Where to stay

Downtown Santiago is full of hotels for every budget and a great place for exploring heritage sights. Discover the ornate Palacio de La Moneda, the seat of the government of Chile, along with a large number of fascinating museums. For cobblestone streets and European architecture, find a room near the Lastarria neighborhood. Within its atmospheric surroundings, you'll find the Museum of Visual Arts and year-round festivals, theaters, and live performances. To stay close to the Museo de la Moda and La Sala Art Gallery, book accommodations in upscale Vitacura. The area hosts one of Santiago's oldest art galleries, Isabel Aninat Galeria De Arte.

Many travelers visit Santiago just for the shopping; it's easy to understand why. Providencia is one of the best areas to stay, with the gigantic Costanera Center joining an abundance of retail outlets. Those looking for boutique stores will find them hidden in the side streets here, close to a range of luxury hotels. For designer stores, find accommodations in the neighborhood of Las Condes and head to Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes mall. The bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista and the charming streets around Lastarria are great areas to find quirky shops and interesting trinkets for souvenirs.

Bars and restaurants are on nearly every corner in Santiago's liveliest districts. Stay in historic Downtown Santiago for world-class restaurants and bars. Bellavista is one of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife, with Latin dancing in clubs and bars just steps from excellent hotels throughout the area. Find a room in the nearby barrio of Recoleta to enjoy international cuisine. Barrio Italia offers a pasta fix in relaxed, bohemian surroundings and Barrio Brasil has cheerful pubs. For those staying in Vitacura or Providencia, a fine-dining restaurant or elegant bar is never far away, with ample opportunities to try the region's renowned wine.