A Saturday in Santiago: How We Spend Our Weekends Living in Chile
One of the biggest surprises about living in Santiago as expats is how full and enjoyable our weekends feel. Compared to our life in San Francisco, we simply do more here. Not because we have more time, but because Santiago is far more affordable and accessible. A full day of vibes, coffee, food, and hanging out that doesn’t cost over $200 USD.
Here is what a typical Saturday looks like for us living in Santiago.
Morning Yoga at Sala 707
We usually start our Saturday morning at Sala 707, one of the most beautiful yoga studios we have ever visited. Tucked away from the chaos, it feels like a hidden oasis. Lush plants surround the yoga platform, and there is a pool with a fountain that creates a calm and relaxing vibe.
Some classes typically start between 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 am, making it easy to fit into a relaxed weekend schedule. You can book through ClassPass, and classes usually cost between $5 and $7 USD. For comparison, a similar class in San Francisco would easily cost $25 or more.
Even if you do not speak Spanish fluently, the instructors are welcoming and helpful. One instructor, Dominique, speaks excellent English and previously taught in the United States, which makes first-time visits especially comfortable for those worried about following instructions in Spanish.
This kind of routine is one of the reasons we love living in Santiago. High-quality experiences without feeling like a luxury splurge.
Coffee Stop
After yoga, coffee is non-negotiable. Saturdays are for treating ourselves, and our usual stop is Dosis on Condell.
We usually order a latte and an americano and feel wired for the rest of the day. Dosis has colorful and fun outdoor seating; it gets busy, especially on weekends, but it is still worth the wait. It is the kind of neighborhood café you return to again and again.
Brunch, please!
Whether or not we snack at home first, we almost always end up going out for brunch. One of our favorite spots is Mala Mía, a bright, plant-filled brunch restaurant that gives boho vacation living.
Our go-to order is the poached eggs with beet hummus; we would eat the hummus as a meal, tbh. The staff is friendly, and some speak English, which can be helpful if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. Make sure to also have the words in Spanish, just in case. Peanuts are mani, not cacahuate (Mexican Spanish)!
Post-food Stroll
After brunch, we usually take a long walk around the neighborhood. One of our favorite pastimes is simply wandering. Santiago has pockets of historic homes that feel almost surreal, including castle-like houses tucked between modern buildings.
We window shop, pop into new bookstores, browse jewelry shops, and discover artisan studios that seem to appear overnight. Santiaguinos (people of Santiago) have a lot of creative energy.
Summer Heat & Pool Time
During the summer months, Santiago’s heat can be intense. When temperatures climb, we head home to relax, often taking advantage of our building’s pool.
One important tip for anyone living in or visiting Santiago is to take sun protection seriously. The UV index is high, even on days that do not feel especially hot. Sunscreen is essential, even if you are not planning on spending time outdoors. We always carry a sunscreen stick and reapply throughout the day.
Dinner, Drinks, and Dessert Walks
By late afternoon or early evening, we decide whether to go out for dinner or meet friends for drinks. Saturdays are our social nights. Santiago has no shortage of great restaurants and bars, and there is always somewhere new to try.
To end the night, we usually walk home and pick up dessert along the way. Ice cream is the most common choice, especially in the summer. Walking through the city at night feels safe in many neighborhoods and is one of the simple pleasures of living here.
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