Mapocho Station
Plaza de la Cultura, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan, 8320000
During the 1800s, Mapocho Station served as both the heart of Chile’s nation-wide railway network and the country’s gateway to the rest of the world, due to its links to the port town of Valparaiso. Today, after being reopened as the Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho, the National Monument hosts cultural events and performances throughout the year.
The basics
The historic Mapocho Station features on several sightseeing tours; opting for a hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to tailor your itinerary to your interests. Due to its grand architecture, the cultural center is also a stop on some Santiago bike tours, while its reputation for ghostly goings-on means it’s a staple of ghost tours.
Things to know before you go
- Mapocho Station is a must for visitors interested in architecture, culture, and history.
- The building is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- The area surrounding Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho is full of restaurants, bars, and cafés.
How to get there
Mapocho Station is located in the city center of Santiago. While this is a relatively good driving neighborhood, the easiest way to access the station is by metro; take the yellow L2 line to the Puente Cal y Canto station.
When to get there
Rather than showcasing permanent exhibitions, Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho has a rotating program of exhibitions and galleries that are supplemented with concerts usually dedicated to traditional Chilean music. Visit the Mapocho Station website to see a calendar of events.
Nearby cultural attractions
Surrounding Mapocho Station, culture vultures can find enough museums and landmarks to keep them entertained for days. Must-visit places within walking distance of the former station include Palacio de Bellas Artes, which traces Chile’s development through artistic masters, and Plaza de Armas, a historic square home to the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago.
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