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Stay Local

One of the best things about the Green Mile is its lack of American culture. Aside from the Mall del Centro between the Plaza de Armas and Estación Mapocho, there isn't a single McDonald's for nearly ten blocks. The food, the beer, the shops-they're all local and they're all pretty wonderful. Support the culture and help it thrive. And while you're at it, treat yourself to something new.

Bring a Map-

-just try not to be obvious. If you're a tourist, the natural tendency is to bring a map, and with good reason. Santiago is basically on a standard grid, but side streets can get confusing. So if you bring a map, keep it small and don't be afraid to ask. Chileans can be cold but, if given reason to talk, are generally friendly.

The Metro

Transportation. Location. Visibility. Whether you're using the Metro to get from one gallery to the next or to provide a simple meeting place, it's always there. Santiaguinos are incredibly proud of their Metro and with good reason-it remains the cleanest, most efficient means of transportation in town. Support the arts. Support the Metro. Support Santiago. And don't get lost.

Santiago = Art

If you leave to tell those back home one thing, it should be that Santiago is alive. For a city that was, until fairly recently, run by a dictator, the citizens have certainly made something out of their city. Art is everywhere and with continued support, will continue to spread. Santiago may never be known for its museums but, with time, it could very easily become a cultural hotbed known the world over.

The Green Mile Isn't the End

Remember-these five Metro stops are not the only places to see art in Santiago. They just happen to have an incredibly dense population of galleries and museums in a small area. The art is everywhere. Vitacura is crawling with galleries. The outskirts of town house aquariums, zoos and antique architecture. Santiago is wonderful in that it has preserved such a wide variety of epochs. Embrace your surroundings.

Museums in Bellas Artes
Bellas Artes is the pinnacle of culture, art, happenings and fun, interesting things to do in Santiago. Full of cafés, galleries, museums and an eclectic blend of stores, this neighborhood could easily be made into its own one-day excursion. Walk to Bellas Artes...

Art in Baquedano and Plaza Italia
Located at the exact center of town, Plaza Baquedano and Plaza Italia are the centerpieces of Santiago. Marking the end of Parque Balmaceda, the beginning of Parque Forestal and the entrance to Bellavista, Baquedano has it all. Walk to Baquedano...

Plaza de Armas: Museums and Art
Though not the exact center of town like Baquedano, the Plaza de Armas is square one. Just six blocks west from Bellas Artes and six blocks north of the presidential palace, the Plaza can easily be made the center of any tour. Walk to Plaza de Armas

Museums and Art in Quinta Normal
While the three preceding neighborhoods basically define cool in Santiago, Quinta Normal takes a more subtle approach to its appeal. Situated at the end of line 5, it is the perfect blend of urban grit and natural beauty. Walk to Quinta Normal

The Green Mile Begins Here
Start The Green Mile Walking Guide to Santiago Museums.