Whatever you're in the market for, you're sure to find it in Santiago. From clothing to wine to handicrafts, the sky's the limit. Try some of the markets for trinkets and souvenirs, or head to the galleries or upscale shops for finer quality goods. Take home a book of photographs of Chile's natural wonders, or box up a few bottles of vino and tote them home.

Clothing
Vitacura, northeast of barrio Providencia, is where you'll find the greatest concentration of upscale shops, many of which are of European or even American brands. Likened to New York's 5th Avenue or Los Angeles's Rodeo Drive, Vitacura is as classy as they come. If you're looking for boutiques featuring clothing of local designers, head to barrio Providencia, one of the city's most popular shopping destinations.

If you're looking to keep your shopping experience local or even a little bit funky, head to Bellavista, where you're sure to find the hand-woven sweater, hat or skirt you've been dreaming about. Keep in mind that some of the best shops are tucked away on unassuming side streets.

Handicrafts and Jewelry
No matter what kinds of crafts you're looking for-- a special Lapis Lazuli piece, silvery jewelry, pottery, tapestries, woven figures, baskets, sweaters or hats-- you'll find them in Santiago.

Las Condes has Santiago's top selection of handicrafts from around the country. Fine leather, colorful pottery, and textiles are abundant in the high-end shops. Barrio Santa Lucia also has a great selection of Mapuche and Ayamara crafts, as well as crafts from Rapa Nui (Easter Island).

Chile is one of the only places in the world where Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue mineral with sparkling Pyrite inclusions believed to have healing powers, is found in abundance. Bellavista's street Pio Nono is home to numerous shops and a nightly and weekend street fair where you're sure to find plenty of Lapis Lazuli jewelry, as well as items like chess sets, salt and pepper shakers, paperweights and massage stones, all made of the intriguing blue mineral.

Art Galleries
The brightly colored Casa Naranja in Parque Forestal just north of barrio Santa Lucia is one of the best places to find the works of contemporary local artists, but Vitacura's thriving scene is where you'll find most galleries. Look for the Galeria Animal, which has larger pieces including sculptures, all by local artists.

Wine
El Mundo de Vino, Vinopolis and La Vinoteca are located in barrio Las Condes. Each offers personalized service and extensive wine selections. El Mundo de Vino has wines from around the world, offers in-store tasting, classes about wine, and also sells books on the topic.

Books
For all kinds of books in Spanish and English, visit the Feria Chilena del Libro in Santiago Central. If you're looking for a book specific to Chile, visit the Libreria Australis book shop on Avenida Providencia in the barrio of the same name. With nothing but travel-related items, the store stocks plenty of books with photographs highlighting Chile's natural beauty. You can also find language dictionaries, and books in English. For books in English, look for the Libreria Inglesa, also in Providencia.

---

Get the most from your vacation in Chile.
Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements.
AR Tourism - Chile Vacation Travel Agency

 Santiago Overview

   Highlights:
   Neighborhoods
   Museums
   Architecture
   City Tours

   The Necessities:
   Lodging
   Shopping
   Dining
     Local Food
   Entertainment
     Nightlife

   Travel Info:
   Transportation
     Car Rental

   Weather

   Side-Trips

Visit Chile

Enjoy the best hotels, tours and activities when you visit beautiful Chile on a vacation organized by AR Tourism Chile.
> More