Home/

Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Parque de la Reserva

With 8 hectares of neo-classical gardens and pagodas, dotted with ornamental sculptures, Parque de la Reserva is a welcome pocket of greenery, located on the cusp of downtown Lima. Although the park was laid out in 1929 to commemorate the civilian armies of the War of the Pacific, it wasn’t until 2007 that it became a feature on tourist itineraries, opening its hugely popular Magic Water Circuit (Circuito Mágico del Agua).

The dazzling new installation features thirteen individual fountains, each with cybernetic or interactive qualities that perform an impressive light and water show, using state-of-the-art lighting effects, lasers and choreography to music. Currently holding the record for the world’s largest fountain complex in a public park, the Magic Water Circuit is a ticketed, self-guided attraction that has quickly garnered acclaim as one of the country’s most unique spectacles. Notable highlights include the Magic Fountain, the largest, reaching heights of over 80 meters; the Tunnel Fountain of Surprises, a 35-meter long walk-though tunnel of water; and the Fantasia Fountain, which forms the centerpiece of a mind-blowing music and picture show.

Santa Beatriz, Lima 15046, Peru

From $ 30

Paseo de la Castellana

The grand Paseo de la Castellana runs for nearly 4 miles (6 km), from the Plaza de Colón to the outskirts of northern Madrid. The most important north-south thoroughfare in the city also takes visitors past some of the city’s most important landmarks and neighborhoods.

The Basics

You’d be hard-pressed to visit Madrid without crossing the Paseo de la Castellana during your stay. Sightseeing tours by car, bus, or bike, or on foot, take visitors along portions of this thoroughfare on the way to attractions like the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España, and the renowned Museo del Prado. Anyone visiting Real Madrid’s home stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu, will travel via the Paseo de la Castellana as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

Spending time on Paseo de la Castellana is a must for every first-time visitor to Madrid.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the Paseo de la Castellana is quite long.
The Paseo de la Castellana is wheelchair-accessible, as are many of the shops and restaurants along the way.

How to Get There

Portions of the Paseo de la Castellana are walkable, and the entire length of the road is serviced by numerous buses and metro lines.

When to Get There

The best time to visit this area depends largely on what interests you. Stop at one of the terraced restaurants lining the street for lunch, dinner, or evening drinks, or stroll along the road after sundown to see its buildings and monuments illuminated.

Four Towers Business Area

The Paseo de la Castellana terminates at the Four Towers (Cuatro Torres), a business park comprising Madrid’s four tallest skyscrapers. The tallest, the Crystal Tower (Torre de Cristal), measures 817 feet (249 meters) tall, making it the tallest building in Spain.

Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain

From $ 29

Paseo 21 de Mayo

So many of Central and South America’s major cities have winding promenades where locals gather for evening strolls and afternoon festivals. But few are as scenic as Paseo 21 de Mayo in Valparaiso.

This epic walkway climbs through the hills and provides impressive views of city skylines, as well as the colorful homes that make up Cerro Playa Ancha. Visitors can wander through tree-lined neighborhoods and well-kept gardens, relax in a cool covered gazebo or simply spend the day exploring one of the area’s most delightful (and inexpensive) highlights. Paseo 21 de Mayo is the perfect place to capture photos of the epic landscapes and enjoy an afternoon taste of local life.

Practical Info

Paseo 21 de Mayo is located in Cerro Playa Ancha, one of Valparaiso’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It is easily accessible from town and walkable.

Cerro Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile

From $ 18

Parliament Palace (Palacio Legislativo)

Prior to 1973 and since 1985, Uruguay's Parliament Palace, or Palacio Legislativo, in Montevideo has served as the seat of the country's Chamber of Senators and General Assembly.

The Palacio Legislativo was inaugurated on Aug. 24, 1925, which coincided with the centennial of the country’s Declaration of Independence. In 1975, the Legislative Palace was declared a National Historic Monument. The impressive palace was designed in a neoclassical style, with noted Greek influence in its exterior facades. Despite Uruguay’s small physical presence in South America, no expense was spared in creating what is considered one of the most beautiful governmental palaces in the world. Parliament Palace includes a variety of luxury materials, including ornamental wood objects, Carrara marble and porphyry and bronze. Carvings, Venetian mosaics, stained glass and various sculptures complement the luxurious materials.

Inside the Palacio Legislativo, look for murals and laminated gold ornamental details. Many rooms of the palace showcase an important collection of paintings. One of the main points of the building is the Hall of Lost Steps, which includes a beautiful dome and skylight, highlighted by ornate stained glass work. The government complex also houses a public library of ornate decorative touches, carved hardwoods and one of Uruguay's most important collections of books.

In addition to those of the Senate, General Assembly and House of Representatives, legislator offices are also located in the palace and annex building nearby. Those in the annex can reach Parliament Palace via an underground tunnel.

Practical Info

Parliament Palace is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Guided tours in Spanish and English are available at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Av de las Leyes, Montevideo, Uruguay

Monday-Friday 9am-6pm

From $ 20

Parque de las Iguanas

At the heart of Guayaquil’s colonial center, overlooked by the grand Cathedral of Guayaquil and centered on a monumental statue of Simon Bolivar, Seminar Park would be largely unnoteworthy, if it wasn’t for the sizable population of iguanas that inhabit the small park.

Aptly renamed the ‘Parque de las Iguanas’ (‘Iguana Park’), the fenced public park is home to hundreds of green iguanas, which range from palm-sized babies to giant dragon-like creatures the size of a small child. It’s an incongruous sight, with the friendly iguanas roaming freely throughout the park, clambering on the benches, climbing the trees and slinking through the grass.

Although many tourists ply the iguanas with bread or fruit, visitors are discouraged from feeding or playing with them – instead visit during the daily feeding times, when the park attendants bring in piles of vegetables for the giant lizards to feed on.

Practical Info

The Parque de las Iguanas is located in central Guayaquil.

Chile and 10 de Agosto, Guayaquil, Ecuador

From $ 60

Parque de Las Esculturas

This peaceful park along the Mapocho River features several different types of sculpture, from representational to geometric and abstract, in natural materials such as stones, and also some of more distinctive pieces, such as a yellow cage-like structure, and a large metal cube made of parallel bars. The sculpture park is easily found by exiting the metro at Pedro de Valdivia and heading north, and you will recognize immediately that you are headed in the right direction as you cross over the Mapocho river on a bridge that is also dotted with sculptures. Alternatively, on your way out of Cerro San Cristobal, take a taxi or walk down to the Pedro de Valdivia side and walk a few peaceful blocks through the tony Pedro de Valdivia Norte neighborhood before entering the park.

The park is a quiet place for a picnic or to sit in the shade, and on clear days, there is a great view of the Andes to the east. A new administration building on the north side of the park can help you out if you have any questions, and just outside the park to the west is one of the city’s new Plazas Activas, a set of human powered, gym-like equipment if you want to get an outdoor workout in.

Practical Info

The park generally closes at dusk, but in January, the Providencia (the neighborhood the park is in) Jazz Festival is held there for a few nights. Didn’t get a ticket? Do what many other neighbors do, and pull up a chair or blanket outside. The acoustics are fine on either side of the fence.

Av. Santa Maria, Santiago 2201, Chile

From $ 38

Parliament Building (Vouli)

Bordering the east side of Athens’ focal Syntagma Square, the Parliament Building was completed in 1842 as the royal residence of Otto, the first king of the newly independent Greece. The vast and rather severe Neoclassical palace was designed by German architect Friedrich von Gärtner but was badly damaged by a fire in 1909, when the Royal Family decamped to the Crown Prince’s Palace nearby. It was not until 1932, eight years after the abolition of the Greek monarchy in 1924, that Parliament moved into Von Gärtner’s splendid building, from where its 300 representatives, elected for four years, have directed the country ever since. The Main Library is open to the public and other areas of the Parliament Building can be viewed by pre-booked guided tour.

One of Greece’s most important monuments, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was inaugurated on Greek National Day (March 25 1932), the centenary of independence from Turkey, sits outside the Parliament Building. It attracts tourists in their throngs to witness the hourly spectacle of the Changing of the Guard by kilted soldiers from the Evzones (Presidential Guard); a more elaborate ceremony, with marching bands, is held every Sunday at 11am.

Practical Info

Syntagma Square, Athens. Main Library open Mon–Fri 9am–2pm, 5.30pm–8.30pm; Sat 9am–2pm. Guided tours are available Mon–Fri 9am–8pm by advance arrangement. Take Metro Lines 2 or 3 to Syntagma Square.

Syntagma Square, Athens, Attica, Greece 10021, Greece

Main Library open Mon–Fri 9am–2pm, 5:30pm–8:30pm; Sat 9am–2pm. Otherwise by pre-booked guided tour.

From $ 39

Parliament House of Finland (Eduskuntatalo)

An impressive architectural landmark, Finland’s Parliament House (Eduskuntatalo) is home to the nation’s governing body. The imposing building looms over Helsinki on Arcadia Hill, making it both the political and geographical heart of the Finnish capital.

The Basics

Helsinki walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours often make a stop at the Parliament House, and the visitor center—located in the Little Parliament—offers extra information on the building and the parliament of Finland. It’s also possible to take a guided tour or visit on “open house” days, although spaces are limited and need to be booked several months in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors are welcome to watch plenary sessions from the gallery, although they are conducted in Finnish and no translations are provided.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center.
Strict security checks are in place for anyone entering the government buildings.
The Parliament House is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Parliament House is located in the district of Toolo, surrounded by several of the city’s most popular museums, art galleries, and concert halls, including Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), Finlandia Concert Hall, and the contemporary art museum Kiasma. The closest tram station is Kansallismuseo, or it’s about a 10-minute walk to Helsinki Central Station.

When to Get There

The Parliament House is open on weekdays throughout the year, but parliament sessions can only be observed on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tours are typically held on weekends.

Architectural Highlights of the Parliament House

A monumental, square building constructed in a classical style, the Parliament House was designed by Finnish architect Johan Sigfrid Siren and inaugurated in 1931. Its striking exterior showcases strong but simple geometry, with sleek granite walls and tall Corinthian columns. Built using mostly Finnish materials, it features reddish Kalvola granite on the facade and Finnish oak, curly birch, and walnut for interior furnishings.

Mannerheimintie 30, Helsinki 00100, Finland

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

From $ 34

Parliament House (Riksdagshuset)

Stockholm’s Parliament House is the seat of parliament in Sweden, better known as the Riksdag. Built between 1897 and 1905, the building was designed in a neoclassical style, with a Baroque Revival style façade. Today, it consists of two wings. The east wing is the original House of Parliament, while the west wing used to be the head office of the national bank. Occupying nearly half of the island of Helgeandsholmen in Stockholm’s Old Town, Parliament House also houses the Riksdag Library, which holds a variety of parliamentary documents and international legislation and is open to the public.

Visitors to Parliament House are welcome to observe everything that takes place in the parliamentary chamber, whether it is listening to debates and votes or attending public hearings or seminars. The public gallery to the Chamber holds 500 visitors, while the public gallery of the former first chamber holds 150 visitors and the gallery of the former second chamber holds 200 visitors. The latter two chambers are open for public hearings. Tours of the building are also available.

Practical Info

The entrance to the public gallery of the Chamber and tours is at Riksgatan 3. The entrances to the former first and second galleries are along Riksplan on either side of a large stone staircase. All visitors must present valid identification to enter Parliament House. Guided tours take about an hour and cover the history of the Riksdag and what is currently happening in parliament. No advance reservations are required, but space is limited.

Riksgatan 1, Stockholm, Sweden

Guided tours are available in English from mid-September to early June on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and from late June to late August Mondays to Fridays at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

From $ 23

Parthenon

The star of Athens postcards and arguably the most impressive of all the city’s ancient ruins, the Parthenon stands proud atop the sacred rock of Acropolis, high above the modern city.

Built between 447 and 432 BC, the temple was dedicated to Greek goddess Athena and originally housed her cult image, a giant ivory and gold-plated statue by Fidias. The restored temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a striking reminder of the glory of Ancient Greece with its grand marble façade, classic Doric columns, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The site also serves as a fascinating chronicle of Athens’ history.

The Basics
The best way to visit the Parthenon is on a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens, including neighboring ruins such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. First-time visitors to Athens can also combine a visit with a city sightseeing tour; a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion; or even a food tasting city tour. History buffs can tack on a tour of the Ancient Agora or a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Parthenon is most often visited on half- or full-day city tours of Ancient Athens.
Come prepared for the weather, as the Parthenon is an indoor/outdoor experience.
Wheelchair lift available to the top of the Acropolis.

How to Get to the Parthenon
The Parthenon is located within the Acropolis on a hilltop in central Athens. Entry is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, and the nearest underground train station is Akropoli.

When to Get There
The Parthenon is open from April to October, Monday 11am to 7:30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 7:30pm, and November to March, daily from 8:30am to 3pm. As with most popular tourist attractions, you would do well to arrive when the doors open to beat the crowds.

An Awkward Encounter with England
In the early 19th century, when Athens was under Turkish rule, sculptures from the Parthenon were sold to Englishman Lord Elgin. The artifacts, nicknamed the ‘Elgin Marbles’ are now on display in London's British Museum, but they remain a point of contention for the Greek government, which still insists they should be returned.

Athens Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Varies

From $ 15

Parque Explora

With its modernist façade, bright red roof and funky urban design, it’s clear from the outsetthat Parque Explora is a museum for the modern age. Fun, interactive and engaging for all ages, this is one of Colombia’s most popular science museums, with an incredible 120,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

The museum hosts over 300 interactive displays and activities, based around the themes of neuroscience, physics and communication, plus a 3D projection hall, a planetarium and an

impressive display of 22 animatronic dinosaurs. Another highlight is the indoor aquarium center, the largest freshwater aquarium in Latin America, where visitors can learn more about the Amazon region, spot over 400 different species of fish and see the world's most poisonous frog.

Practical Info

Parque Explora is located in the North zone of Medellín and is open Tues-Sun from 8.30am - 5.30pm, and Sat-Sun from 10am -6.30pm. Admission is COL$20,000.

Carrera 52 No. 73-75, Medellín, Colombia

Tues-Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm; Sat-Sun: 10am - 6.30pm

COL$20,000 (Planetarium COL$12,000)

From $ 5

Parliament Square

At the heart of London’s Westminster district, the aptly named Parliament Square is a pocket of greenery at the epicenter of some of the capital’s most significant buildings and makes a popular photo opportunity for tourists, as well as being the site of many public protests and demonstrations. Notable buildings include the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to the east, Westminster Abbey to the south, the Supreme Court to the west and Her Majesty's Treasury and the Churchill War Rooms to the north.

Parliament Square is also home to a prominent collection of statues of legendary statesmen, both from the UK and overseas, and including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Cromwell and Richard I, 'The Lionheart, as well as the most recent addition, Gandhi.

Practical Info

Parliament Square is located opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Westminster, London.

Westminster, London, England

From $ 25

Parque 93

Parque 93 is more than a grassy square in the center of Bogotá. It is one of the centerpieces of the city with great restaurants, exciting nightlife and outdoor activities. Many locals come here for a walk, for a sporty outing and a picnic with friends or decide to attend one of the numerous events. Not only are there are regular festivals and art installations taking place under the shady trees, but the park is often frequented by Bogotá’s wealthy. Thus, if you plan on a night out in Parque 93, be prepared to be surrounded by the local jet set crowd.

Head to Bardot Bar, which is popular with the Colombian models and actors, or pop in at the Bogota Beer Company, where you can get some of the city’s best brews. At El Salto Del Angel you can grab both a steak and prove your salsa skills on the dance floor. Classic Colombian parties can be found at Kukaramakara and El Sitio, which are a favorite among the local crowd and feature local bands.

Practical Info

Parque 93 can be found between Calles 93A and 93B and Carreras 11A and 13, just north of Zona Rosa. The closest Transmilenio stop is Virrey, which is about 1.5 kilometers away, but once there or if you feel like switching venues, it is easiest to get around the neighborhood on foot.

Carrera 13 entre 93A y 93B, Bogotá, Columbia, Colombia

From $ 30

Parque Warner Madrid

Located 25 kilometers south of Madrid, Parque Warner Madrid is a theme park that aims to cater to everyone in the family, from thrill-seekers to children, and movie-and-entertainment fans. Attractions are spread throughout five themed areas, which include Super Heroes World, Hollywood Boulevard, Old West Territory, Movie World Studios, and Cartoon Village. The park also puts on a selection of musicals and shows inspired by all things Hollywood and Warner Brothers.

When it comes to rides, the park has no shortage, with options ranging from kid-friendly cartoon-themed adventures, to adrenaline-inducing twisters. During warmer (often scorching) Madrid months, you can even go on water rides, though plan and prepare to get drenched. Little ones will feel most at home in Cartoon Village, where there are plenty of rides suitable for the whole family, as well as photo opportunities with famous animated characters.

Practical Info

Consider buying your tickets online in advance in order to save money and to skip the entry lines. Note that closing hours vary throughout the year, and that the park closes on most weekdays during winter months.

M-301, Km 15.5, San Martín de la Vega, Madrid 28330, Spain

Varies by day of week and time of year

General: €39.90; discount pricing for children and seniors

From $ 47

Parque Arvi and Piedras Blancas

Medellin is certainly marvelous, but there may be times when you just want to hop into a gondola and float above the urban jungle and into the untamed mountains. Happily, this is one city where that’s not only possible, but also easy and inexpensive.

The Medellin metrorail system connects directly to the Arvi Cable Cars, which soar right from the train station above some of the city’s rougher neighborhoods, stopping briefly close to the ultra-modern Spanish Library. The final leg of the photogenic journey crests a misty ridge high above town, then delivers you quietly to a new brand-new conservation area.

This expansive park of beautiful wildflowers and lush premontane forest is crisscrossed with several kilometers of hiking trails. Hire guides or pick up a free map at the stand next to the cable cars. An adjacent private reserve, operated by architecturally striking Piedras Blancas Ecological Hotel (also accessible by car) is part of the project to return this region to the wild. On weekends, when the place gets packed with picnicking families, booths are filled with organic farmers and local craftspeople maintain selling their wares. Just don’t miss the last cable car back to the bottom!

Via a Piedras Blancas, Colombia

M-F 6:30am - 8:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Cable Car: 2,500 pesos (<$2 USD)

From $ 41

Parque del Buen Retiro

El Retiro Park (Parque del Buen Retiro), often referred to simply as El Retiro, serves as the Spanish capital’s green lung. Dotted with ornate fountains, formal gardens, marble monuments, and plenty of space to relax, these former grounds of the Spanish monarchy became public in 1868 and have become a beloved spot for Madrilenos.

The Basics

Its central location both geographically and culturally means El Retiro is difficult to miss if you spend any time in Madrid. Most sightseeing tours include the park, and those interested in the park’s history and modern cultural significance can explore in-depth on a guided walking tour or Segway tour of the park, stopping at points of interest, such as the Crystal Palace and Fallen Angel statue.

Things to Know Before You Go

El Retiro Park is a must-see for nature lovers, families, and first-time visitors.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

How to Get There

El Retiro is well-connected by public transportation. Take the metro (Line 2) to Retiro Station, or catch any number of public buses. The park also has more than half a dozen BiciMAD bike-share stations.

When to Get There

El Retiro makes a peaceful escape from the hustle of the city just about any time, but the best time to visit is on the weekends when locals come out to play sports, read a book, enjoy a picnic, and relax. This is also when the park fills with buskers and street painters, creating quite the lively atmosphere.

El Retiro Lake

At the heart of the park sits an artificial lake, set beneath the massive Monument to Alfonso XII. For a quintessential Madrid experience, head to the park in the afternoon and rent a rowboat for a float on the lake.

Madrid, Spain

Open daily

From $ 12

Parliament House

Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan) is a striking sandstone building and home to both houses of the Parliament of India. This round building was inspired by the Great Stupa of Sanchi and the Ashoka Chakra—the same circular symbol found in the center of the Indian flag.

The Basics

With its impressive architecture featuring sandstone colonnades and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, the Parliament House is worth a visit on aesthetic value alone. However, if you have an interest in political history, you may want to drop into the Parliament Museum, which features interactive exhibits detailing the history and democratic heritage of modern India.

Many private and small-group tours of Delhi and of New Delhi stop at the building, and some provide time for you to go inside and explore the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

Parliament House is ideal for architecture and political history fans.
To enter the Parliament House itself, foreigners must apply through their embassies or high commissions.
There’s a computerized resource center on the premises for researchers and scholars.
Backpacks and large bags must be checked at the cloakroom.
Photography is not permitted within the museum.

How to Get There

Parliament House is located in the heart of the Raj-era neighborhood of Lutyens’ Delhi, near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and India Gate. The nearest metro stop is Central Secretariat, a 5-minute walk away, on the Yellow and Violet Lines.

When to Get There

The Parliament Museum is open 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. If you plan to spend a lot of time walking around the Parliament House’s exterior, come early in the day—when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn’t as abrasive—or during the winter months.

A New Parliament?

The Parliament House dates back to the 1920s, and there have been concerns in recent years about the structure’s safety as well as its ability to accommodate modern audiovisual technology. While it's unlikely that the current building will be demolished due to its heritage status alone, the Parliament of India may find a new home in the years to come.

Sansad Marg, New Delhi, India

From $ 19

Parque Natural Metropolitano (Metropolitan National Park)

This amazingly accessible park claims to be Latin America's only municipal wildlife reserve, draped luxuriantly across 232 hectares (573 acres) in the city center. Though not exactly pristine (it was a key staging area the 1989 US invasion), it remains a remarkably well-preserved dry tropical forest, one of the world's most threatened biomes, walking distance from the modern city.

Though hikers never quite escape the drone of civilization, it's easy to forget when wandering 4km (2.5mi) of trails along the Curundo River and up Mirador Cerro Cedro (150m/492ft), the second highest spot in the city. Squirrel monkeys (mono titis), two- and three-toed sloths, coatis, green iguanas, toucans, and many other animals call the park home.

Practical Info

Any Albrook Station bus to the Gran Terminal can drop you at the Universidad de Panamá at Curundo, though taxis are more convenient.

The dry tropical forest is characterized by trees that shed their leaves from December to May, when it's easier to spot wildlife.

Avenida Juan Pablo II, between Avenida Ascanio Villalaz and Calle Amistad, Panamá City 0843-03129, Panama

Open 7am - 5pm daily

US$2

From $ 90

Parque Arauco

Santiago’s Parque Arauco mall is huge. Set on two levels, there are more than 20 restaurants, and you’ll see global brands like Starbucks, Nine West, and the Gap dotted along its two floors. There’s also a luxury stores district where you can shop at the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Mont Blanc, and Emporio Armani, and there’s an entertainment zone that includes a cinema with 3D, 4D, and premium screens, an ice-rink, a bowling alley, and Mori Cultural Center and Theater.

Parque Arauco is also home to an outdoor boulevard with restaurants and stores. And after 9pm in the evening, live music performances often take place al fresco, too. Other notable spots include Chilean department store giants like Falabella, Ripley, and Almacenes Paris, and Tottus supermarket.

Practical Info

To reach Santiago’s Parque Arauco by public transport, take the subway to Escuela Militar (line 1), then transfer to bus 11 or 20 — they stop at the mall. Foreign visitors can pick up cards with exclusive discounts and benefits at over 100 of the mall’s stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Parque Arauco 5501-5545, Maipú, Región Metropolitana, Chile 5601, Chile

Retail Stores: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sundays & Holidays 11am-9pm

From $ 38

Parque Forestal

Those looking to play and picnic in downtown Santiago always head to Parque Forestal. The park runs from an area near the Central Market up to Plaza Italia as a strip of greenery with walking paths, leafy trees, old-fashioned lamp posts, playgrounds and two of the city’s most important museums.

These are the Bellas Artes and the Museum of Contemporary Art, which stand back to back in the park near the metro Bellas Artes. The latter’s chunky Botero horse statue out front makes it easy to spot, while Bellas Artes faces the street José Miguel de La Barra.

Parque Forestal is popular among runners, walkers and families. On Sunday afternoons, street performers get together in the park to practice acrobatics and juggling, and once a month, there is an open-air flea market where anyone can register to sell household goods such as books and clothing. In the summer, the spots under the leafy platano oriental trees are the most coveted. The trees resemble American sycamores in appearance and provide the best shade for a leisurely afternoon.

The park continues eastward toward Providencia, passing the Fuente Alemana, a giant fountain that looks like a boat, and ending at Plaza Italia.

Practical Info

Most of the activity in Parque Forestal takes place near the two museums, easily accessible from the Bellas Artes metro. Visitors often take afternoon walks from the Central Market or Baquedano metro to the park.

Santiago, Chile

From $ 33