Santiago Tourist Attractions
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Santiago is the capital of Chile and also the cultural heart of the country. The country's best museums and galleries are found here, along with excellent shopping, dining, and hotels.Santiago is centrally located and the main transportation hub within Chile. As such it is where most visitors will enter the country and begin their vacation or travels through Chile. People doing a more extensive tour of Chile may be tempted to allow little time in Santiago but it is a city worth taking some time to explore. Some of the highlights include the Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, The Fine Arts Museum, and the Precolombian Museum.
Museum of Precolombian Art
As the name suggests the Museum of Precolombian Art / Museo Chileno de Arte Procolombino focuses on the art of Precolombian civilizations. Some of the collections focus on the Native Peoples of Chile from the Atacama Desert in the north to Punta Arenas in the south. On display are variety of items from Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, Intermediate, Amazon, Central and Southern Andes.The Museum of Precolombian Art is one of Santiago's most prominent museums.
Central Market
The Mercado Central (Central Market) in Santiago is located in a beautiful historic building which dates to the late 19th Century. There are a wide variety of foods and goods for sale here from fish to flowers and everything in between. It is also just a fun place to walk through or enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants.
Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum in Santiago has existed in some form since the 1880s, although it has grown and moved around since that time. The Fine Arts Museum focuses on Chilean artists with a permanent collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and photography. International artists and art are also represented at the museum.
Palacio de la Moneda
The Palacio de la Moneda is an impressive building that is worth at least walking by to see. It has served many purposes over the years but is today used as government offices. Located in the city center, the building takes up an entire city block.
San Francisco Museum of Art
The San Francisco Museum of Art in Santiago is part of the San Francisco Monastery. The Franciscans have kept and expanded the collection of religous art and artifacts for hundreds of years. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, metal works, textiles, and furniture.
Church and Monastery of San Francisco
The Church and Monastery of San Francisco in Santiago is one of the most famous churches in the city. This colonial church houses a great collection of art. Both the monastery and museum are registered national monuments.
Providencia
Providencia, located northeast of Santiago city center, is a growing district with many parks and green spaces. There is a pleasant pedestrian only zone, along with many shops and restaurants.
Santiago Museum (Casa Colorada)
The Santiago Museum (Museo de Santiago) is housed in the Casa Colorada, an impressive colonial building. The museum deals with the history of Santiago. Among the city's historical events have been earthquakes and fires.
