So, I just got back from Santiago, and wow, I'm still buzzing from the experience. I mean, seriously, when someone says “best things to do in Santiago,” I had no idea what I was getting into. Mainly, I didn't expect to feel so alive while wandering around. The culture, the food, the random moments? Totally blew my mind. Let me spill the beans over coffee and share some of the highlights—and maybe a few lowlights—of my trip.
This spot? Total surprise.
Picture this: I'm wandering the streets, trying to figure out where to go next. I'll admit, I didn't have a solid plan. I mean, who really does other than the hardcore travel bloggers? I was kinda just letting the vibe of the city lead me. Then, I stumbled upon this little café called La Fama tucked in a quirky alley. I hesitated for a second; it looked small, maybe too hipster for my breakfast needs that day.
But, you know that feeling when you just know you need to try something? I went in, and, oh man, it was like stepping into a cozy time capsule. The decor was a delightful mix of vintage posters and local art. I ordered a cortado and a marraqueta—local bread that's crusty on the outside and soft inside, with a hint of sweetness. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but when that bread hit my lips? It was like a warm hug on a chilly morning. I sat there for an hour just soaking in the atmosphere.
I think that's the hidden charm of traveling; you walk into a place expecting a mundane breakfast, and suddenly you're hit with something heartfelt and totally unexpected. Moments like that just stay with you.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So, after a few more cafes and art galleries, I found myself at Parque Forestal. Now, mind you, I'm not exactly the outdoorsy type. I tend to gravitate towards museums or cafes, not park picnics. But maybe I needed some open air, some greenery to breathe in.
As I meandered through the park, I saw an impromptu drum circle about 50 feet away. I mean, live drumming? Spontaneous vibes? I was instantly enchanted. I don't know how they do it, but some people just have the gift of turning a mundane afternoon into something epic. I ended up sitting on the grass, legs crossed, sipping my terremoto (a local cocktail made with wine and pineapple sorbet—don't knock it till you try it!).
The rhythms, the laughter, the energy—it was infectious. I don't even know how long I stayed, probably longer than I should have, but it totally shifted my mood. That whole self-conscious vibe I came in with just faded away. It was a mix of art, community, and this electric feeling of just being—without a care in the world. I walked away feeling lighter and a bit more in tune with life. It's moments like this that make you forget the stresses back home, right?
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Okay, so here's the part where I tell you that I really shouldn't be allowed to navigate foreign cities. I'm one of those people who can turn a simple right turn into a mini-adventure. So, I was supposed to head to this well-known market, La Vega Central, but my sense of direction led me somewhere…else.
Instead of ending up at a bustling market filled with colorful produce and spices, I found myself in a quiet residential neighborhood. A moment of panic set in as I glanced down at Google Maps, which was just as confused as I was. I mean, how did I even get here? But instead of freaking out, I decided to embrace the detour.
And guess what? I stumbled across a small bakery where the owner was chatting with a local. I never got the name of the place, but that didn't matter. They served the most delightful empanadas—the kind that make you understand why people rave about them. Flaky, golden-brown crust stuffed with meats and spices—total happiness in a bite.
I ended up sitting with them, enjoying food and laughter, and, honestly, I forgot all about that ‘wrong' turn. Sometimes life takes you down unexpected paths to show you something lovely.
A meal I’ll dream about
Now, let's talk about food—because Santiago, my friend, is a treasure trove of culinary delights! I went to a restaurant called Bocanáriz, which I had heard a tiny bit about but wasn't totally sold on. Everyone raves about Chilean wine, and I mean, I enjoy a good glass now and then, but I wasn't expecting it to be a major focus of my trip.
When I got there, the ambiance was this laid-back, yet slightly classy vibe. I ordered a wine tasting paired with various small plates, which sounds fancy, but honestly, it felt totally approachable. Each glass was filled with stories, and as the staff talked me through the local wines, I felt more connected.
But oh man, the highlight? A dish called pulmay. It's a traditional dish made of clams, chicken, and smoked paprika, all layered and baked. When I took that first bite, my taste buds danced like crazy. I was like, “Where have you been all my life?” Seriously, that meal left a mark—not just in my stomach, but in my heart.
Reflections over coffee
As I sip my last bit of coffee here, I can't help but feel grateful for the unplanned turns and delightful surprises in Santiago. The best things to do in Santiago don't always appear in travel guides or Instagram feeds; they happen in those small, authentic moments you stumble upon when you're willing to wander a little off the path.
Life isn't just about ticking boxes or seeing all the right things; it's about the feelings that linger long after you've left. So, cheers to those unexpectedly magical moments. I can't wait to see where I wander next.
