Santiago Central Market
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Santiago Central Market

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A historic 19th-century market celebrated for its incredible fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable local eateries.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Santiago Central Market

Santiago Central Market

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 19th-century market celebrated for its incredible fresh seafood, vibrant atmosphere, and affordable local eateries.

"Experience the true character of Santiago and its culinary traditions at the bustling Central Market."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 6AM

Cuisine

Seafood Market

Price

Budget/Mid-range

Phone

+56 2 2697 3779

Address

San Pablo, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Seafood Market

Vibrant Seafood Market

Experience a bustling fish market with an incredible array of fresh seafood, from giant crabs to the catch of the day.

TikTokGoogle Review+5
Affordable Local Eateries

Affordable Local Eateries

Discover smaller, local eateries within the market for authentic Chilean cuisine at significantly lower prices.

Google Review
Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Marvel at the 19th-century wrought iron architecture imported from England, creating a uniquely charming and light-filled space.

TikTokThe best Chilean architectural works - Buildings in Chile+3
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Mercado Central se encuentra en un bonito edificio construido a finales del siglo XIX. Aquí encontrarán todo tipo de productos del mar; puedes comprar pescados y mariscos frescos en los comercios que lo rodean, o probar todo tipo de platos típicos en los restaurantes y pequeños locales que se encuentran dentro. 📍San Pablo 967, Santiago.
@hayplancl
514 likes • 9.1K views

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.

#chile #santiago #kingcrab #gastronomia
@ralopesmartins
17 likes • 915 views
Mercado central de Santiago de Chile#santiagodechile #mercados #mercadocentral #chile #centolla
@monimusica1
8 likes • 680 views

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.

Mercado Central de Santiago 😍🐟 Frutos do mar, história e muita cultura chilena em um só lugar! Já salva essa dica para sua próxima viagem ✈️💙 #fyp #chillinginchile #agenciadeviajes
@chillinginchile.turismo
31 likes • 487 views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Abundant fresh seafood selection
Vibrant market atmosphere
Affordable traditional Chilean dishes

What People Dislike

Overly salty food/poor quality seafood
Concerns about cleanliness
Pickpocketing and safety issues

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.

TikTokGoogle Review+2

Yes, smaller eateries within the market offer traditional Chilean dishes at much more affordable prices compared to the main restaurants.

Google Review

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.

TikTokGoogle Review+2

The market is renowned for its wide array of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and specialty items like king crab.

TikTokGoogle Review+3

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.

TikTokThe best Chilean architectural works - Buildings in Chile+2

While seafood is the main focus, the market also offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and baked goods.

10 Best Things To Do in Santiago, ChileGoogle Review

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