Once merely a gateway for tourists bound to Patagonia or other hotspots in Chile, Santiago has emerged in recent years as a globally relevant, vibrant destination in its own right for both leisure and business travel. With its impressive and growing arts and music scene, burgeoning fine-dining options and ample selection of quality hotels, Santiago is drawing attention for reasons other than its well-deserved reputation over the past two decades as one of South America’s best places to conduct business.
Santiago's rough from a tourism perspective because it doesn't show much on the outside - it's not a city where you walk down the streets and get wowed by the architecture or design, and the Santiaguinos can seem like New Yorker stereotypes at times. But given a few days of adventuring around the city and most people find that it's actually quite interesting and has a lot to offer.
I agree with this, although it helps that there is a lot to do just outside SCL (Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, wineries, ski resorts, etc.). It's not an immediately charming place, but it does have its charms. I am grateful to have discovered Carménère on a visit there last year. Now one of my favorite reds.
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