Cheers, Saturday night downtown Santiago
LOCATION: Santiago
Without a doubt, the day we needed. A week ago, this was proposed as a 9 hour day to visit a bird park - thank goodness we had reviewed and cancelled. The 8.30 wakeup, the 9.15 breakfast and the 11 am meetup for an unstructured walk, was a perfect way to enjoy a day in Santiago.
We gave had loads of warnings about safe areas, scammers and crime in Santiago but so far not anything that has touched our radar. We had checked with tbe Conceirge to get some advice and instructions for getting around the "mountain" and we were pretty conservative and stuck to very public access routes. Needed to keep everything close and up front and keep the phones away - hence very few pictures. We just strolled.
Was a busy trek - seemed to stumble on something new at every turn - mind you, without @Lisette, don't know what we are looking at. No doubt she can fill in the details tomorrow.
Found the money exchange and the toy shop that was on @DeLoy's to do list and managed to wander aimlessly aroound downtown for 4 hours.Watched a fun run, browsed malls and markets, sat for a coffee and picked up a 50% off bargain at a second hand shop fora change of shirt for the ladies.
Markets were a bustling affair. Music and entertainment, stalls, food- seems everyone is an entrepreneur here. In fact. Barel a stretch of footpath that doesn't boast a blanket with something for sale.
Buildings a combination of old and new. The Andes always the dominating ring of the skyline. And the poĺutipn/smog/fog cleatef as the day warmed ipp. Back late afternoon to tune into the golf before tumbling out for dinner.
Went to the goumet court in the block adjacent to the hotel and did the rounds, asking at every entrance "Do you serve soup?" They must have thought we were crazy and one response was "Maybe in winter." That got us laughing, but did eventually find our meal of choice in "Junta."
The walk home was through the jumble of the night trade on the footpaths. It was a mix of dining options that spill onto the street, formal stalls with tables and lights weighed down with handmade goods. After that, wherever there is space left, someone has shaken out a sheet or blanket on the cobblestones and their second hand clothes and shoes are on display for sale! If you don't have enough to look at, there is some performer on the corner, belting out a set.
Things inside the hotel were also a bit frenetic this evening. They were hosting a wedding.Didnt't see the bride but could hear the cheers and applause. Meant waiters were very few and far between in our bar.
A perfect day, at a perfect pace in Santiago. Finally catching our breath.
Can you believe this?
🌆 Key Features of Santiago’s Footpath Market Culture from Co-Pilot
- Everyday Life on Display
Footpath markets (often called ferias) spill onto sidewalks and plazas, especially around neighborhoods like Franklin, La Vega Central, and Persa Biobío. They showcase seasonal fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meats, alongside clothing, electronics, and antiques.
- Community & Social Exchange
Markets are more than commerce—they’re meeting points for neighbors. Bargaining is common, and vendors often know their customers personally. The atmosphere is lively, with music, chatter, and the smell of street food filling the air.
- Artisan & Craft Culture
Footpath stalls often feature handmade jewelry, textiles, and indigenous Mapuche crafts, especially in tourist-friendly areas like Feria Artesanal Santa Lucía.
Survival Barometer
Steps 11 459
Weather 26 and eventual blue skies - no humidity- we love it
Health what can I say - Nornal for here - happy dance
For Jesse: lots of action on Saturday - public ping pong tables, chess and a fun run.
"I could setup up a stall in Santiago on a Saturday night and sell some toys."
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