Things to do in Antofagasta
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Museo Regional
Across the street, the former Aduana (customshouse) was originally erected in Mejillones in 1869; it was dismantled and transported here piece by piece in 1888. It now houses the Museo Regional, which contains simplistic displays on natural history, and prehistoric and cultural development. Artifacts include mummified babies, a deformed skull, early colonial tidbits and paraphernalia from the nitrate era, including toys fashioned from tin cans.
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Plaza Colón
The British community left a visible imprint on Antofagasta's 19th-century Plaza Colón, which sports rushing fountains amidst its palms, mimosas and bougainvilleas. The cute Torre Reloj is a replica of London's Big Ben; its chimes even have a baby Big Ben ring to them, and tiled British and Chilean flags intertwine on its trunk. Pigeons provide amusement slipping into the shallow fountains with comical regularity.
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Resguardo Marítimo
At the foot of Av Bolívar is the decrepit Muelle Salitrero (Nitrate Pier), where locals defy danger signs and fish for crabs. At the entrance to the pier is the former Resguardo Marítimo, a handsome chocolate-colored building with wooden balustrades, built in 1910. A wrought-iron passageway links it to the former Gobernación Marítima.
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Picadillo
One of Antofagasta’s best, this highly recommended restaurant has great service, an eclectic menu featuring steak and seafood, and although it’s a bit of a splurge, it’s well worth it. The only drawback is its location on busy Av Grecia; this said, the warm dark-wood interior invites you to stay awhile, and enjoy that fancy dinner you were talking about.
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Teatro de los Sueños
For a peek inside Antofagasta’s underground art scene, visit the funky art cooperative Teatro de los Sueños, which has occasional live shows and does ‘art actions’ to protest everything from feminocide (a real problem in Chile) to littering (another real problem). The dream train at the end of the alley leads the way.
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Train Station
The bottle green Train Station, built in 1887, is the restored terminus of the Antofagasta-La Paz railway, from where you'll still see freight trains shuttling their heavy load. It's closed to the public but you can see several old engines and British-style telephone boxes through the western railings.
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Terminal Pesquero
Perched on the north end of the old port, Terminal Pesquero hosts around 24 stalls that peddle tasty fresh shellfish and other pungent offerings); get there by early afternoon, before all the fish are sold. There's also a piecemeal market for historical goodies from nitrate oficinas.
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Ruinas de Huanchaca
Hovering over the city, at the south end of Av Argentina, the imposing hillside foundations of a 19th-century British-Bolivian silver-refining plant offer some of the best panoramas of the city. From downtown take colectivo 3 and ask for Minas de Plata (silver mines).
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Muelle Salitrero
At the foot of Av Bolívar is the decrepit Muelle Salitrero, where locals defy danger signs and fish for crabs. At the entrance to the pier is the former Resguardo Marítimo (Coast Guard), a handsome chocolate-colored building with wooden balustrades, built in 1910.
reviewed
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Torre Reloj
The Torre Reloj is a tiny replica of London's Big Ben; its chimes even have a baby Big Ben ring to them, and tiled British and Chilean flags intertwine on its trunk. Pigeons provide amusement slipping into the shallow fountains with comical regularity.
reviewed
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Pizzanté
Antofagasta’s top pizzeria throws together imaginative toppings for its tasty pizza menu, as well as a healthier pasta, sandwich and salads selection (vegetarians catered for, but only just). It’s a favorite with families and students.
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El Arriero
Elephantine slabs of steak are the house specialty at this snobby central grill-house. It adds personality with an aging army of red-jacketed waiters, quirky paraphernalia, hams hanging along the walls and lusty piano duets.
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Bongo
Bubbly young eatery and bar with thick-cushioned booths and a tidy mezzanine above, and a good ’n’ greasy menu for those times when only a draft beer and burger will do – prepare those arteries.
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Club de Yates
Push the boat out and treat yourself to a meal at this swanky yacht club. Knock back sizzling fish dishes as cormorants, pelicans and vultures watch hungrily from the ancient pier alongside.
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Bavaria
Other than chains, there are relatively few fully fledged restaurants in the heart of town. This is one of the worthy national chains, with reliable, meaty staples and excellent schnitzel.
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Battuta Café
There’s a ‘Clockwork Orange Milk Bar’ feel to this modern café. Luckily, you won’t have to resort to a bit of old ultraviolence to order an excellent pie and coffee, the house specialty.
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Barrio Histórico
British influence is palpable in the 19th-century Barrio Histórico, between the Plaza Colónand the old port, where handsome wooden Victorian and Georgian buildings still stand.
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Mercado Central
Fish, as well as meat, vegetables and fruity fare, is available at the attractive old Mercado Central, which is between Maipú and Uribe.
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Don Pollo
Cheap, cheerful and usually crowded, Don Pollo has plastic tables huddled around a grass-hut patio. The chicken is so succulent it’s almost sinful.
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Archaeological Museum
At the southern extension of Av Bernardo O’Higgins, the Catholic University’s archaeological museum focuses on the Norte Grande.
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Wally’s Pub
This is a cozy European-style bar with patio seating and a pool table; it serves exotic food, with everything from Thai curries to ostrich meat.
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Gelatomania
Satisfies ice-cream cravings with more than two dozen flavors to fight over, fresh juices, tasty cakes, burgers and vegetarian-friendly salads.
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Basilica Corazón de Maria
Head south from the city center to the Basilica Corazón de Maria, a lovely Byzantine-style church built in 1913.
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Emporio Racconto
Occasional live music and a homey ‘pub- tatmosphere’ make this nightspot popular with Antofagasta’s bold and beautiful set.
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Lider
Lider is a huge supermarket perfect for self-caterers; it’s north of the center.
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