Calling all tourists. Are you heading to Patio Bellavista, are you heading up Cerro San Cristobal,…read moreare you going out to Pio Nono? Stop by the Feria Artesanal (artisanal fair) and pick up some fun trinkets to take back with you. They have hand crafted jewelry, leather books, knitted items and lots of other great finds. I find the feria in Bellavista a bit more authentic than the one located in Santa Lucia. It's smaller so doesn't have a lot a repeat items. They also have a small stage located in the middle and sometimes they have live music playing. The feria is open daily and in the evenings. They have public bathrooms, always a plus and are right next to a few of the infamous Santiago food carts. Definitely a great inexpensive place to hit if you want to take home some unique pieces with you.

This is a great spot to get come and pick up traditional chilean art. Although, the majority are…read moregoods from Peru, so if you will be making a stop there, I would pick it up when you are there. However, luckily I live a few blocks away and when I am in need of a quick present or gloves this is the place. Make sure to get here before 7 as they start to close up - and they are closed on Sundays. Also, bring cash as most places don't take credit cards. The only places that do are the delicious all natural fruit juice and crepe place as well as the more high-end stalls that sell jewelry and lapiz lazuli. If you live in Chile I think Santa Lucia is mainly thought of as a place for tourists, but they have some awesome and unique products such as Indian style clothing and great quality all leather shoes and bags. Definitely worth a trip here to see what the local artisans have to offer. Tip: There is one stand that has a GIANT indio picaro. If you don't understand Spanish that well, I will warn you: they charge to have you pick him up. It is great fun but if you don't know you will be getting charged to do it, it feels a bit weird when you have to hand them over your change (unfortunately speaking from personal experience from my second week in Chile and didn't speak a word of Spanish). Right outside of the market are artisans who sell tie-dye and jewelry made by hand. I suggest checking out what they have. You can also barter here although it is not very common. But if you buy multiple of one thing ask for a deal.

Coming as a tourist I think the feria is fun to explore and you can sometime score fun items. One…read morething I have noticed is that most of the vendors sell similar or the same item. I would say it is also made up of Peruvian imports rather than Chilean made things. The feria is really large and there are lots of spots to explore. You can barter with some of the vendors and there is a wide range of things that are really inexpensive, to drastically overpriced. I enjoy the feria for things like scarves, gloves, and wallets. Some of the goods are made by the vendors however most of them seem like they are bought and just resold. If you are going to be walking around the Santa Lucia/Bellas Artes neighborhoods definitely stop by and have a look, who know what you might find.