10 Things You Must Know Before Moving to Santiago (Seriously)
okay, so like, i’ve been staring at this screen for 72 hours straight fueled by mate and regret, but i gotta get this down. moving to santiago? it’s… intense. it’s not like those Instagram feeds where everyone’s sipping smoothies in some pastel-colored plaza. it’s gritty, it’s loud, it’s beautiful in a way that punches you in the gut. i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a scrambled egg. let’s just get this out there.
first off, the weather. it’s… weird. like, one minute you’re sweating buckets, the next you’re shivering. it’s called ‘patagónicamente’ - basically, Patagonia-esque. think perpetual drizzle mixed with sudden bursts of sunshine. it’s a constant battle. and the air? it smells like eucalyptus and something vaguely… metallic. don’t ask.
*Here’s the lowdown, straight from my sleep-deprived brain:
1. Rent is a beast. Seriously. Like, don’t expect to find a studio for under $600. I ended up in Bellavista, which is cool, but it’s basically a tourist trap. Check out this Reddit thread for some real talk: https://www.reddit.com/r/santiagodechile/.
2. Safety’s a thing. Don’t be a moron. Like, don’t wander around alone at 2 AM in dark alleys. It’s not that dangerous, but common sense goes a long way. TripAdvisor has some decent safety tips: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Destinations/Santiago-de-Chile/Safety.
3. The Metro is your friend. Seriously, learn to use it. It’s cheap, it’s efficient, and it’ll save you a fortune on taxis.
4. Learn some Spanish. Like, really learn it. English isn’t spoken everywhere, and you’ll feel like a total idiot trying to order a beer.
5. Food is amazing. Don’t even get me started on the empanadas. And the seafood. And the pisco sours. Just… eat everything. Yelp has some killer restaurant reviews: https://www.yelp.com/map/santiago-de-chile/restaurants
6. Bellavista is… intense. It’s beautiful, it’s vibrant, it’s packed with tourists and street performers. It’s also ridiculously overpriced and crowded. Go for a few hours, then escape.
7. Cerro San Cristobal is a must. Take the funicular up for insane views of the city. It’s a classic for a reason.
8. Don’t trust the “locals” offering tours. Seriously. Most of them are hustlers. Stick to reputable companies.
9. The nightlife is… chaotic. It’s not like Miami. It’s more like a series of interconnected bars and clubs where everyone’s trying to out-drink each other.
10. Be prepared to be surprised. Santiago is a city of contradictions. It’s old and new, rich and poor, beautiful and gritty. It’s a place that will challenge you, frustrate you, and ultimately, steal your heart.
Overheard Gossip (Drunk Advice, circa 3 AM): “Don’t go to La Chascona. It’s a tourist trap with overpriced souvenirs and terrible cocktails. Trust me.” - A guy I met at a bar in Lastarria.
Another Rumor (From a Taxi Driver):* “The safest neighborhood is Providencia. But even there, keep your valuables close.”
Okay, one last thing. If you’re into vinyl, there’s a killer record store in Independencia called “El Rincón del Vinilo.” Seriously, go.
And if you’re looking for a place to chill and escape the city, Valparaíso is only a short drive away. It’s a crazy, colorful port city that feels like stepping back in time. Just… be careful. It’s a bit rough around the edges.
Seriously, go. Just… go. But bring earplugs. And a good pair of walking shoes. And maybe a therapist. You’ll need it.
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