Central Market (Mercado Central)

Central Market (Mercado Central) in Santiago is a vibrant hub of local life, housed in a striking 19th-century iron-and-glass building in the Santa Lucia district. With a rating of 3.5 stars from over 6,000 reviews, it's a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The market is renowned for its fresh seafood, from sea bass to shellfish, and the surrounding restaurants serve classic Chilean dishes like pastel de choclo and ceviche. Visitors can wander through stalls of colorful produce, spices, and crafts, or sit down for a meal at one of the many eateries. What makes it distinctive is its historic architecture and the lively, authentic atmosphere that captures Santiago's culinary soul. It's a sensory experience of sights, sounds, and smells.

Don't miss

• Sample fresh seafood at the market's restaurants
• Admire the iron-and-glass architecture
• Try traditional Chilean dishes like empanadas de mariscos
• Browse local crafts and souvenirs
• Watch fishmongers at work in the lively stalls

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Central Market (Mercado Central)

Cheapest way inOfficial Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago5★ · 589 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$11 per personSee dates →Best full dayCajon del Maipo/Embalse del Yeso, Tradition Folk Picnic included4.5★ · 2,982 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$42 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleSantiago city experience: Walking tour, Market visit, Lunch & Coffee included5★ · 31 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$144 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Bring cash as some stalls don't accept cards.
• Watch your belongings; pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
• Don't miss the seafood soup called 'caldillo de congrio'.
• Ask before taking photos of vendors or their goods.

A bit of history

The Mercado Central opened in 1872, designed by Chilean architect Fermín Vivaceta. It was built using prefabricated iron from England, a common technique for markets in the 19th century.