Calle Bandera (Flag Street), Santiago
Calle Bandera (formerly Calle de La Bandera ) is a street in the center of the city of Santiago, which begins in the south from Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Avenue and continues north to the Mapocho River.
The name of this street is due to Pedro Chacón y Morales, a well-known merchant from Santiago who in 1817 had his flags shop on the street known as "Atravesada de La Compañía". Pedro Chacón, who was the grandfather of national hero Arturo Prat Chacón, raised a Chilean flag every time there was a victory for the independence forces, and the street became known as "the street of the flag."
The neighborhood around Calle Bandera was home to the Chilean literary bohemian in late 19th century and early 20th century. There were many bars, restaurants, and cabarets which were frequented by writers, poets, and artists such as Pablo Neruda, Juvencio Valle, Diego Muñoz, Alberto Valdivia, Rubén Azócar, Alberto Rojas Jiménez, and Tomás Lagos.
Today the street houses important historical buildings and financial institutions in the country including Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Palace of the Courts of Santiago and Building of the former National Congress. Since December 2018, Calle Bandera became a pedestrian street from the underpass of Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Avenue to the north.
If you’re into thrifting, Calle Bandera is the place to be. You will find there countless second-hand, vintage and thrift stores. The street is also covered by beautiful painted artworks and is a popular Instagram spot in the city.
The name of this street is due to Pedro Chacón y Morales, a well-known merchant from Santiago who in 1817 had his flags shop on the street known as "Atravesada de La Compañía". Pedro Chacón, who was the grandfather of national hero Arturo Prat Chacón, raised a Chilean flag every time there was a victory for the independence forces, and the street became known as "the street of the flag."
The neighborhood around Calle Bandera was home to the Chilean literary bohemian in late 19th century and early 20th century. There were many bars, restaurants, and cabarets which were frequented by writers, poets, and artists such as Pablo Neruda, Juvencio Valle, Diego Muñoz, Alberto Valdivia, Rubén Azócar, Alberto Rojas Jiménez, and Tomás Lagos.
Today the street houses important historical buildings and financial institutions in the country including Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Palace of the Courts of Santiago and Building of the former National Congress. Since December 2018, Calle Bandera became a pedestrian street from the underpass of Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Avenue to the north.
If you’re into thrifting, Calle Bandera is the place to be. You will find there countless second-hand, vintage and thrift stores. The street is also covered by beautiful painted artworks and is a popular Instagram spot in the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Calle Bandera (Flag Street) on Map
Sight Name: Calle Bandera (Flag Street)
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago, Chile
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
For a country relatively small in terms of population, Chile is quite rich in two things: coastline and churches. Thanks to the Spanish founders of the Chilean capital, the majority of Santiago’s temples are Catholic. Given that most of them are conveniently located in the downtown area, checking out these historic religious sites doesn’t take too much time.
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Santiago Introduction Walking Tour
Santiago is the political, financial, and cultural center of Chile. The capital city was founded on Santa Lucia Hill in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago offers history, gorgeous architecture, world-class museums, and fabulous markets.
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Santiago Shopping and Food Tour
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown bursting with exciting places to dine and shop. In recent years, Chile's affluence has prompted many international retailers to open their stores in the country's capital. Here you can shop practically for everything: from food to clothing to gifts and beyond, much as your bank account allows you.
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Recoleta Walking Tour
Established under the rule of Pinochet, Recoleta is perhaps the most famous of all the Santiago communes. It is undeniably one of Chile’s most multicultural places, replete with historic and architectural attractions: churches, parks and more.
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bellavista Walking Tour
One of Santiago's most enigmatic neighborhoods, Bellavista is a lively and quirky area akin to Montmartre in Paris. Known for its bohemian culture and thumping nightlife, the district is dotted with casual pubs, low-lit cocktail bars, discos and numerous eateries serving fusion cuisine. Many of the city's esteemed intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, following in the footsteps... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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