Santiago is not as famed for its architectural heritage as other Latin American cities such as Mexico City or Buenos Aires. Those visiting Chile for leisure are unlikely to make it a highlight of their trip and most take only a fleeting glimpse before leaving the city to uncover the country's natural wonders.

Nevertheless, Santiago has much to offer travellers eager for cultural diversion and serene oases can be found in even the most fume-choked streets of the downtown area.

Visitors will find a city of lively markets, atmospheric old quarters and shady parks with thriving artistic, social and cultural scenes. The city's museums, albeit small, boast impressive collections, while quality cuisine is accessible to those on even the tightest of budgets. Note that many of the city's museums are free on Sunday.

Santiago is easy to master, as many of the city's main attractions are located in the small downtown area sandwiched between the Rio Mapocho (Mapocho River), Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins (the Alameda) and Cerro Santa Lucía.

Bellavista, just north of the river, is a popular area for its handicraft shops, restaurants and nightlife. It is situated below Cerro San Cristobál, which looms over the city.

Servicio Nacional de Turismo - SERNATUR (National Tourism Board)
Avenida Providencia 1550
Tel: (02) 731 8310 or 8419 or 600 737 6288, in Chile only.
Website: www.sernatur.cl
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1830, Sat 0900-1400.

SERNATUR has another office in the arrivals hall of the airport's international terminal.

Oficina de Turismo Municipalidad de Santiago (Santiago Tourist Office)
Casa Colorada, Merced 860
Tel: (02) 632 7783/5.
Website: www.municipalidaddesantiago.cl
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1800, Fri 1000-1700.

There is another city tourist office on the Terraza Neptuno on Cerro Santa Lucía, a kiosk on Paseo Ahumada and a more localised office in Providencia (Providencia 2359; tel: (02) 374 27 43; website: http://citi.providencia.cl).

There are no tourist passes currently available in Santiago.