So, I just got back from Santiago, and man, I can't stop thinking about all the little adventures I had there. Honestly, when it comes to the best things to do in Santiago, it's less about the big sites — though they're spectacular — and more about the moments that sneak up on you. You know, the kind of stuff that catches you off guard and makes you rethink your day?
This spot? Total surprise.
You know how when you travel, you kind of have this checklist of “must-sees”? Well, the first place I went to was La Moneda, the presidential palace. I'd read so much about it, and yeah, it was pretty impressive with its grand architecture, but I was feeling a tad underwhelmed, I'll admit. It didn't help that there were so many tourists milling around like it was some kind of Insta-spot. But then I wandered a bit off to the side, away from the crowd, and stumbled upon this small café that I had never even heard of.
I don't know what drew me in. Maybe it was the smell of fresh bread or the quirky little tables outside where the locals were laughing and enjoying their afternoon cafe con piernas (which, trust me, is exactly as funny as it sounds). I decided to step inside, and hey, wouldn't you know it, the barista was this super friendly guy who spoke a bit of English. He recommended a cortado and this pastry filled with manjar — oh my God, I can't even explain how good it was. It was like a sugary hug from a grandmother who's been waiting to spoil you.
Just a random café, but that moment of sitting there, sipping my coffee, watching life unfold around me, was one of the best things that happened in the whole trip. And it wasn't even on any travel guide.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was the afternoon I spent exploring this neighborhood called Bellavista. I had almost skipped it, thinking it was just another artsy, hipster place underwhelmed by its own quirks. But I was wandering there, lost for what felt like hours with nothing but vague directions and a half-eaten empanada. But man, Bellavista grabbed me by the collar and shook me up.
Suddenly, I found myself in Parque Forestal, the sun slicing through the trees, and I sat down on an empty bench. There was something magical about just being there, feeling the warmth soak into my skin. The sound of laughter bounced around as families and friends shared their random stories in the warmth of the afternoon sun. It's funny how little detours like this can shift your mood. One moment I was so bogged down with plans, and the next, I was just breathing.
That's when I noticed a local street performance — a duo strumming on guitars and singing with so much passion. And honestly, I didn't even catch all the words, but it didn't matter. I found myself tapping my feet and smiling like a goofball. A guy next to me offered me some of his coca tea, and we ended up having this random conversation about life in Santiago versus life back home. Who would've thought the best things to do in Santiago could come so unexpectedly?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Speaking of detours, can we talk about how my sense of direction is seriously subpar? I remember trying to find my way to this famous market — Mercado Central, I think it was? Instead of going straight there like I planned, I somehow ended up wandering down a totally different street and finding this whole local fish market. It was like a scene from a movie, all fresh seafood laid out with vendors joking around, yelling prices at each other, and laughing like they were pals at a barbecue rather than working.
At first, I was all sweaty and slightly irritated because how did I end up here? I wanted ceviche, not a fish wrestling match! But then the sights and sounds pulled me in like a magnet. I grabbed this amazing plate of fried fish that I didn't know I needed. And let me tell you, it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. I have no clue what the fish was called, but it came with this spicy sauce that had all the right heat.
If I hadn't screwed up my directions, I would've missed out on the rush of colors and flavors so vivid it felt like they were telling stories. Small mistakes like that turned into pure blessings, forcing me into the real heartbeat of the city, even if it wasn't where I intended to be.
The meal that stayed with me
And, oh, I can't forget about the dinner at a place called Galindo. I found it after a long day and was totally exhausted. I almost skipped it because, honestly? It looked so casual from the outside, and I was thinking, “Maybe I should go somewhere fancier.” But guys, I was hungry and decided to roll with it, and thank the travel gods I did.
I ordered a plate of pastel de choclo, which is this corn pie that looked so enticing I had to keep my camera in my bag not to look like a total tourist. And wow, when it arrived, it was like comfort food on another level. The rich flavor blended perfectly with the sweetness of the corn, and I felt this wave of warmth wash over me, like a tasty blanket. I don't know how they do it, but it was such a simple meal that hit every emotional spot all at once.
I shared a table with a couple next to me, and it turned into hours of laughing and sharing stories about our travels — turns out they were from Canada and had the same accidental adventures! That warmth of shared meals and strangers felt like home, showing me that sometimes the best things to do in Santiago are just being human together, at a small wooden table.
Still processing…
So, I'm sitting here now, with my coffee cooling down, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. Santiago wasn't just another city on my list; it taught me to wander, to be open, to share moments with strangers, and that sometimes the things you don't plan for turn out to be the best parts of any journey. I mean, isn't that kind of what travel is about? You might not end up seeing everything on your list, but oh boy, those little detours? They make the best stories.
I think I might need another dose of that cortado and pastry, though… So I guess the next time I'll still be hunting for the best things to do in Santiago all over again, and maybe it'll all be different this time. Or maybe it'll be just as perfectly messy as it was before. Either way, I'm okay with that.
