Santiago, Chile
Best places to shop in Santiago
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Santiago — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-11
1. Mercado Central and La Vega
Photo: Mx. Granger · CC0 · source
The 1872 iron-framed fish market with its restaurants, and the enormous La Vega Central produce market across the river.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Mercado Central daily 06:00–17:00; La Vega 06:00–18:00Cost: Budget–MidWatch out Touts at the Mercado Central entrance steer visitors to the most expensive restaurants for a commission. Walk past them and choose from the smaller counters at the back.
2. Los Dominicos Handicraft Village
Photo: Aldys Cattania · Pexels License · source
The craft village in a former monastery — lapis lazuli, copper, wool, leather and Mapuche silver in adobe workshops.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:30–19:00Cost: Mid-rangeTip: Lapis lazuli is a genuine Chilean stone — the country is one of only two significant sources. Real lapis has pyrite flecks and an uneven blue.
3. Providencia and Lastarria
Photo: Nada2114 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
The two pleasant shopping quarters — Providencia's Chilean brands and Lastarria's bookshops, design and weekend antiques market.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00Cost: Mid-range
4. Costanera Center and Parque Arauco
Photo: Beatriz Rios · Pexels License · source
The city's largest malls, in the eastern districts — international brands, department stores and the Costanera tower above.
Where: MallMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–21:00Cost: Mid-rangeTip: Chilean wine is far cheaper here than abroad, and Carménère is the varietal that is genuinely Chile's own.
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