Last updated on December 20, 2023.

I decided to start my exploration of Santiago by walking through the neighborhood I live in – Barrio Bellavista. It’s popular with foreigners and young Chileans, and is known as the bohemian quarter of the city.

 

Along the Streets

The neighborhood is loaded with restaurants, bars, and clubs, especially along the streets Pio Nono and Constitución. The tables at all the restaurants along the streets are packed at night. The more upscale restaurants and quieter crowds seem to be along Constitución. All throughout the neighborhood, you’ll find colorful murals.

Pio Nono in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Pio Nono
Pio Nono in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Pio Nono
Constitución in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Constitución

 

Mansions

There are a couple mansions in the neighborhood. One is the Castillo Lehuedé, which was built in 1923. The other is The Aubrey, which was built in 1927 and is now one of the top boutique hotels in Chile. It was built for Domingo Durán Morales, a Chilean businessman and politician who made his fortune in the railroad business.

Castillo Lehuedé in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Castillo Lehuedé
The Aubrey in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
The Aubrey

 

La Chascona

The star attraction of Bellavista is one of Pablo Neruda’s three homes, La Chascona. Work started in 1953, and because of Neruda’s love of the sea, it was designed to feel as if you were on a ship. It was severely damaged during the military coup in 1973. His lover, Matilde Urrutia lived there and restored it after the poet’s death. It’s now a museum.

La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
La Chascona
La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
La Chascona

Admission to La Chascona is CLP$8,000 (as of July 2023) and it’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. No photos are allowed inside the house but they are allowed in the gardens. A very informative audio guide is given to explain every room of the house, and the tour takes about an hour to finish. It’s well worth visiting.

La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
La Chascona
La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
La Chascona
La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Garden at La Chascona
La Chascona in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Stairway at La Chascona

 

Patio Bellavista

Tourists and locals both like to visit Patio Bellavista, an entertainment center with lots of good restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll also be able to book day trips and get cash at ATMs. It’s a great place to hang out with friends. There are entrances on Pio Nono and Constitución.

Patio Bellavista in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Patio Bellavista
Patio Bellavista in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
Patio Bellavista

 

German High School Chapel

Finally, there’s a small church a block west of Pio Nono on Calle Bellavista. It’s not that amazing but I really like the trumpeting angels on the tower. The church is called the German High School Chapel (Capilla Liceo Alemán).

Capilla Liceo Aleman in Bellavista, Santiago de Chile
German High School Chapel

 

Getting There

The nearest metro to Bellavista is Baquedano (Plaza Italia). After crossing the bridge over the Río Mapocho, you’ll be on the main street though the area, Pio Nono. Turning right onto the side streets of Dardignac and Antonia López de Bello will take you to Constitución. Following them to the left, there isn’t as much, but the street art is great. Continuing down Pio Nono to the end will get you to the base of Cerro San Cristóbal.

 

Safety

Some words of advice along Pio Nono: Watch your cameras and bags. Put your camera away when you aren’t using it. Keep your bags on your lap when you’re sitting outdoors. Don’t flash anything expensive at night.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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