"Clean Lines from a Santiago Classic Designer Chilean designer Carlos Perez got his start making shirts nearly three decades ago and still has a cult following at this Atelier on the shady street in Barrio Lastarria. Beautifully sewn men's shirts and a limited amount of women's apparel attractively grace this petit showroom. Lines are clean and classic with an air of elegance. He also has scarves, hats, belts, and a few other accessories that change seasonally. Rosal 388, Barrio Lastarria Phone: 56 (2) 2664 1463"

"Get Playful in Conservative Chile Chilean society is quite conservative by many standards with the younger generations finally starting to cut loose. Get more playful. Be expressive. US expat Jayne Morgan saw the opportunity to fill the niche for erotic toys in the capital, starting as private bachelorette parties. The idea was a runaway success and she's expanded to now have two stories in Providencia and Barrio Lastarria to satisfy the demand. Sex toys, games, outfits, and erotic books, all imported of high quality and good taste, are all laid in her attractive stories with attentive staff. Monjitas 580, 2nd Floor (in Bar The Clinic Building) Phone: 56 (2) 2632 5988"

"True Terroir at Santiago Wine Club Chilean wine is having a moment, with vintners discovering the myriad terroirs in the country spanning over 10 latitudes from the Pacific to the Andes--with over two dozen grape varietals. Many of the most avant-garde projects are small producers making garage or even underground wines alongside the reference wines. Enter Santiago Wine Club. The owners, two wine-loving friends (one French, one Chilean), teamed up to bring these inspiring wines to their loyal patrons in Barrio Lastarria. Arranged by valley, their are obscure, fun, serious wines for everyone. Owners are usually at the store and know their wines well. Perfect for any wine lover or drinker to take a bottle home--or drink while in town. Rosal 386, almost corner Victoria Subercaseux, Barrio Lastarria Phone: 56 (2) 2632 6596"

"Treasure Trove for Handicrafts near Santa Lucía This craft store is a treasure trove for those looking for unique pieces made by artisans from different regions of Chile , many with a contemporary flare. The store has a wide array of ceramic crockery, hand-carved wooden bowls from the south, native jewelry, accessories, linens and coffee table books on Chilean culture. The store is tucked away on a quiet corner in front of the lush gardens of Santa Lucía and often attended by its own Macarena Peña. Victoria Subercaseaux 295, Barrio Lastarria Phone: 56 (2) 2632 1859"

"Traditional Sushi in Barrio Bellas Artes Kintaro has been a mainstay of the Bellas Artes neighborhood near Parque Forestal for over 15 years. The Japanese owner and sushi master are always on hand to ensure quality at this busy locale, day and night with a local (and Asian) crowd. Right in front of the Bellas Artes metro stop, it's a great place to people watch in addition to tucking into incredibly fresh, delicious sushi, rolls, sashimi, and ramen. They have a good selection of artisan craft beers to accompany. With the abundance of fresh seafood in Chile , sushi here won't disappoint. Monjitas 460 (in front of Bellas Artes metro) Phone: 56 (2) 2638 2448"

"Fabulous French Cuisine at iconic Café del Ópera Ópera is the only gourmet, white tablecloth dining experience in the Lastarria neighborhood. Location, location, location. On an iconic corner with large picture glass windows, the hum of the city quietly blurs by with the illuminated gardens of Santa Lucía in the background. Inside, the brick interior is understated and peaceful with top notch service. The menu is French with classics made with Chilean ingredients like king crab bisque, seared foie gras over toasted brioche, duck confit, and truffled chicken aromatized with white truffle and stuffed with shaved black truffle. For dessert, you can't beat the crepes suzette, prepared at the table. Excellent wine list. Phone: 56 (2) 2664 3048"

"Gourmet Hog Dogs with the Works Chileans love "completos," hot dogs with the works. Hogs took this concept and made it gourmet. Think hot dogs made with venison, lamb, pure frank, even rabbit. Then top it with items like caramelized onions, blue cheese, avocado, barbeque sauce, etc. The place is casual and standing room only to eat. Los Leones 40 (almost with Av. Providencia), Providencia (new location opening in Barrio Lastarria pronto!) Phone: 2235-4593"

"Meet the Ultimate Sandwich: El Lomito Ask any Santiaguino the best sandwich they've ever had and they will wax on about el lomito. Marinated pork slow-roasted, shaved, and piled high onto a sandwich with copious amounts of mashed avocado, homemade mayo, and tomato slices--beer on the side. The institution and reference for all things "lomito" in Chile were born at Fuente Alemana. Grab a seat at the counter and let the 30-year veteran waitresses make you an "italiano" with the fixings. Don't even think about trying to pick it up--fork and knife a must. Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 58 (Plaza Italia, Metro Baquedano) Phone: 56 (2) 2639 3231"

"Dance the Night Away Catedral is part of the trio of Café del Opera (great coffee, lunch, ice cream) and the high-end gourmet restaurant Opera. The third piece is Catedral, located on the second floor and roof of the historic building sprawling over the corner of José Miguel de la Barra and Merced. Catedral is a bar with great food including their delicious "crudo," Chile 's version of steak tartare with a touch of lemon. However, it's not until later that the party gets started with live music from Thursday through the weekend from jazz to cumbia and local rock bands like Los Tres or Chico Trujillo. José Miguel de la Barra 407, Santiago Centro Phone: 56(2) 2664 3048"

"Drink among Hipsters In 1998, former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in England at The London Clinic. A month later, satirical, left-leaning newspaper The Clinic was born. The newspaper’s namesake bar in the Lastarria area, housed in a gorgeous Baroque building, is constantly sporting zingers directed at many Chilean public figures. The Clinic is THE spot in Lastarria to toss back some cocktails or beers among hipsters. Every night it's slammed. While they put on a weekend brunch and executive menu at lunch, it's not about the food. It's the cool scene. Monjitas 578, almost corner Miraflores Phone: 56(2) 2266 4440"

"This acclaimed ice cream parlor with more than 15 locations (most Santiago malls have one) dishes out every imaginable flavor. Regulars crave dulce de leche, lifted from the namesake caramel dessert. Or try the Chilean classic called café helado , a tall glass of strong, chilled coffee with a scoop of ice cream at the bottom and whipped cream on top. ¡Ay, yi, yi! A rare spot for decaf coffee, as well as sugar-free and gluten-free treats, La Rosa serves breakfast, lunch, and high tea. By Travesías"

"A simple and stylish hotel in a converted 1920s townhouse, Lastarria Boutique Hotel opened in 2011 on a sleepy corner of its namesake Santiago neighborhood. The 14 bedrooms have an old-school feel with classic furniture and creaky parquet floors. Here you can get away from the city's hustle and bustle but still be within easy walking distance of the bars, restaurants, and galleries of Lastarria. The leafy internal courtyard with a small swimming pool has a “secret garden” feel and offers a nice dose of privacy in the city. A small terrace at one end is serviced by the Deli Lounge Restaurant and makes a fine spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. The 14 rooms were decorated with colonial times in mind, and the hotel as a whole reminds one of days gone by with its old floorboards, sash-covered windows, and dark wooden furniture. A perk for families: Lastarria Boutique Hotel offers childcare services."

"Wonderful saves the day! coffee in Santiago is even worse than in Paris (if that can even be possible?) but lucky for picky people like me, Wonderful cafe makes a very respectable + smooth cappuccino. It comes with latte art as well. Light lunches and other foods (i.e. bagels) are also available. Located in the up-and-comng Lastarria neighbourhood. You are welcome! By Thomas June"

"Santa Lucía Hill Conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago here on February 12, 1541. Eventually two Spanish fortresses were erected on the hill, alongside early hermitages and Chile ’s first astronomical observatory. You'll also find one of the capital’s oldest public promenades, originally from the Spanish-colonial period—lined by the statuary, fountains, and gardens of subsequent centuries—twisting uphill through gardens and past trees that have been preserved over the centuries. These days, couples and students favor the park for long afternoons spent beneath the boughs. Don’t miss the monumental entrance, as well as a Spanish escutcheon in stone, the park’s castle, and the 360˚ city views. For those who like traditions, a blast from an 1824 cannon announces the stroke of noon to Santiago residents each day. By Travesías"