Patio Bellavista, Santiago (must see)

If you’re looking for a place where Santiago’s culture, food, art, and nightlife all come together, Patio Bellavista is a good place to start. Set in the heart of the Bellavista neighborhood, this lively complex brings together restaurants, wine shops, bars, cafés, galleries, and plenty of small stores under one roof.

As you walk through the patio, take some time to browse the shops. There are more than fifty of them, selling everything from jewelry and pottery to leather goods, textiles, books, artwork, and locally made souvenirs. It’s an easy place to pick up a gift or simply wander around and see what catches your eye.

Patio Bellavista is also well placed if you’re exploring this part of Santiago. La Chascona, Pablo Neruda’s former home, is nearby, while San Cristóbal Hill is also within easy reach. So, if you’ve spent the day sightseeing, this makes a convenient place to stop for lunch, dinner, or a drink.

During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing, but by late afternoon and evening the place becomes much livelier. Restaurants and bars begin to fill up, and the patio takes on a more distinctly bohemian feel.

You’ll find a broad mix of food here, including Chilean, Italian, Spanish, and Asian cuisine, as well as pizzerias, pubs, dessert shops, and ice cream parlors. Some restaurants have upper floors or terraces overlooking the central patio, which can be especially pleasant in the evening.

Patio Bellavista also regularly hosts cultural activities, exhibitions, live music, and performances, so there may well be something interesting happening during your visit.

If you have the time, don’t rush through. Find a table at one of the open-air restaurants, order something to eat or drink, and simply enjoy the atmosphere for a while.