The arcades of downtown Santiago: local shopping and urban culture
The shopping arcades of Santiago's historic centre are an authentic alternative to the modern malls. Local clothing, second-hand goods, used technology and plenty of urban colour.
The downtown arcades as a cultural experience
Unlike the big malls of the eastern district, the arcades of Santiago's historic centre offer a more local and authentic shopping experience. They are indoor passages lined with small shops selling everything from clothing and footwear to technology, collectors' items, services and popular fast food. Wandering through them is part of the atmosphere of the city centre itself.
The main arcades and what to find
Galería España, near the Alameda, is a go-to for used technology and accessories. Pasaje Matte and Pasaje Phillips in the micro-centre are packed with clothing, shoe and handicraft shops. The Paseo Ahumada and Paseo Huérfanos area links several arcades with a varied offering. Mallplaza Alameda is the more formal version of this district, with chain stores and a cinema.
Handicrafts and local products
For Chilean handicrafts, the Centro Artesanal Los Dominicos in Las Condes and the Mercado Central are the best-known spots. Downtown, the Feria Artesanal at the Plaza de Armas and the stalls in the Lastarria neighbourhood offer products aimed more at tourists, including textiles, carved wood and Mapuche-motif ceramics.
How to get there and when to go
The historic centre is accessible from several metro stations: Plaza de Armas, Santa Lucía, Universidad de Chile and Baquedano. It's best to go on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Weekends have a different feel: quieter in some areas, though some arcades keep reduced hours.