Barrio Bellavista & La Chascona

Barrio Bellavista — Santiago's Creative Heart

Between the Río Mapocho and Cerro San Cristóbal stretches Bellavista, Santiago's most colorful and lively district. The streets are lined with street art, galleries and art studios hide in the side alleys, and in the evening, the district transforms into Santiago's number one nightlife area with restaurants, bars, and live music.

La Chascona — Neruda's Love House

The highlight of the district is La Chascona, one of the three homes of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda. He had it built in 1953 for his third wife Matilde Urrutia — secretly, as he was still married. The name "La Chascona" (the tousled one) was his nickname for Matilde and her wild mane of curls.

The house is an architectural adventure: winding rooms modeled after a ship (Neruda was obsessed with the sea), a bar styled like a pirate ship, collections of ship instruments, shells, and butterfly wings. The audio tour (also in German) tells the romantic and tragic story of Neruda — he died 12 days after the military coup in 1973.

Bellavista in the Evening

In the evening, Bellavista transforms into Santiago's number one nightlife area: Calle Constitución and Calle Pío Nono are lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. The Patio Bellavista (a restored courtyard complex) combines restaurants, shops, and an open-air stage. The atmosphere is young, creative, and international.

For a quieter experience: Upper Bellavista (towards Cerro San Cristóbal) is less touristy and has charming small bars and restaurants where Santiaguinos themselves go out.