Santiago

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Mercado Central

More Photos
Todd W.
Todd W.
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
8
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2
Editor Pick

Mercado Central

  • October 26, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Mercado Central

This very impressive building was designed by the self-taught architect Fermin Vivaceta and is built of cast iron parts fabricated in Britain. It was built for the National Exposition of 1872. Since then it has survived as the city’s premier seafood market.

We had been told about it but didn’t have an exact address so it took a bit of locating. The effort was well worthwhile, however, as the amazing variety of fish and other seafood laid out on glistening beds of ice is a great sight. Another section sells fruit and vegetables. The big bonus, however, was the discovery of the seafood restaurants which share space in the building. We had one of our best meals in Santiago right here. You should note that the market only opens until 4pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends so this is not the place for an evening meal.

The Donde Augusto restaurant with its many outlets within the market is the best known but we were put off by the aggressive behaviour of the touts which approached us the moment we entered the building. We settled later for the La Joya del Pacifica restaurant and were very happy with our meal and the relaxed environment. Naturally we had a seafood soup and a large serve of salmon and really enjoyed it. The restaurant served complimentary pisca sours. With mashed potato and loads of fresh bread served with a delicious tomato and onion mix, we struggled to finish all we had ordered.

There is plenty of local interest around the market. Pedestrianised Puente leads south to the Plaza de Armas while if you head north west you can reach the former Mapocho railway station with its huge copper and glass roof supported by ironwork fabricated in Belgium. There are similarities between this and the central market. The railway station is now used as a cultural centre.

From journal Santiago Memorable Buildings

Mercado Central

  • October 29, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Todd W. from Atlanta, Georgia
This is a great place to get lost and wander for a few hours. You'll find original art, shoes, leather items, crystals, Che Guevara posters, knickknacks put together by traveling hippies short on money, old LPs and books, and just about everything else you can imagine. Prices, of course, are very negotiable. If you're looking for Mapuche goods and crafts, however, you won't find much here.

From journal Santiago and Valparaiso

Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
1-2 of 2

Compare Santiago Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Santiago Travel Deals