It’s hard not to spot the Costanera Center in Santiago, Chile. It’s massive. So tall, in fact, that its Gran Torre is the tallest building in all of South America. When I first arrived in Santiago, I immediately noticed how it dominated the whole city skyline. And after visiting it dozens of times for various reasons, I can attest to its importance in the capital city of Santiago. But, as with many attractions, there are pros and cons to visiting the Costanera Center, and there’s more to it than meets the eye.
What Is the Costanera Center?
It’s not just the Gran Torre; the Costanera Center includes a cluster of buildings, plus an enormous shopping center inside. It’s right by the Tobalaba metro station, which is one of the biggest and busiest in all of Santiago. Every time I go to Costanera Center, whether it’s a weekday morning or weekend, it’s always crowded. The mall, supermarkets, restaurants, hotel, and more draw in crowds of people, including Chileans and tourists.
Whenever I go inside the Costanera Center, it feels almost like a mini city within the city. You have everything there, and can easily spend hours or more between all the shops, restaurants and bars. Normal life and tourism merge together, because I sometimes I go for a specific everyday item in one of the department stores, but I also bring friends or family visiting Chile to Costanera for the view from the higher floors or Sky Costanera.
The Main Attraction: Sky Costanera
I waited far too long after arriving in Santiago to visit the famous Sky Costanera: the 360° observation deck at the very top of the Gran Torre. It’s a huge draw for tourists, and I must say, it’s incredible to visit just ahead of the sunset and watch the sun go down over the whole city. You can see every angle and all the gorgeous surrounding Andes foothills, even the massive Cerro Plomo rises over other mountaintops to the east.
One night, I happened to go to Sky Costanera when there was a little live music and wine event. My friend and I enjoyed sparkling wine samples and soft rock music after the sun had gone down. Plus, Sky Costanera sometimes hosts other events or dance parties, so if you’re thinking of visiting, be sure to check the calendar to see if there are any unique events. It does cost money to buy a ticket to Sky Costanera (around CLP $23,000 or $24 USD).
What Else Can You Do There?
The beauty of visiting the Costanera Center is that it doesn’t have to feel like just another tourist attraction. If you only have a short time in Santiago, I’d say it’s worth visiting to experience what locals have at their fingertips in terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Inside the Costanera Center, there’s even a Cineplanet: a huge, modern movie theater on the sixth level.
Plus, one of my favorite rooftop bars, Luna Bar, is inside the AC Hotel, which is part of the Costanera Center. If you’re lacking creativity in coming up with a plan for something to do in Santiago, it’s easy to simply arrive at Costanera Center and walk around the different levels until you find something that suits you. On bad weather days, which I’ve found to be very rare in Santiago, this urban complex is a great option for getting out without suffering from the elements.
It’s a useful city stop within Santiago. Let’s say you’ve been traveling in historical areas, doing nature tours, or visiting parks. The Costanera Center will give you a break from traditional sightseeing; it’s a totally different side to the city. It’s also a great jumping-off point because you can show up at this urban hub and easily walk to other areas, like the MUT, El Golf, or Titanium Park.
Possible Downsides
There’s no doubt that the Costanera Center is crowded, especially on the weekends. I recommend being mentally prepared to deal with crowded areas and full restaurants if you go on a Saturday or Sunday. I’ve only gone to the Costanera Center once via car, and quickly found out that the massive parking garage can be a headache, due to its size. The metro station, Tobalaba, is also almost always crowded because people use it to get to Costanera and other buildings or centers (like the MUT) nearby.
Personally, I don’t normally seek out urban centers or shopping malls when I travel to a new country or city. Even inside the main mall levels of Costanera, you may get the sense that it’s just a mall. There are international brands, and the layout might feel familiar. For those reasons, it may be lower on your list of priorities if you only have a few days in Santiago. There are certainly other parts of the metropolitan region where you can go to experience more cultural, historical, and unique atmospheres than Costanera.
Conclusion
Overall, the Costanera Center and its sky-high Gran Torre are an impressive marvel in Santiago, Chile. Visiting the Sky Costanera for sweeping views of Santiago is a beautiful way to see the city, but if you’re looking for a more low-key or unique visit to this capital city, you may opt out. However, during my time in Santiago, I’ve found the Costanera Center to be a staple destination for many reasons. And if you do end up going, you will surely not be disappointed.
