Top sights in Santiago, Chile

Mercado Central

This is the 'the' place to eat seafood in Santiago which isn't surprising as the fresh fish market is housed side by side local restaurants. Take time to walk through the market which is bustling, busy and loud. Then enjoy freshly made ceviche or baked clams. You won't be disappointed.

Cerro Santa Lucia

This gem of a 'park' suddenly appears out of nowhere. You can walk to the top (cerro means hills in Spanish) where you can see across to the Andes on a clear day. But what I loved was the Plaza Pedro Valdiva with it's fountains, marble columns and staircases. Especially wonderfully on a hot day.

Cerro San Cristobal

This huge park is best accessed from the Bellavista district of town. You can opt to take a funicular up to the top or walk (its hot on a summer day!). At the top is a huge statute of the Virgin Mary. From here you can look out across the city and see the Andes on clear day. Spend a day exploring the park - bring a swim suit and enjoy one of the local outdoor pools or stroll through the botanical gardens. Finish the day with a glass of wine at the Enoteca while watching the sunset.

Palacio de la Moneda

Originally designed as a mint, (moneda means mint or coin), the Palacio del la Moneda is an impressive building that has been the seat of the president of Chile since 1845. Tour are possible the last Sunday of every month. Ceremonial changing of guard happens every day at 10am. The new 'Centro cultural' located underground by the Palacio offers changing art exhibitions.

Bellavista District

This is the bohemian part of town - brightly coloured buildings, ornate lamp posts, intricate wooden doors and outdoor cafes everywhere. On a hot summer night everyone is outside enjoying drinks and dinner before heading to one of the salsa clubs at midnight. I ate one of my best meals at Venezia - one of Pablo Neruda's favourite places to eat!

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

If you're only going to head to one museum in Santiago then make it this one. This is one of best museums in all of Chile. It has a wonderful exhibition of objects from the pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and the Andean region.