Santiago is the beating heart of Chile. Over 40% of Chileans call this vibrant and cosmopolitan city their home, with its elegant colonial architecture, burgeoning arts scene and top-of-the-range restaurants. Framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, Santiago makes the ideal destination for a city break. The choice of accommodation is broad; our collection of the best places to stay in Santiago range from chic boutiques to colonial style townhouses - and a winery.
Santiago's delightful streets teem with designer shops, handicraft markets, art galleries and fabulous gourmet restaurants. For Santiago is a shopper's paradise. At La Costanera, the tallest building in South America, you will find a gigantic shopping mall full of luxury brands; at the Central Market, a gourmet's mecca, you will come across stalls selling everything from rare objets d'art to regional wines, while at La Vega Market you can buy custard apples and delicious Chilean seaweed.
Be sure to wander through the Bellavista neighbourhood, one of the trendiest places in the city. This bohemian district brims with exhibition halls, jewellery shops, museums and theatres, while it also boasts the Cerro San Cristobal, the largest green space in the city, home to the national zoo and botanical gardens.
At the centre of the city is the Plaza de Armas, a fascinating historic setting dominated by the impressive cathedral, with vendors selling the traditional "Mote con Huesillo", a peach-based non-alcoholic sweet drink, perfectly refreshing after a long day of sightseeing. Afterwards, consider checking out the Santa Filomena Parish, a 19th century neo-Gothic church with ornate carvings and a snow-white spire that can be seen for miles around.
Charming, sophisticated and brimming with life, Santiago is the beating heart of Chile and makes for a fantastic holiday destination. Browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Santiago to start planning your trip.
