Santiago Central Market on Postcard

"If you’re aiming to see what last night’s catch looked like before it became your supper, head to Santiago’s Mercado Central, where every edible sea creature is up for sale. As boisterous as a stock market, the seafood exchange assembles hard-working fishmongers, clad in high rubber boots, who hawk a full fishy portfolio including conger, swordfish, and shrimp (peeled for an extra fee). Live sea urchins peek out from rock-like shells and oysters slam shut as scores of restaurateurs arrive early in search of what will become the chef’s daily special. The market is loud, bustling, and crowded . . . and it can be jarring to discover just how ugly in life that delicious reineta you savored really was. Following local tradition, students come here the morning after their proms—fully regaled in tuxedos and gowns—for a bowl of restorative broth. By Travesías"

Where to Find Authentic Chilean Cuisine in Santiago

test

@afar

"If you’re aiming to see what last night’s catch looked like before it became your supper, head to Santiago’s Mercado Central, where every edible sea creature is up for sale. As boisterous as a stock market, the seafood exchange assembles hard-working fishmongers, clad in high rubber boots, who hawk a full fishy portfolio including conger, swordfish, and shrimp (peeled for an extra fee). Live sea urchins peek out from rock-like shells and oysters slam shut as scores of restaurateurs arrive early in search of what will become the chef’s daily special. The market is loud, bustling, and crowded . . . and it can be jarring to discover just how ugly in life that delicious reineta you savored really was. Following local tradition, students come here the morning after their proms—fully regaled in tuxedos and gowns—for a bowl of restorative broth. By Travesías"

El Centro: Santiago's Historic Heart

test

@afar

"If you’re aiming to see what last night’s catch looked like before it became your supper, head to Santiago’s Mercado Central, where every edible sea creature is up for sale. As boisterous as a stock market, the seafood exchange assembles hard-working fishmongers, clad in high rubber boots, who hawk a full fishy portfolio including conger, swordfish, and shrimp (peeled for an extra fee). Live sea urchins peek out from rock-like shells and oysters slam shut as scores of restaurateurs arrive early in search of what will become the chef’s daily special. The market is loud, bustling, and crowded . . . and it can be jarring to discover just how ugly in life that delicious reineta you savored really was. Following local tradition, students come here the morning after their proms—fully regaled in tuxedos and gowns—for a bowl of restorative broth. By Travesías"

12 Must-Do Experiences in Santiago

test

Sandra Evans

Google

Great deals here. Just be aware, especially because it's crowded, people will reach into your purse or unzip your backpack while you're walking. They are discreet while stealing, so wear your bag on the front!!

Marko Krejic

Google

Cool fish market with allot of fish. A bit annoying with the restaurants and their waiters who tried their best to eat at their restaurant.

Mabelin Santos

Google

In this place, numerous stalls offer a diverse array of seafood, complemented by restaurants specializing in seafood dishes. Visitors are cautioned to be vigilant to ensure a positive experience in this market. The environment is vibrant and lively, with frequent approaches from vendors promoting their products or people inviting you to dine at nearby restaurants.

Michael Barton

Google

Maybe I went at a bad time, but the market was pretty empty and half dead. The entire building smells like dead fish. The fish stalls seemed to be operating fully, but there were very few other vendors of flowers, fruits, or crafts. It was just underwhelming. Be prepared to have many people try and scoop you into their restaurant or shop while you walk around, much like a salesman at a car dealership.

Marsha Russell

Google

This is thriving market, divided into different sections according to what is being sold. Our favorite part was the fish market, where there are lots of restaurants where you can eat fish that was in the ocean only hours before.

David Knutson

Google

There may have been a great time to visit this market, but it has long passed. I had a terrific seafood meal here about 15 years ago, and it was terrific. I strolled through the market house this week and was horrified with the conditions: terrible odors, filth, and no sense of security. It's a shame that the authorities have let this market and its neighborhood fall into such a deplorable state. There no longer is a reason to visit this place.

Abigail Adamek

Google

Cool place to go visit walk around and get fresh seafood. Very touristy and the people are a bit aggressive with trying to get you to eat at their restaurants. But I thought it was worth going to check out.

Matin Dehghan

Google

It’s nice to visit, fish markets, fruits, souvenirs and full of restaurants which have sea foods. The prices also are good.

Sandra Evans

Google

Great deals here. Just be aware, especially because it's crowded, people will reach into your purse or unzip your backpack while you're walking. They are discreet while stealing, so wear your bag on the front!!

Marko Krejic

Google

Cool fish market with allot of fish. A bit annoying with the restaurants and their waiters who tried their best to eat at their restaurant.

Mabelin Santos

Google

In this place, numerous stalls offer a diverse array of seafood, complemented by restaurants specializing in seafood dishes. Visitors are cautioned to be vigilant to ensure a positive experience in this market. The environment is vibrant and lively, with frequent approaches from vendors promoting their products or people inviting you to dine at nearby restaurants.

Michael Barton

Google

Maybe I went at a bad time, but the market was pretty empty and half dead. The entire building smells like dead fish. The fish stalls seemed to be operating fully, but there were very few other vendors of flowers, fruits, or crafts. It was just underwhelming. Be prepared to have many people try and scoop you into their restaurant or shop while you walk around, much like a salesman at a car dealership.

Marsha Russell

Google

This is thriving market, divided into different sections according to what is being sold. Our favorite part was the fish market, where there are lots of restaurants where you can eat fish that was in the ocean only hours before.

David Knutson

Google

There may have been a great time to visit this market, but it has long passed. I had a terrific seafood meal here about 15 years ago, and it was terrific. I strolled through the market house this week and was horrified with the conditions: terrible odors, filth, and no sense of security. It's a shame that the authorities have let this market and its neighborhood fall into such a deplorable state. There no longer is a reason to visit this place.

Abigail Adamek

Google

Cool place to go visit walk around and get fresh seafood. Very touristy and the people are a bit aggressive with trying to get you to eat at their restaurants. But I thought it was worth going to check out.

Matin Dehghan

Google

It’s nice to visit, fish markets, fruits, souvenirs and full of restaurants which have sea foods. The prices also are good.

Santiago Central Market

Santiago Central Market

Photos

Highlights

You might also like