Barrio Italia Santiago's Secret Bohemian Neighbourhood

Away from the buzz and beer of Barrio Bellavista and the bankers of ‘Sanhattan’, Barrio Italia offers a Santiago city experience at a slower pace. It is a treasure trove of hidden courtyard cafes, kitsch restaurants and cool independent shops. A haven for food and design lovers alike, the city’s most stylish neighbourhood offers a tranquil spot to pass an afternoon, or two. Here we guide you through spending the perfect day in Santiago’s best kept secret neighbourhood.

Established in the 19th century by Italian migrants, the neighbourhood has now flourished into a hub for bohemian bars, eateries and designers. The first thing we recommend is to simply take a stroll and get a little lost. The streets are lined with postcard perfect shops and many times you will step through an unassuming door into a full arcade of designer boutiques. Exploring inside these little doorways is the perfect place to discover new Chilean artists or to get inspired yourself.
For an afternoon break head to one of the lovely courtyard cafes in the area. The lovely Cafe de La Candelaria on Avenida Italia is a popular choice for a fresh cup of coffee and slice of cake. Other great places are The Secret Garden, Rende Bu and Bugambilla, see if you can find them!
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Whether it’s picking up a 1950’s edition of National Geographic, a pair of wooden framed designer sunglasses or a new cactus for your terreza, this neighbourhood has it all. Barrio Italia however is renowned in the city for being THE place to go for fabulous furniture. Calle Caupolican (from Girardi to Condell) is lined with furniture workshops selling everything from art deco tables, 1950’s stools to antique desks and lights. As you stroll down the street you can watch work men renovating pieces right on the street. For more modern pieces head to Amoble which offers custom made pieces and brightly coloured home decorations. RestaurArte is also great with an array of up cycled and vintage pieces.

If however, your baggage allowance on your return flight home wont quiet stretch to include that 60’s wooden trunk, there are plenty more luggage friendly shopping options. At the bottom of Avenida Italia there is the lovely Casa Originaria which sells handmade clothing pieces from Nepal and a visit to Estacion Italia is a must. It is home to almost 50 independent boutique shops selling everything from handmade soaps to Moroccan lamps. (t is also host to an array of events, check out their website for full listings. Finally, Stylish Arte Cultivos boasts an impressive collection of plants and herbs lovingly displayed in brightly colourful pots. Who knew a souvenir cactus could be so appealing?
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice here particularly at lunch time, with many places offering great set menu deals. Head over to the Vegan Bunker on the corner of Fresia and Tegualda for great vegan fare and fruit juices. Check out their Facebook page for the day’s set lunch menu which includes drink and side for less than four lukas. Another great, more upmarket option, is the ever popular Casa Luz serving up modern experimental fare with a killer wine list at the top of Avienda Italia.

If you are craving a bit of Spanish fare be sure to look out for Tabanera Andaluca set in a lovely shaded courtyard it’s the perfect way to cool down from the Santiago sun. Head there for cheap cold glasses of Mahou and a fresh bowl of Andalucían gazpacho.

If however, tastes of Italy are on your mind, unsurprisingly you will not be disappointed. Da Noi Trattoria is the go to for homemade Italian grub. You can while away a few hours here with a glass of wine and big bowl of homemade pasta. There is also the Pasta & Pizza bar in with a great terrace overlooking Avienda Italia.

For an after dinner sugar hit it has to be Xoco Por Ti, the neighbourhoods very own chocolate shop.
As the night begins to draw in, head to Ruca bar for their top notch G & T’s. Look out for their Happy Hour deals when you can grab one for just one luka. The Jazz Corner is the place to go for live Jazz & Blues; check out their website for full listings. For probably the best selection of craft ales in the city, take a left from Avienda Italia to Avienda Santa Isabel to Pepperland. With its eclectic mix of clientele and music, it’s advisable to get here early to snag at table as it quickly fills. You won’t be disappointed!

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