| The city of Santiago Chile,
(see Santiago guide)
with its population of 5 million, presents itself as
a large and rambling city. But when you take a closer
look you will find that the tourist attractions, the
main universities and companies' headquarters are concentrated
in a rather small area. This area comprises the old
center (Santiago Centro) and the districts of Providencia,
Las Condes and Vitacura. The last two areas are often
called "Barrio Alto", not only because of its higher
location towards the mountains but also because the
well-off Chileans prefer to live here.
Santiago Centro
The old center of Santiago is the classic place to live for students, especially because of its low prices and the vicinity of the big universities. At most places, time has left its marks, so don't expect luxury! Here, it is more likely to find a students' community willing to share its simply equipped apartment with foreigners. Anyway, in many places modern apartment buildings are rising between the old houses.
Providencia
The district called Providencia is many foreigners' favorite for its green, mainly quiet neighborhoods and its central situation. From here, you can easily reach the old city center, the new business center in Las Condes or some of the university campus in Ñuñoa. The rents are in between the cheap center and the expensive "Barrio Alto" (Las Condes and Vitacura). Still, modern apartments on the main metro line 1 can reach expensive levels, too.
Ñuñoa
This district to the south of Providencia is a good alternative for those obliged to economize who don't worry about longer commuting distances. Nevertheless, the western part of Ñuñoa is quite well connected to the center by the metro line 5. The quiet, green neighborhoods of Ñuñoa are especially interesting for students of those campus situated in the southern or south-eastern parts of Santiago. It is considered a safe district in most of its parts.
Las Condes & Vitacura
These districts, called "Barrio Alto" by the Santiaguinos, are considered the "best" neighborhoods. While this may be argued, doubtlessly they are the most expensive ones ot the capital. Here, preferably in elegant apartment buildings, lives the upper middle class and - in exclusive houses and condominiums - parts of the upper class, too. In neighborhoods like El Golf you will find a mixture of modern business skyscrapers and comfortable apartment buildings. The metro only reaches the western part of Las Condes, while extensive parts of this district and of Vitacura can only be reached by bus or private vehicle.
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Residential Areas Santiago
