Providencia doesn’t have historical buildings to rival Santiago Centro, posh boutiques like Vitacura or the bohemian attitude of Bellas Artes. Nevertheless, the barrio is a good option as your base camp in Santiago. Providencia is much safer than downtown Santiago, cheaper than Vitacura and not as touristy as Bellas Artes or Bella Vista. It’s much easier to book a hostel, and all the tourist attractions are still within easy reach by metro or bus.

Most activity revolves around Avenidas Providencia and 11 de Septiembre with their lively mix of shops, bars, restaurants, office buildings and apartments. For shopping, head to the malls and department stores close to Metro Los Leones. For food and drink, wander along the main avenues and side streets from Metro Los Leones to Metro Manuel Montt. You’ll discover countless restaurants catering to the office crowd and offering cheap set-price lunch deals. The main nightlife can be found along Avenida Suecia, Paseo Orrego Luco and around Metro Manuel Montt (but take care on Avenida Suecia at night).

Providencia is a bit of a ghost town on the weekends, as the workers abandon the streets for home. you can still find some life around Avenida Manuel Montt.