Santiago Central Market
A historic 19th-century market celebrated for its incredible fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable local eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Santiago Central Market
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century market celebrated for its incredible fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable local eateries.
Dine at Smaller Eateries
Opt for smaller restaurants inside the market for more affordable and authentic Chilean seafood dishes.
Be Aware of Surroundings
The market can be busy and has reports of theft; be mindful of valuables and keep belongings secure.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood Market
Price
Budget/Mid-range
Phone
+56 2 2697 3779
Address
San Pablo, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Seafood Market
Experience a bustling fish market with an incredible array of fresh seafood, from giant crabs to the catch of the day.
Affordable Local Eateries
Discover smaller, local eateries within the market for authentic Chilean cuisine at significantly lower prices.
Historic Architecture
Marvel at the 19th-century wrought iron architecture imported from England, creating a uniquely charming and light-filled space.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dine at Smaller Eateries
Opt for smaller restaurants inside the market for more affordable and authentic Chilean seafood dishes.
Be Aware of Surroundings
The market can be busy and has reports of theft; be mindful of valuables and keep belongings secure.
Engage with Vendors
Chat with local vendors to learn about Chilean produce and get tips on selecting the freshest ingredients.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the market during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Dine at Smaller Eateries
Opt for smaller restaurants inside the market for more affordable and authentic Chilean seafood dishes.
Be Aware of Surroundings
The market can be busy and has reports of theft; be mindful of valuables and keep belongings secure.
Engage with Vendors
Chat with local vendors to learn about Chilean produce and get tips on selecting the freshest ingredients.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the market during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Santiago Central Market is a lively and historic spot, particularly lauded for its vast array of fresh seafood and the vibrant atmosphere created by vendors. Many appreciate the opportunity to sample traditional Chilean cuisine at reasonable prices, especially in the smaller eateries. However, some visitors caution about the market's cleanliness and have experienced overly salty food or poor quality seafood at certain establishments, alongside concerns about personal safety due to pickpocketing.
"A very busy and bustling fresh market selling lots of fresh fish and seafood, fruits. But there’s also a lot of known restaurants that serve seafood at the very reasonable price. The competition is intense. Each one is trying to entice the passerby to eat at their restaurant. A nice place to just watch, walk around. A lot of fun if fresh fish smell doesn’t bother you"
Nonette CDO
"In all honesty I may have needed to rate it at two stars. When I was going to the market I have thought about other great bustling colorful markets in South America and Asia. It is a fish market and fish market only. Every single stand offers exactly the same selection. So if you would like to experience a fish market see two stands exactly and leave - there is nothing past yhat except identical stands.
Since reviews said that food there is great we have tried. Beware! Everything is salted to extreme, fish is not good quality and they even managed to ruin mashed potatoes."
Marcin Jackowski
"Lively fish market with plenty of options for eating. I avoided the one main restaurant in the center and went to one of the smaller eateries for the daily lunch (at about 1/3 the price!!!). I enjoyed the plate of ceviche I had there, along with a complimentary pisco sour. Can't remember the name, but pictures of racehorses cover the walls."
Eve Stavros
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the bustling market stalls, engage with vendors, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many eateries, especially the smaller, more affordable ones.
Yes, smaller eateries within the market offer traditional Chilean dishes at much more affordable prices compared to the main restaurants.
Visitors should be vigilant about their belongings as there have been reports of theft. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings is advised.
The market is renowned for its wide array of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and specialty items like king crab.
The Santiago Central Market is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building with a wrought iron structure imported from England, creating a unique and airy space.
While seafood is the main focus, the market also offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods.
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If what you want is to get to know one of the most traditional buildings in the city of Santiago, where you can also get in touch with the true character of Santiago and learn about its main culinary traditions, a visit to the Central Market is the right thing to do. It is a true museum of natural flavor and not only for the fresh products found there but also for the gastronomy which is offered by the restaurants located inside.
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From browsing the vibrant Central Market to crafting a hearty beef stew and indulgent pastry, this hands-on experience promises to be a delightful exploration of Chilean culture. Paired with local wines and cocktails, the resulting shared meal promises to be a true gastronomic delight. With a cozy, intimate setting and personalized instruction, this class is a must-try for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the flavors of Chile.
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Participants begin by exploring the bustling Central Market, where they’ll uncover the vibrant sights, scents, and flavors that define Chilean cuisine. From there, the class transitions to a hands-on cooking studio, guiding guests through the preparation of a delectable three-course meal. With expert instruction and a welcoming atmosphere, this experience promises to deepen one’s appreciation for Chile’s gastronomic delights.
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Considering that Chile has so many miles of coastline, you shouldn’t be surprised that this is one of the best seafood destinations on earth. For the best options in Santiago, the Central Market (Mercado Central) is the place to be. Not only can you sample a wide array of fish delicacies, but the market is home to plenty of fun and intriguing vendors under a cool space, perhaps one of the coolest markets in South America.
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An excellent way of getting into the life of a city is to pay a visit to the market, and the central market in Santiago is amazing. The market was originally opened in the late 1800s and is still one of the most popular places in the city. This colorful location is home to a massive array of stalls selling a variety of goods and also has a brilliant choice of places to eat so that you can really make a day of your visit.
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Metro Line 2: Cal y Canto (southern exit) Santiago’s Central Market is the main market for fish, vegetables, meat and fruit. In addition, there are a number of local stores that sell natural, herbal remedies. In the same area, but on the other side of the Mapocho “River”, is the “Vega”, which is the main market in Santiago for fruit and vegetables and an interesting place to wonder through.
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Santiago's Central Market is a jewel of 19th-century architecture that is also a culinary landmark in the city. Built in 1872, the market features a wrought iron structure imported from England that gives it a unique charm. Its architectural design allows the entry of natural light, creating a vibrant and colorful environment in which visitors can enjoy authentic Chilean cuisine.
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In this way, the Central Market is considered one of the best gastronomic centers due to the variety of dishes available that owe their fame to the excellent quality and freshness that characterizes them. Therefore, this picturesque market is surrounded by different restaurants ideal to taste the particular Chilean flavors; being also a perfect place to find local handicrafts.
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Ardent foodies should head straight for Santiago’s Central Market, also called Mercado Central. Specialising in seafood, you will see locals and restaurateurs haggling over giant squids, sea urchins and fresh catches of the day. Don’t be put off if you are not a fish fan, the kaleidoscope of mouth-watering fruits, spices and vegetables are enough to tempt anyone’s palate.
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The Central Market, established in 1872, is a vibrant and bustling place to experience the local food culture of Santiago. Visitors can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, traditional Chilean dishes, and local delicacies. It’s a great place to indulge in a seafood feast or try some Chilean cuisine while immersing in the lively atmosphere of the market.
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Must-see places in Santiago’s historic center include Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, the Cathedral, Cerro Santa Lucía, Paseo Ahumada, and the Central Market, where you can taste local cuisine such as empanadas, humitas, and pastel de choclo. You can also visit the Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods, known for their art galleries and restaurants.
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The Mercado Central was opened in 1872 and is well known for its fantastic value seafood. It’s actually made up of several different markets all peddling different wares and produce, as well as many excellent restaurants for tasting local delicacies. This little taster menu of Santiago merely scratches the surface of this wonderful city!
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This historic market has been serving up seafood and other fares since the 1800s. It is a cultural landmark full of local businesses and artisans, making it a must-stop if you are looking for gifts and souvenirs, or just a delicious lunch. This market is packed with businesses, guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning customers.
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Later we combine with the most typical route of our roots through the Central Market, where we will know everything that our sea has at our disposal. Once this tour through the market, we prepare for our interactive kitchen in the restaurant, we become a chef and prepare the previously selected products together with the chef.
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The markets are representative of their cities, so the first one on the list is the Central Market. This place gathers the best marine products collected on the coast throughout the country. It is a must to try fish such as salmon and pippin, as well as typical dishes such as conger eel, crab suckling and fresh ceviche.
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Mercado Central is the central fish market in Santiago that has been around since 1872. Though they do sell other food there, it’s the seafood that’s the draw. There are a lot of options as Chile is mostly coastline, and you’ll find a maze of stalls loaded with fish, mussels, clams, oysters, and many more options.
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Foodies who travel to Santiago love the Central Market because of the top-notch seafood and local favorite dishes here. This is a great place to try local squid, sea urchin, empanadas, and ceviche while listening to live music. You’ll also find spices, vegetables and fruits here in this lively and colorful market.
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In San Pablo street, nearby to Plaza de Armas, is the Central Market of Santiago, where the main products are fish and seafood but you can also find peppers and typical spices. In this market there are also a variety of restaurants and the typical dish of Santiago, a king crab called centolla.
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The Central Market is a great place to eat, buy souvenirs, and even purchase food. There are several types of vendors inside the market that sell everything from flowers and fruit to meat and fish. This beautiful building was built in 1872 and has been restored several times over the years.
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The experience includes a visit to the Central Market of Santiago for ingredient sourcing, where you can interact with local vendors and learn about traditional Chilean produce. After the market tour, you’ll return to the cooking workshop to prepare a traditional feast.
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Even if the place is a bit touristy, Santiago’s Central Market is a great place to visit and try some of the local food. The building with the cast-iron roof (built in Glasgow and transferred to Chile) dates back to 1872 and replaced the old market that burnt down.
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Without a doubt, one of the tastiest things to do in Santiago is eating seafood in Mercado Central. This bustling market has been in business since way back in 1872 and continues to be a popular place to shop and eat.
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For a unique culinary experience, head to the Central Market. Famous for its fresh seafood offerings, this market is a paradise for food lovers. Try a ceviche or a congrio chowder at one of its restaurants.
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The Central Market (Mercado Central) is a vibrant scene with the smell of seafood in the air. It’s a great place to wander around especially at the wet fish market to browse through the fresh seafood.
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You’ll get to go from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral to La Moneda Palace, see Mercado Central (the Central Market) and Plaza de Armas, and visit Cerro San Cristóbal, Cerro Santa Lucía, or both!
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Places such as around the Plaza de Armas and the Central Market are best visited during the morning or early afternoon – they can become unsafe in the late afternoon and evening.
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Visit the intoxicating Mercado Central market for fresh seafood and produce, and you’ll also soon see why the city’s dining scene is flourishing.
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If you still aren’t sure, head toward the Central Market (Mercado Central de Santiago). It’s just a few blocks north of Plaza de Armas.
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We didn't connect for lunch at the Central Market, but we did visit there and thought 'Donde Augustos' would be fun and have good food.
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Don’t forget to check out Santiago’s Central Market where you can get a taste of the local palette, you will not be disappointed!
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During the tour you will be able to see the Church of Santo Domingo, the Central Market and the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center.
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There are also several restaurants as well in and around the market. You will need 30 minutes for Mercado Central.
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