Santiago is a tapestry of relaxing green parks, bustling markets and colourful neighbourhoods. There are some fantastic museums which offer an insight into this country’s troubled history and 32 eclectic neighbourhoods which offer a view at the city’s present direction. Some of the most fascinating sights to see are the day to day activities keeping the locals busy.

Central Market
Santiago’s main produce market is a colourful and chaotic highlight of the city. This is where the chefs, housewives and grandmothers come to do their shopping. The raucous fresh food vendors hawk every kind of seafood and edible product in the country. Whether you end up eating here or not, it’s a noisy and vibrant peek into the working side of Santiago and will give you a good idea where all of the restaurants’ delicious food comes from.

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
If you want to learn more about the people who inhabited Latin America before the arrival of the Spaniards, a visit to this museum is a must. It is one of the best in the country and features an extensive collection of objects from all regions of Latin America. Housed in the old Royal Customs House, the innovative design of the museum brings life to the exhibitions. The 1,500 artefacts range from textiles and metalwork to ceramics and figurines. Also on site is a patio café and expansive bookstore which sells books, music and reproductions of Indian jewellery, textiles and art. For more information, visit www.precolombino.cl or telephone: +56 2 688 7348.

Church of San Francisco
Built between 1586 and 1628, the Church of San Francisco is the oldest standing building in Santiago. It has survived three devastating earthquakes which destroyed much of the city. For the last 400 years it has been the home of the famous Virgen del Socorro, Chile’s first Virgin Mary icon, which was brought here by the conquistador-founder of the city, Pedro de Valdivia. The attached convent has a lovely quiet garden which seems impossible amidst the bustle of the city centre. It also houses a small museum which contains one of the finest collections of 17^th century art in South America. Telephone: +56 2 638 3238

Plaza de Armas
This is the original site of Santiago’s first settlement, established by the conquistador Pedro de Valdivia in 1541. He designed the plaza as the core of the new city. Originally the Plaza de Armas was the site of the civic buildings and residences of the wealthy conquistadors. Today it is one of the most authentic and lively places in Santiago and a great place to people-watch. Mixed with the bustle of city workers are dozens of eccentric characters. You will find religious fanatics, artists, soap-box speakers, street performers and old men playing chess all in the same square. This plaza is the premier place to soak in the atmosphere of Santiago.

Plaza Constitucion and the Commerce Center
The Plaza Constitucion is a massive plaza bordered by a number of impressive neoclassical buildings from the 18^th century. Here you can find the expansive Palacio de la Moneda, which housed the first Royal Mint of Chile. It then became the presidential palace from 1846 until the infamous coup d’etat on September 11, 1973 when Pinochet’s troops bombed the building. It was during this event in which President Allende committed suicide, setting the stage for Pinochet to step in and begin his reign of terror. This was Chile’s most important historical event and is something which should be understood to better appreciate this nation.

Vina Cousino-Macul
You don’t need to leave the city to visit one of Chile’s finest working wineries. This 625-acre estate has been growing grapes in the suburb of Penalolen since the middle of the 16^th century and continues to do so today. You can tour the facilities and the vaulted cellar, which can hold over one million bottles of wine. Visit www.cousinomacul.cl, or telephone +56 2 351 4175 for more details.

Relax in one of Santiago’s numerous parks
Enjoy the panoramic views of the sprawling city as well as the craggy wall of the Andes Mountains. However, the notorious Santiago smog severely limits the vistas available. The 1,803-acre Parque Metropolitano is the best park in the city and offers walking trails, swimming pools, picnic grounds, a botanical garden, zoo and children’s play areas. The terraced hilltop park of Cerro Santa Lucia is one of the more delightful attractions in the city. This is the spot where Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1540 for Spain. Walkways and small squares have been carved out of the hillside to make a wonderful place to stroll, sit and enjoy the views of the city below. At the top of the hill is Castle Hidago, which operates as an event centre. Finally, the Parque Forestal runs alongside the Mapocho River. Its winding path goes past several great attractions and makes for a relaxing stroll along the river.

Visit Mapulemu Botanical Gardens
Go and see a collection of purely Chilean plants and trees. Over 80 native Chilean species grow in the gardens and the gravel paths wind peacefully around the grounds, giving you a complete tour. As you follow the trails and climb the staircases, the views of the Andes and the city get better and better.

Indulge yourself in a trip to Santiago’s surrounding wine country
As soon as you drive south out of Santiago, the scenery changes to wide swathes of vineyards in what is known as the Central Valley, home to Chile’s thriving wine industry. This region has rich volcanic soil and a Mediterranean climate, making it perfect for grapes. There are many wineries in this region which are best explored by joining an organised wine tour.