Shopping in Chile
Santiago is teeming with places to go shopping or eating out. For specific things, though, you have to know where to look. There are malls and department stores just like the one's back home, but there are also hidden places in the city that offer you the chance to purchase unique cultural items.
Malls and Department Stores
With arcade games, fast food restaurants, large department stores and supermarkets, Santiago’s malls are well prepared for a full day of shopping. The principal malls are in Vitacura and Las Condes. Larger malls have Chile’s major department stores Falabella, Ripleys and Almacenes Paris. Find Santiago Malls and Department Stores...
Hand Crafts
Shopping for handcrafts is one of Chile’s most unique shopping experiences. Craft fairs (ferias artesenales) are
a celebration of Chilean culture, offering items that represent Chilean tradition, history and folklore. A typical craft fair offers items like alpaca wool clothing (ropa de lana de alpaca), copper souvenirs (cobre) and Rapa Nui statuettes. Where to Buy Handcrafts in Chile...
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone found in just two countries in the world: Afghanistan and Chile. Craftsmen use the stone to make ornaments and figures. Jewelers set lapis lazuli stones into silver to make necklaces, rings and earrings. Learn More about Buying Lapis Lazuli...
Wine
Chile began producing wine in the 19th century under the tutelage of some of France’s greatest experts. The range of climates between northern Region III and southern Region VIII provides the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fine red and white wines. Read about Buying Wine in Chile...
Books in English
The few books that you could fit into your suitcase will eventually run out. There is no need to worry. Santiago has a handful of bookstores that carry English-language books. Read How to Read More English Books...
Grocery Shopping:
Mini markets (minimercados) and supermarkets (supermercados) apparently were not enough for Santiago. The city has a handful of large supermarkets called hipermercados. Learn More about Chilean Grocery Shopping...
Organic and Specialty Foods
Most of Santiago’s supermarkets are not bastions of variety. Supplies for making your favorite international delicacies are difficult to find, but they do exist. If you are looking for a particular item, ask around. More on Shopping Organic in Chile...
Bargains and Street Vending
Some of the best street vending for souvenirs is along Pio Nono in Bellavista. Street vendors have colorful booths where they sell handcrafts, new and used books, paintings, music and home decorations. Vendors are eager to make a sale, so they are usually willing to negotiate already low prices. Where to Go for Bargain Shopping in Chile...
Dining
Santiago’s restaurants serve a wide variety of cuisines, but you often have to look extra hard for your favorite international foods. There is a restaurant for every budget and around every corner. Where to Dine Out in Santiago...
