Eastern Santiago is in this article defined as the municipalities of Ñuñoa, Macul, La Florida, Penalolen, La Reina, Las Condes, Vitacura and Lo Barnechea.
Formerly composed of ranches and farms, in the middle of the 20th century, affluent Santiagoans started to move here from downtown. From the 1970s on, the area east of Providencia started developing into a business hub, eventually it was connected to downtown by the metro and today it has become the collection of high-rise office and residential buildings that is unofficially known as Sanhattan. Being the city's new financial district, its name is made up of Santiago and Manhattan.
Ñuñoa and Macul are the more "bohemian" and artsy neighborhoods in Eastern Santiago, while Vitacura, Las Condes, La Reina and Lo Barnechea contain more of the swanky pubs and nightlife.
In addition to the high buildings, you can also find parks here (both urban and natural), places for shopping from large malls to luxurious boutiques as well as the national stadium. As the most upscale sector of Santiago, its relatively tidy appearance with new or well-maintained old buildings, wide streets, shops and parks, sometimes gives the impression of being in Europe rather than in Latin America. Geographically closest to the Andes, which makes it a convenient location for skiers, since there are three major ski centers in Eastern Santiago: La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado. The easternmost suburbs are built on the foothills themselves that rise thousands of meters above the valley and Santiagoans refer to going to this part of the city as "going up".
In general, locals prefer to get in and around by car and there are highways from both north, south and west leading here. Parking is not such a problem as in downtown.
The areas closer to downtown can be accessed by metro (lines 1 and 4). Bus coverage varies in the eastern part of the city, with worse service in affluent neighborhoods where practically everyone has a car. Taxis and shared taxis cover the eastern part of the city well.
Parque Bicentenario, Av. Bicentenario, -33.399886°, -70.602136°. A beautiful park, still under construction. Large extension of grass, children games, dog games, a very nice pond with black neck swans. There is also a restaurant, a café (Le fournil) and Vitacura's city hall. Trails for walking and biking.
Estadio Nacional de Chile, Av. Grecia 2001, -33.464522°, -70.610586°. This is the site of sports events (both football and others), concerts, and social events including the yearly Teletón charity event. A National Historical Landmark opened in 1938, the World Cup finals were played here in 1962. A decade later, people opposing the dictatorship, were interned here. 2016-02-20
Cerro Calán, -33.3961°, -70.537°. This hill also hosts the astronomical observatory of the University of Chile, which is open to visitors. 2016-02-20
Parque Padre Hurtado (ex Intercomunal de La Reina), -33.431817°, -70.5451°. Tu-Su. One of the largest activity parks in Chile, popular among young adults and families on the weekend. Large green expanses, a lake with boats, barbecue grills and there are often unofficial cultural and sports events taking place. Parking 3500 pesos, using the barbecue equipment 3500 pesos 2016-02-20
Parque por la Paz Villa Grimaldi, -33.4637°, -70.5426°. The site of Villa Grimaldi, infamous as a torture center during the Pinochet dictatorship, has now been turned into a memorial park. In 2004 it was listed as a national monument. 2016-02-20
Pueblito Los Dominicos, -33.4076°, -70.5422°. Artisan village next to the mountains, also featuring a beautiful Dominican church. It's a great place to see and buy traditional crafts. 2016-02-20
Many of the city's largest malls are located here.
Two clusters of restaurants in eastern Santiago are along Avenida Vitacura and Ñuñoa Square.
There are many wineries in the southeast of the city, both inside and outside the city borders. Many offer tours to visitors, wine tasting and on-premise restaurants.
Most hotels are upscale and exclusive, but there are still some budget alternatives around Sanhattan.
The Ritz-Carlton, Calle El Alcalde 15 (Metro El Golf (Line 1)), -33.41613°, -70.59521°, +56 2 24708500. A very nice hotel in an orderly and modern neighborhood. There are restaurants and bars nearby, a small park across the street and the neighborhood is modern and organized.
W Santiago, Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes, -33.41393°, -70.59835°, +56 2 27700000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Located in the heart of Santiago's business district, the hotel is very close to South America's tallest skyscraper: the Costanera Center. It has a great bar/restaurant, one spectacular gym and spa (The O2), and plenty of fine restaurants in Isidora Goyenechea street.
Mandarin Oriental, Santiago (former Grand Hyatt), Av Presidente Kennedy 4601, -33.40414°, -70.58322°, +56 2 2950 3088, mostg-reservations@mohg.com. Has a 90-m² (1000 sq ft) lagoon-style pool, health club, and several restaurants.
Santiago Marriott Hotel, Av Presidente Kennedy 5741, -33.40012°, -70.57422°, +56 2 22462000. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. A popular business hotel in Las Condes, near excellent dining and shopping. Offers comfortable accommodations, a Lobby Bar, two first-rate restaurants, meeting space, and other modern amenities and services.