If you are staying in one of the budget hotels near the Bolsa de Comercio in Santiago de Chile, you are close to an institution that ranks as one of Latin America’s most important stock exchanges. Stock exchanges aren’t usually thought of as tourist attractions, aside from the one on Wall Street in New York, perhaps. But the Bolsa de Comercio in Santiago is housed in one of the city’s most architecturally most attractive old buildings.
Constructed in 1917, the stock exchange building is a triangular, stone French style edifice. It features Roman pillars, and is topped with an elegant dome cupola. The building is surrounded by the cobblestone streets of Nueva York, La Bolsa, and Club de la Union. As you walk through these picturesque streets from your discount hotel in Santiago near the Bolsa de Comercio, you will notice more and more men in business suits as you approach the stock exchange. Most tourists are not aware that on weekdays, from 9 to 5, you can go inside and observe the stock market action. However, you will be required to leave your passport or photo ID at the door.