At the midpoint of Santiago's extensive urban region, the Historic Quarter or Centro histórico still reigns as the condensed, action-packed heart of the city. This is probably one the world's last remaining bastions of devoted churchgoers, antiquated Señores and decadent cabaret-like cafés. Its lively streets, cluttered with art deco palaces and baroque churches, still convey that cinematic flavour of old-time, genteel South America. To get a taste, just walk around the imposing elegance of the Barrio Cívico – Santiago’s power hub – or stroll through the courtyards of the historically-charged La Moneda. If it's buzz and chaos you're after, there's no experience like the head-spinning Plaza de Armas or the area's entangled commercial arcades and their chirpy and boozy Fuentes de Soda. Be sure not to miss the line-up of beautiful and intriguing churches, among them San Agustín, with its history of miracles and murders, or the splendidly preserved convent of La Merced and its hidden colonial treasures. Compliment your tour of the area by tucking in some delicacies at the palatial tearooms or 'confiterías', or shopping around for reassuringly fresh produce at the Mercado Central, Santiago's legendary wholesale market.

Santiago is garnished with an assortment of barrios, each a multi-faceted neighbourhood with a distinct flavour and sense of community. There’s cosy Bellavista, a residential area at the foothill of the Cerro San Cristóbal, once home to Nobel-laureate Pablo Neruda and scene of an astonishing nightly transformation with its scores of bars, restaurants and craft shops. There’s also Lastarria, an arty and audacious district boasting the highest quality in museums, theatres and bookshops, and adorned by the romantic Cerro Santa Lucía, a former 16th century Spanish fortification that doubles as a hilly and labyrinthine public garden. Not far from here, lies the phenomenal Iglesia de San Francisco, the city’s colonial jewel, boasting a sublime collection of baroque paintings and macabre religious art. Some areas like República and Dieciocho will take you back to the refinement and sophistication of 19th century Santiago, whereas those like Barrio Brasil will offer you the most cutting edge of the capital’s ever-expanding underground arts scene, with a variety of independent galleries and music venues. Finally the eastern districts of Santiago Oriente: Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura offer designer shopping, haut gastronomy and busy nightlife amidst their tantalising modern architecture and luminous boulevards.