Calle Bandera (Flag Street), Santiago

Calle Bandera (formerly Calle de La Bandera ) is a street in the center of the city of Santiago, which begins in the south from Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Avenue and continues north to the Mapocho River.

The name of this street is due to Pedro Chacón y Morales, a well-known merchant from Santiago who in 1817 had his flags shop on the street known as "Atravesada de La Compañía". Pedro Chacón, who was the grandfather of national hero Arturo Prat Chacón, raised a Chilean flag every time there was a victory for the independence forces, and the street became known as "the street of the flag."

The neighborhood around Calle Bandera was home to the Chilean literary bohemian in late 19th century and early 20th century. There were many bars, restaurants, and cabarets which were frequented by writers, poets, and artists such as Pablo Neruda, Juvencio Valle, Diego Muñoz, Alberto Valdivia, Rubén Azócar, Alberto Rojas Jiménez, and Tomás Lagos.

Today the street houses important historical buildings and financial institutions in the country including Pre-Columbian Art Museum, Palace of the Courts of Santiago and Building of the former National Congress. Since December 2018, Calle Bandera became a pedestrian street from the underpass of Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins Avenue to the north.

If you’re into thrifting, Calle Bandera is the place to be. You will find there countless second-hand, vintage and thrift stores. The street is also covered by beautiful painted artworks and is a popular Instagram spot in the city.