How to: Slay in Santiago, Chile
Despite what people say, Santiago was one of my favorite cities, and on top of that, I felt extremely safe on a lot of the journeys I journeyed. Chile is one of the most expensive cities in South America, so if you want to stay backpacking/traveling for a while, volunteering is always your best option. You will get free accommodation, free food, free laundry, but of course, you’re going to have to give something in return; cleaning, working reception, cooking, etc. If you want to slay Santiago like I did, I would follow my guide.
#1: Volunteer at La Casa Roja for at least 3 weeks
- This is such an amazing opportunity to volunteer. This hostel is a renovated old mansion with high ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers in every room, multiple areas to hang out, a gigantic kitchen, a sunny backyard with a pool and pool parties, a bar, free pasta night, and amazing staff. I was either cleaning rooms/making beds, cleaning the kitchen, cooking for the hostel dinners, or working at the bar.
- You only work around 6–7 hours a day for 3 days a week, and most of the time your days working are split up with breaks. I stayed in a room with two other volunteers. The hostel is always in a clean state with music bumping in the backyard.
- This hostel is near Plaza Brasil. Around Plaza Brasil, you will find adorable cafes, a market surrounding the park, restaurants, and a cute park. Make sure to explore this area for a local coffee, a quick bite, a fresh piece of pie, or handmade jewelry.
#2: Take a pole dancing class: It’s always important to try new things. This one was top on my list and quite hysterical. I went with another volunteer from the hostel and we couldn't stop saying “fuck” because of how badly it hurt and how crazy it was to watch others be so amazing at this sport. It was hard but fun!!!!!
#3: Have a night at Blondie: 4 different rooms with different types of music; 2 big ones and 2 small ones. I only switched between the EDM room and one of the main rooms because it was “Brittney Spears” night or busttttt. it’s a fun place to stay dancing all night but I would recommend going with a few friends. The club is only open on Saturday night and stays open till 5.
#4: Take the teleférico and hike up to Cerro Cristobal: This is an amazing spot to view the entire city. You can hike all the way up but taking the Teleferico is highly recommended.
#5: Have a spectacular dinner at Baco: 4.5 stars with almost 5k views on google; With a rich variety of pasta, fish, meat, starters, and desserts and a gorgeous ambiance. I went with a friend who let me treat the night like it was my birthday. I ordered wine, a ton of food plus 3 desserts and it came out to be USD 76. If I didn't go crazy it would have been much cheaper. I would for sure hit this spot!!!
#6: Visit the Liberia National Biblocteca: free visit inside the national library. Take a coffee and walk with history.
#7: Take a mini shopping spree at Centro Artesenal Santa Lucia: a tourist one-stop shop. Filled with ALL types of jewelry, crystals, Santiago shirts, pens, journals, jerseys, shorts, handmade jewelry, and anything else you can think of.
#8: Pack some snacks and have a day at Parque Bicententario
#9: DIY Thanksgiving dinner @ Olivio Limon all-you-can-eat: An insanely cheap all you can eat spot. It was soooo amazing! There was sushi, ceviche, Chinese food, curry, soups, meats, fish, a fridge for different types of dessert, soft serve ice cream, and a cereal bar. I would hit this spot, especially after a long day walking in the sun!
#10: Take a beautiful walk down Avenida Italia in Barrio Italia: such a spiritual, vibrant, artsy, unique, and gorgeous street to walk down. There are markets within every little shop and a wide variety of cuisines.
#11: Treat yourself to a yummy coffee frappuccino at Cafe Chelsea and people watch
#12: Get 70 pieces of sushi from Kami Sushi for only $23: Decided to do takeout and we found this gem of a spot. They have other amazing promos but the sushi for sure understood the assignment.
#13: Enjoy the biggest and most amazing Sunday market at Portales Park: Everything you can imagine is at this market in terms of food, clothing, toiletries, beauty products, household items, antiques, etc
#14: Spend a day walking around Centro Histrotico, Bella Artes, and Lastarria.
#15: Experience the cheapest and most amazing side-street thrift market in Lastarria. The later you go, the more vendors.
#16: Get a $5 layered haircut and blow dry on the streets near Plaza de Armas de Santiago de Chile (seriously the best haircut of my life)
#17: Visit Sky Costanera for sunset: Get a 360-degree view of Santiago in one of the tallest buildings/nicest neighborhoods. Under Sky Costanera, is a gigantic shopping mall. It was fun to walk around and get some things I couldn’t find while backpacking for a few months.
Book of choice: The Celestine Prophecy
tip:
- if you stay longer than a few days, get a bip! card. it’s for the bus and it's extremely helpful when navigating the different neighborhoods. Ubers/taxis will add up fast!
- Santiago is PRETTY developed as they are now taking on a more American approach to things. They're indeed trying to become more Americanized. Sometimes walking the streets felt like NYC. They have almost all, if not most, of the brands and chains we carry in the USA. This was a good place to resupply and rejuvenate.
I hope you love Santiago as much as I did!!!! I made wonderful connections with other volunteers and travelers staying at the hostel. I enjoyed strolling and getting lost in the city the most.
You can always reach out to me via this platform or Instagram: @chelseyjacobs with any questions or assistance!
xoxoxo, chellllly ❤
