological Museum of Santiago is located next to the Visual Arts Museum and has various exhibits dating back to pre-Columbian times. Small and interesting.
And finally, to rest, get your bearings, plan your day ahead or the following one you might enjoy a coffee at:
Café del Museo – This simple coffee shop is located in the small square next to the Visual Arts Museum. Nice chilled patio.
