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Day Two: Central Market, Museo De Bellas Artes and Museo De Arte Contemporaneo, Bellavista, Metropolitan Park, Cerro San Cristobal, Café Melba

Home » Chile » Santiago - A One to Three-Day Itinerary » Day Two: Central Market, Museo De Bellas Artes and Museo De Arte Contemporaneo, Bellavista, Metropolitan Park, Cerro San Cristobal, Café Melba

Begin day two by exploring the dynamic environment of the Central Market. After shopping in this colorful array of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, travel to the Museo De Bellas Artes and Museo De Arte Contemporaneo, taking note of their magnificent architecture. The museums are both housed in a spectacular Neoclassical monument, constructed in 1910 to honor Chile’s first centenary. Together they form the largest concentration of collected art in the entire country of Chile. The Museo De Bellas Artes exhibits classic and contemporary art by both Chilean and international artists. The Museo De Arte Contemporaneo stands somewhat in the shadow of its counterpart museum, but does provide striking rotating exhibits.

Next, travel through the Bellavista neighborhood, which is renowned for its nightlife and good restaurants. After this, leave Santiago’s downtown area to visit the Metropolitan Park. This is a wonderful place to go if you want to escape Santiago’s infamous smog. This park, bursting with green, provides over seven square kilometers of steep hills and picturesque views of the city of Santiago below. The best time to go to the park is after the city has experienced a heavy rain; often, you will be able to view the Andes Mountain range in the backdrop. The primary entrance to the park is found at the base of Pío Nono, and accommodates the starting point of a cable railway, which escorts people to the top of Cerro San Cristobal. From here, 250m above the neighboring urban surroundings ride the cable car to survey the beauty of the panoramic views with the botanical gardens and enormous swimming pools. At the highest point, look for an enormous statue, 35m high, of Virgin Mary and the immaculate conception. This statue was built in Paris and set up in 1908 and can be seen from practically any location in the city, particularly when it is lit up at night.

Spend the evening dining at Café Melba. The restaurant has an excellent reputation as being a great place for the weary traveler to come and dine. Café Melba heads the scene in casual and comfortable dining. The menu offers a wide range of options as it changes with the season. Those looking for a filling and delicious dinner can find respite at Café Melba in its warm yet elegant environment.

Next Page: Day Three: Valparaíso

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