It didn’t take long after my arrival in Santiago before I started hearing about a place called the “MUT” that was, in 2025, capturing the attention of Santiago residents because it had recently opened. And the first time I visited, I was shocked at how beautifully designed and entertaining it was. From local restaurants and coffee shops to boutiques and international athletic brands, the MUT is packed full of dining and shopping options, plus more unique surprises.
What Is the MUT?
The MUT, pronounced “moot,” is the Mercado Urbano Tobalaba, an urban market in Santiago, Chile. It started gradually opening in mid-2023, but the first time I went in 2025, the Santiago resident I went with had never been before. It’s not just a mall; I felt like stepping into it was really an experience in itself because of the variety it encompasses.
From the outside, it’s quite impressive. The first time I saw it from across the street, I was taken aback by the striking design. I saw the two diagonal buildings, which hide two additional buildings behind them, and in the center is the urban market. I’ve seen people take pictures with the MUT in the background, just to give you an idea of how pretty it is.
In the center of those four tall office towers, you have multiple floors full of retail and dining. “El Mercado” is on levels -3, -2, and -1, and includes all kinds of gift shops, boutiques, casual dining, and food stalls. On levels 1 and 2, you have “La Calle,” which has more open space and connects to the sidewalks and surrounding plazas. And on the upper levels (3, 4, and 5), you have “El Jardín” and upper-level walkways with views of the surrounding neighborhood and inside the whole urban center.
What to Do Inside the MUT
I love visiting the MUT because it can satisfy so many different needs. I’ve gone there to shop for gifts or things for myself, to meet friends and grab a bite to eat, a sweet treat, or a coffee, or simply to work from the many tables in open spaces. It seems that every time I go, I see a different, unique shop event. There are exhibits on a few floors that rotate every so often, featuring different local artists.
Every Saturday, there’s a pilates class (bring your own mat!) on the upper level, and I’ve seen a book-binding workshop by one bookstore on the second level. Once, a friend and I stumbled upon a product launch event at a high-end clothing boutique. On the lowest level of the MUT by the metro station entrance to Tobalaba metro, I’ve spotted a salsa dancing class. The MUT is genuinely a community hub with no shortage of unexpected activities and events.
How to Get to the MUT
The central location of the MUT makes it an ideal meeting point, and the fact that the Tobalaba metro station leads right to it is highly convenient. The MUT is nestled in Sanhattan, which is Santiago’s financial district, so I usually see plenty of business people taking lunch breaks there or passing by on their way to or from the office.
There is a way to arrive at the Tobalaba metro station and follow the signs underground, which will lead you directly to the bottom level of the MUT. I have to admit, I tried this myself once and wasn’t able to find the MUT underground from Tobalaba. I had to go aboveground, reorient myself, and walk the block or so to get to the street-level entrance.
If you visit the Costanera Center, the MUT is just a short walk away—just about half a kilometer. Coming from the popular El Golf neighborhood, it’s also less than a kilometer. And if you drive to the MUT, there are several levels of parking below ground, so it’s convenient to drive to as well. Of course, Ubering from any direction is another easy option, and the MUT is such a popular destination that you’ll have no trouble arriving.
Is It Worth Visiting for Tourists?
As someone who’s lived in Santiago for over a year now, I’d say that if you’re a tourist with any amount of extra time in Santiago beyond seeing the typical historical sites, it’s worth visiting the MUT. You can combine a visit to the MUT with a trip to the nearby Costanera Center and its Gran Torre, for example, and see both sites in just 2-3 hours.
And visiting the MUT has been a fantastic way for me to see more of the unique cultural things that make up Santiago. It shows you a modern side to the city and gives you a chance to see local products and even local artwork, all within a gorgeous architectural feat. An urban center like the MUT can’t be found just anywhere, and especially not in South America; for that reason, it’s worth a visit.
Plan Your Visit to the MUT
Going to the MUT is a different experience depending on when you go. I’ve been on weekday mornings and in the afternoons on Saturday or Sunday, and depending on the vibe you want, you’ll need to plan your visit accordingly. In the early opening hours (10:00 am), it’s certainly quieter, and any given afternoon (including weekdays) can get quite hectic inside. Even so, I’ve always had enjoyable experiences in the MUT, even during peak hours.
So, whether you just want to have lunch or feel like browsing around the dozens of gift shops, the MUT is such a lively place to be. And even after going countless times, I still look forward to visiting this urban market every time I go. Add it to your list of places to visit when you’re in Santiago, and see what you find!
