Bellavista Neighborhood

Welcome to the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista. You’ve just passed through Patio Bellavista, a buzzing area packed with shops, restaurants, and energy, and now you’re strolling down Constitución Street, lined with colourful houses, open-air terraces, and a laid-back vibe. During colonial times, the area north of the Mapocho River was called La Chimba, which means “on the other side” in Quechua. It was primarily agricultural and had been home to Indigenous families, mainly Inca and Picunche, for centuries. You’ve probably heard of the Incas, but the Picunches might be new to you. They lived between the Itata and Aconcagua Rivers and resisted both the Inca Empire’s expansion and the Spanish conquest. Let’s just say they had a rough time. By the 17th and 18th centuries, many Indigenous people had been forced into servitude in the city and struggled to preserve their culture under the pressure of European domination. Over time, artisans and tradespeople joined the Indigenous population here. As the area was cut off from the main city by the river, it remained relatively quiet. Land was gradually ceded to religious orders, and convents and monasteries settled in. Things changed in the 19th century with the construction of the Cal y Canto Bridge—one of Santiago’s most iconic architectural achievements at the time, now long gone. That bridge connected La Chimba to the rest of the city and kickstarted urban development. The neighbourhood became a refined, Catholic, and aristocratic area. Fast-forward to today, and Bellavista is a hub of creativity and nightlife, filled with galleries, bars, souvenir shops, and lively taverns. Pio Nono Street, just around the corner, holds the title for the highest concentration of bars in all of Chile—so if you’re looking for a good time after dark, this is the place. It’s also the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir made of lapis lazuli, Chile’s signature deep blue semi-precious stone, that’s been used here for more than 7000 years.