Mercado Central., Santiago

by petirrojo
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Fish Stall, Mercado Central

How can you not go to a place that is: A) a landmark, B) a place to check out the most unusual variety of fish you've ever seen in a market, C) sample that fish, and D) walk the aisles of a place so beloved that it was made into the setting for a telenovela (television program)?

In short, you cannot miss it. As you enter, the touts will pitch their restaurants (several are housed in the building), and you'll immediately see the fishmongers slicing and dicing glossy, fresh fish. Wander around: there's more than fish here. You'll find poultry, fruits and vegetables, herbs, & more.

Directions: Just few blocks walking from the Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile

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	Mercado Central.: El Mercado Central Tip Rating:

By mev1976

on June 18, 2004

Is Santiago´s distinctive market.
The current wrought - iron building dates from 1872. In additon to an appealing selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, the market contains a number of restaurants rangign from modest to fine dining.
A nice place to eat fresh sea food.

Directions: Occupy an entire block bounded by san pablo, Puente, 21 de Mayo and Balmaceda Av.

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	Mercado Central.: Great place to have lunch Tip Rating:

By danielcv

on May 22, 2004

by danielcv
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The ceiling came from Belgium,
they say

The Santiago central food market (Mercado Central) is an expectacular art noveau building that was supposedly designed to be a train station in the first place. The ceiling is all made of steel and was imported from Belgium and assembled in Santiago. That's what they have told me.

But you dont need to know this to have fun at the central market. Dozens of merchants offer exotic fish, crabs, colorful fruits and seasonings. The place is also very nice for having lunch. I recommend the Donde Algusto restaurant.

Be careful of the hordes of people that approach tourists when they enter the market. They try to sell you goods and promote the nearby restaurants - and they can be really nasty.

by Andapandapie
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Directions: Go there by subway, it is easier and cheaper

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	Mercado Central.: Avoid "tourists" at la Vega Tip Rating:

on March 24, 2005

la Vega fruit & vegetable
market

After the Mercado Central, try going west just across the river to la Vega, the central fresh fruit & vegetable market. Covers about 3 or 4 blocks, much larger and more colorful than the Mercado Central with a wonderful earthiness and vibrancy. THIS is the hypermarket of Santiago. Better food and much better vibes with almost no (readily identifiable) tourists. Bought some great soccer shirts there for about $7 (have groceries and dry goods too). Great place to just take in the scene, wandering the aisles and chatting with the vendors. I'm just learning Spanish and everyone here (and elsewhere in Santiago) was very gracious in helping me with this.

Phone: (773) 528-9772

Directions: Leave the Mercado Central on the side next to the river, go across the bridge and there it is. Impossible to miss.

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	Mercado Central.: Fresh fish!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tip Rating:

By ezaguryk

on February 20, 2005

by ezaguryk
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Mercado Central

As a chef these was a paradise heaven….looking all the fresh fish and sea food it make me hungry, and anxious to buy some and cooking, I found new types of fish and sea food that we do not have in my country like: Congrio, Reineta, Pejerey, Machas, Locos, Centollas, wow a great experience

Para mi como chef fue una experiencia como estar en el paraíso, era el cielo....viendo la cantidad pescados y Mariscos, hasta me dio hambre, estaba impaciente por probarlos y cocinarlos, encontré nuevos tipos de pescados y Mariscos que no tenemos en mi país tales como: Congrio, Reineta, Pejerey, Machas, Locos, Centollas, wow fue un gran experiencia

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	Mercado Central.: Take in the sights and smells! Tip Rating:

Updated By Jefie

on September 25, 2008

by Jefie, 3 more photos
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Fresh fish stall at the
Mercado Central

We stopped by Mercado Central early on a Monday morning when the place was just getting started, so it was too early to tell whether the market is mostly popular with tourists or locals. It is located in a beautiful building that was opened to the public in 1872. The first section is mostly comprised of crafts and souvenirs stalls, while the second section is filled with "fresh" produce, meat and fish. There are plenty of cute little restaurants around but to be quite honest, I don't think I could have eaten there: the smell that came from some of the food stalls didn't do anything to work up an appetite - the chicken one was especially bad! The fish looked much more fresh with some items actually still moving, but there was just no getting away from the chicken smell. I didn't buy anything, but it sure was an interesting cultural experience!

Phone: 562-696-8327

Directions: Downtown Santiago, metro Puente Can y Canto

Website: http://www.mercadocentral.cl

Other Contact: mercadocentral@mercadocentral.cl

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	Mercado Central.: Fishy Delights! Tip Rating:

on December 16, 2005

Well this is a popular tip, but GO to the Mercardo Central. If you like seafood of any kind you MUST come here. Just to wander about the stalls admiring every sort of creature that you can get from the see is nearly enough (though watch for the slippy floor, nasty bruised bums could result), but then to discover, tucked behind, a range of fabulous fish restaurants just polishes off the experience. We had a boozy lunch here and it was super. OK it is more expensive than the usual meal out in Santiago, but for the freshly caught fish, the superb wine and the atmosphere, it is worth it for a treat.

Directions: To the north of the Plaza de Armas on the corner of Calle San Pablo and 21 de Mayo

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	Mercado Central.: Mercado Central Tip Rating:

Updated By Jim_Eliason

on July 27, 2004

by Jim_Eliason
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Mercado Central

Fish and Fruit Market. Also many seafood restaurants. This is a great place for lunch.

Directions: North of Plaza De Armas on Balmaceda

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	Mercado Central.: Go to the Mercado Central. Tip Rating:

By mrsusher

on August 27, 2002

There you will be able to enjoy their culture as well as excellent fresh seafood. Also they sell fresh fruits and vegetables. A place where you will meet the locals.

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	Mercado Central.: La Piojera, close to Mercado Central

Updated By sebafromchile

on February 25, 2008