A sophisticated city with one foot in its colonial past and one foot firmly planted in a contemporary future, Santiago is a lure to urbanites with a love for architecture and dining.
Where to sleep:
The Ritz-Carlton located in trendy Las Condes (US $275) offers all modern amenities and a spectacular roof top health club with swimming pool, whirlpool and spa, and unbeatable views of the Andes Mountains. The Metro is easily found and an efficient and affordable way to start discovering the city. For those who like the feel of a boutique experience, colonial-style Hotel Orly (US $95) in Providencia is close to Parque Metropolitano and has a lovely glassed-in atrium, a perfect spot to rest with a coffee or cocktail after sightseeing.
Where to eat:
For lunch, Cooperativo Mercado Central, with its myriad of Chilean restos (about US $20 for two) as well as local purveyors of fruit, crafts and jewellery will encourage a long lunch. In the evening, head to boho Barrio Bellavista where local pub El Venecia (US $25 for two, Pio Nono 200, 777 5869) is rumoured to have been a favourite of Pablo Neruda while Azul Profundo (US $75 for two, Constitucion 111, 738 0288) will make seafood lovers rejoice with its copious selection of fresh Chilean fish and shellfish.
What to do:
Head to lush Cerro Santa Lucia to see the local flora surrounding Castillo Hidalgo or climb up Cerro San Cristobal to get a great view of the city. The Plaza de Armas is the gathering spot for downtowners with its palm trees, benches, empanada vendors and artists while shoppers can stroll along pedestrian-friendly Paseo Ahumada and get distracted by clothing boutiques, bookstores and stylish office workers. For local artisanal finds, wander through Feria Santa Lucia, an arts and crafts market in the centre of Santiago.