Parque Arauco is one of Santiago's most important shopping malls. A special car service, which runs seven days a week, transports tourists to the center from various hotels. On arrival, visitors are greeted by hostesses who point out the key sections of Parque Arauco; tourists are entitled to a 10% discount on purchases as well as in restaurants and fast food outlets. The complex boasts three levels, 4,500 parking spaces, an international call centre, a multiplex cinema and two foreign currency exchanges. The complex has English-speaking customer service agents and houses some of the best designer boutieques in the world, including Ferragamo, Versace, Polo, Valentino and Zara. It also houses a number of Chile's most important department stores, including Falabella, Ripley and Almacenes París.

This arts and crafts market is opposite Cerro San Lucia, in the centre of Santiago. It houses more than 100 stall. You will find new and second-hand books, shoemakers, silver jewellry, tatoos, clothes, candles, incense stics, yarns, local craftwork, as well as Peruvian and Mexican handicrafts. A very colourful market with good prices and a pleasant atmosphere, great for family shopping.

This delightful galvanized steel construction was built in 1872, to replace the unsanitary Mercado de Abastos (provisions market), which had served the needs of local citizens since the colonial period. Today, the Central Market still shines with nostalgic architectural pride, and offers an eclectic selection of handicrafts, fruit and vegetables. The specialty is fish and shellfish, which can be sampled in the small kitchens down the side of the building, or in the more formal restaurants that are interspersed throughout the market. Enjoy a plate of fish marinade or razor clams in Parmesan sauce, while being serenaded by a band of local mariachis. Open every day of the year, except on election day.