Thing to do
La Vega Central
Santiago's working fruit and vegetable market on the north bank of the Mapocho, trading produce from central Chile since its warehouses opened in 1916.
Mercado Central de Santiago
Santiago's 1872 iron-roofed market hall, made in Glasgow, where fishmongers and seafood restaurants serve paila marina, mariscal and fried fish.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic seafood market
- Area
- Santiago Centro, Santiago, Chile
Good to know
- Seafood restaurants
- Fishmongers
- Historic iron hall
Why we recommend it
The Mercado Central is Santiago's historic seafood market and a classic place to see, and eat, Chilean fish and shellfish. It occupies a whole block in the historic centre, between Ismael Valdés Vergara, 21 de Mayo, San Pablo and Puente streets. The market is mainly devoted to food, above all fish and shellfish, and its 241 units include restaurants, wine and liquor shops, butchers and bakeries as well as fishmongers.
The building itself is a highlight. Construction began in 1869 to replace the old Plaza de Abastos, which had been destroyed by fire in 1864, and the market was finished on 23 August 1872, in time to be inaugurated during the National Exhibition of Arts and Industries. The ornate cast-iron roof and supporting structure were fabricated by R. Laidlaw and Sons of Glasgow and shipped to Chile; Fermín Vivaceta was in charge of construction, with Manuel Aldunate y Avaria as structural engineer. Stand in the central hall and look up at the iron frame before you get drawn into the stalls. The building was declared a historic monument on 15 June 1984.
For many visitors the main reason to come is lunch. The restaurants inside and around the edge of the hall serve the market's best-known dishes: paila marina, mariscal and pescado frito. It is perfectly fine to take a lap first and compare menus before you sit down, and to check prices before ordering, especially for dishes sold at market price.
Come earlier in the day if you want to look at the fish and shellfish stalls before the lunchtime crowds, and arrive early or late for lunch if you prefer a calmer meal. As in any crowded market, keep valuables secure.
The market fits well into a walk from the Plaza de Armas, and La Vega Central, the fruit and vegetable market on the north bank of the Mapocho, makes a good pairing for anyone interested in food. La Piojera, the classic bar for a terremoto, is almost opposite the market on Aillavilú street, so you can finish with a drink. Allow an hour for a look around, or two if you are staying for lunch.
Mercado Central de Santiago FAQs
What is the Mercado Central known for?
Fish and seafood: fishmongers' stalls plus restaurants serving dishes such as paila marina, mariscal and fried fish.
When was it built?
Construction began in 1869 and the market was finished on 23 August 1872.
Who made the iron roof?
The cast-iron roof and structure were fabricated by R. Laidlaw and Sons of Glasgow.
When is the best time to visit?
Earlier in the day to see the stalls, and early or late for a calmer lunch.
How many stalls are there?
The building has 241 units, including restaurants, shops, butchers and bakeries.
Is it a national monument?
Yes, it was declared a historic monument on 15 June 1984.
What should I order?
Paila marina, mariscal or pescado frito are the classic choices.
What is nearby?
The Plaza de Armas, La Vega Central and the bar La Piojera, which is almost opposite the market.