A Guide to LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Santiago, Chile

Campy and sparkling, Bal le Duc is a venue that hosts nights with classic gay icon themes: Madonna, George Michael, Morrissey and… Geri Halliwell? Well, everything goes in this open and friendly place, which a large outdoor patio and two dance areas. Bal le Duc also hosts vogue-ing night and drag queen competitions, and it’s a favorite for bears, queens and any group of friends who want to have a mischievous night out. Even Daniela Vega, known for her performance in Oscar-winner A Fantastic Woman, has been spotted a few times here.

Club Vita, while not exclusively gay, Club Vita can definitely be classified as queer. It’s a small, underground place for those who like alternative and quirky places. The music bill is solid here – you can discover some of Santiago’s stellar electronic producers, such as Kamila Govorčin and Elias Deepman, who play regular sets that showcase the work of their co-founded techno and house label, Panal Records. Club Vita also features shows from the likes of local queer legends such as Entropica and Sofia Oportot.

Blondie isn’t exclusively gay, but it is alternative. It’s a huge place that is loved by those who go there, and anyone who doesn’t like exclusive or scene-ster places will feel welcome here. You’ll find the odd mom who likes to dance to ’80s hits, the former emo-kid who is here for a Placebo night, the indie kid playing air guitar to The Strokes, and the ’90s girl who is kicking it to the Spice Girls. All types of people can be found here at Blondie. Blondie also hosts the best Halloween party in town, OpenBlondie, taking over a huge space in Santiago with bands, DJs, indoor and outdoor stages and everyone dressed in crazy costumes.

Illuminati is Santiago’s classic club for LGBTQ+ nightlife – if you just want to party in a warm, friendly, inexpensive place, then come here. In the heart of Santiago’s party district, Bellavista, it’s a great place to go after an impromptu night out with friends. Come for an unpretentious night of fun to a soundtrack of classic pop hits and a bit of a local Chilean touch mixed into the playlist. There’s free entrance until 12:45am, so come before then and spend that cash instead on the 2×1 piscolas!