nightlife
If you want to whoop it up in Santiago you will have a lot of possibilities. The best days are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Then it gets pretty lively and huge, buzzing crowds pour into the streets and bars of the nightlife zonas . These fall into three main areas: Bellavista , characterized by its small, informal restaurants and cafés, many of which put on live music after 11pm, usually guitar music, boleros or Latin; Providencia , packed with slick, American-style bars that pull in a huge crowd of professional types, including lots of expats and foreign visitors; and Nuñoa , the heart of Santiago's "underground" scene, where the bars and cafés lining the main square are filled with nonchalant students in ripped black jeans and leather jackets.
Bellavista
| Heaven , Recoleta 345, Santiago. |
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| A few blocks north of the Mapocho, just west of Bellavista. Scaffolding-like stairs and balconies, a smallish dance floor and good sound and lights. Very trendy. CH$4000 | |
| La Casa en el Aire , Recoleta 345, Santiago. |
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Providencia
| Boomerang , Holley 2285. Santiago |
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| Loud music, expensive cocktails and lots of gringos. Very fashionable. | |
| Boston Pub , Holley 2291. Santiago |
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| Often has live music mid-week as well as weekends - usually classic American and British covers like Simon and... |
Nuñoa
| La Batuta , Jorge Washington 52, Plaza Nuñoa. Santiago |
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| Dark room with a bar and a dance floor; no trendy decor but a great, grungey atmosphere. Hosts established and new bands (usually Fridays). Saturday works as a disco. Don't dress smart. CH$3000. |
