Punta Arenas

 

 

I have written this article for you to use it as a guide or source of information if you want to visit a charming place, full of European element everywhere, a cosmopolitan city… that is Punta Arenas.

Punta Arenas is probably one of the cities with more history of Chile, history that can be noticed in its architecture and streets. Everyone who visits Punta Arenas must to start in the square called “Plaza de Armas” or “Muñoz Gamero” where there is the monument to Hernando de Magallanes. Around that monument, you can see the palaces of the pioneers of Patagonia: José Menendez, Sara Braun, Mauricio Braun, Juan Bianchard, and José Montes. There are some business houses of the earliest times of the city such as one that belonged to the “Sociedad Exploradora Tierra del Fuego” (Tierra del Fuego Exploring Society). “Plaza de Armas”, the Regional Museum (that belonged to the Braun Menendez family) and palaces… you cannot miss them!

What about a roasted lamb or a spider crab? If you want to taste this typical and delicious food of the south of Chile, you must know first that it is recommendable to do it in spring or summer because they are newly come in those seasons rather than in winter or fall. I suggest these good restaurants:  Punto Viejo, Sabores, La Tasca, Jekus, the many times visited and famous Solitos Bar, and my favorite one “La Luna”. If you want to eat a good sandwich the most recommendable place is “Lomit’s”. If you want pizza, just go to Dino’s Pizza, where the best pizzas of Punta Arenas are made in.

Now, there are two places that you must know in your visit: the Museo Salesiano  or Marggiorino Bogatello (The Salesian Museum) which contains the most representative elements of the local culture. I also suggest visiting the Cementerio Municipal (municipal cemetery). You could thing that it is not a good idea, but I bet you want to hear the stories that are waiting to be told.

Who said coffee break? If you need a moment to stop your walking, eat something sweet or just internet, the best place to go is “Coffenet”… Maybe you want a hot chocolate. Get one at “Chocolatta”.  Have you ever heard about “choripanes”? I bet you have not. So go to the well-kwon Kiosco Rocca and taste them.

If you do not want to spend a lot of money in food, stop in “Café del Centro” where you will meet the owner, a very kind man. Finally, I also suggest the “History Coffee”.

At the end of the day, the bar “Santino” offers you a good atmosphere, delicious and “Cerveza Imperial” one of the best beers of Chile, and special dishes. But if you are looking for a more stylish place, the “Sky Bar” at the Casino is the best option. Taste there the “Calafate sour”, enjoy the beautiful view to the “Estrecho de Magallanes” (Magallanes Strait).

There are most places that I would like to suggest to you, but they will be recommended in another future article.