Experience in Santiago, Chile by Francisca

What is it like to live in Santiago? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is just great. Santiago is a big city, 6million people lives here, it has this mix of the old city with a lot of history and culture and the new modern part full of big buildings an amazing parks. Santiago is a beautiful place to live and to visit, the chilean gastronomy is delicius, the weather is pretty good and there are partys, expositions, events and entertainment everyday of the week no stop.

What is the student lifestyle like in Santiago?

Fun and Interesting

How much does it cost to live in Santiago?

It depends where do you stay and what do you like to do. But it may be a bit expensive if you compare it with other capitals in SouthAmerica. Definitly cheaper than living in Europe.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Santiago? Is there any advice you can give?

Not at all. There are a lot of groups and people offering different things. Just try to find a place close to a metro station so it is easier and faster to move around the city.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

It is the best. Pastel de choclo, Ceviche, Empanada de Pino o de Mariscos. And for the sweet, Arroz con leche o Mote con huesillos. For drinks, Pisco Sour and Piscola.

What places would you recommend visiting in Santiago?

Definitly you should go to the Central Market, La Vega, The Cementery, La Moneda, Cerro Santa Lucia, San Cristobal y Bellavista for getting to know the "old city". For the new and moden one, visit the street "Alonso de Cordoba", "Vitacura" "Isidora Goyenechea", etc..

Is it good to eat out in Santiago? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are restaurants and restaurants. "La Jardin", "Mandarina", "Peluqueria Francesa", "Galindo" and "Puerto Marisko" are one of my favorites.

Is the nightlife good in Santiago? Where is good to go?

Bellavista or Barrio Yungay. Vitacura is also cool.

What advice would you give future students headed to Santiago?

Just enjoy the city and the atmosphere that it has. Try to plan some trips with time to go to the south (Pucon, Puerto Varas and Torres del Paine for example) or north (Bahia Inglesa, Iquique, San Pedro de Atacama) that way you can save some money and have a great experience. Try to meet as many foreign or chilean people as you can and remember that here we do not speak spanish, we speak "chilean" but probably you are going to learn it very fast and you are gonna have fun with it.
Enjoy this beautiful city.