Vitacura
Vitacura, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
Among Santiago's swankiest suburbs, Vitacura is home to luxury homes, high-end hotels and restaurants, and plenty of great shops. It’s across San Cristobal Hill (Cerro San Cristobal) from central Santiago and is home to Parque Bicentenario, which features walking paths, benches, and a dog park.
The basics
Although Vitacura is a bit far from central Santiago, the area's numerous upscale hotels make it a great option for those looking for a luxury stay. It's also close to San Cristobal Hill, a popular spot for taking in views of the city, and Santiago tours frequently include cable car rides up to its precipice. San Cristobal is a beloved mountain biking destination, and mountain bike excursions on the hill often terminate at Parque Bicentenario.
Things to know before you go
Vitacura is a must-visit for visitors looking for high-end shopping and dining experiences, as well as people-watching.
Most biking tours to the area include bottled water, but you may want to bring extra to stay hydrated at high elevations.
Many of the restaurants in the area require reservations, and some have dress codes.
How to get there
Vitacura is about a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from downtown Santiago, though getting between the two spots can take considerably longer in rush hour or when traffic is bad. Bus line 405 connects the two areas. If you'd prefer to take the metro, you can catch line 1 from downtown and take it to El Golf in Las Condes, a 10-minute taxi ride or 25-minute walk from Vitacura.
When to get there
Vitacura is a great place to visit no matter the time of day, though the malls and shopping areas can get busy on weekends. If you plan to browse and don’t want to deal with crowds, your best bet for a quieter visit is to come on a weekday morning, when most locals are at work.
Avenida Nueva Costanera
You'll find some of Vitacura's best shops and restaurants on Nueva Costanera Avenue, from upscale clothing boutiques featuring pieces from Chilean and international designers to exclusive, award-winning restaurants. Less expensive shopping and dining options are also available at Casacostanera, a sleek mall with a wide range of midrange and fast-fashion stores.
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