Fish For Sale At Mercado Central In Santiago, Chile
August 3, 2010 by Anil P.
Filed under Pictures and Video
The sights and strong smell of fish greet you when entering Mercado Central in Santiago. Primarily a fish market, it is flanked by a series of small shops selling fruits and souvenirs. It’s also here where you’ll find several small, somewhat overpriced, cafes and restaurants. Aside from fresh seafood however, Mercado Central is not where most of Santiago’s residents come to shop for food. That market would be La Vega, across the street. The prices are lower and the selection greater with a slightly better opportunity to bargain, although the practice isn’t common in Santiago.
Keep in mind that La Vega is mostly closed on Sundays and both places are favorites of pickpockets, so keep you camera out of sight when not in use. As I’ve mentioned before, the sights of Santiago are best seen on foot – the city is wonderfully walkable.
Earl (49)
blahh (14)
Deniz (12)
Maureen (12)
Audrey (11)
Dan (11)
So funny how in some cities you need to find out where the real market is rather than the one for tourists.
Even in Toronto you can go to the upscale St.Lawrence Market or go where most of the locals go, Kensington Market for food just as fresh but half the price.
Markets are always my favorite cheap place to eat (going to one in Quito today) so I’ll be bookmarking this tip for when I’m in Chile.
Yup! …and these two were right next to each other
Which one in Quito are you headed to? Hope your trip there is going well 
I can almost smell the fish!
Fresh is the best, can’t beat the flavor!
I never made it to the Mercado Central. I need to remember to check it out. But, I love La Vega. The people are so friendly and you can´t beat the cheap, fresh lunches you get at the restaurant barn next door (not really sure what it´s called). So many places to choose from. La Vega is a great Santiago icon that everyone should see.
I unfortunately made it there on a Sunday and didn’t get to see it in full force. Will definitely have to go back to La Vega as well.
Fish markets look the same no matter where they are located. I have a photo of a fish market in Dalian, China that is very similar to the one you have published. Good to know that a cheaper market is just across the street.
Yes they do, I wonder if it’s always been like that. One of those small things that show we’re much more alike than different as a species perhaps
I love the energy and life at fish markets. And it is always good eating with the fish being truly fresh.
It always seems to give the best taste, I love fish.
I love the photo of this market. You captured the “smell” and the “energy” of it with your high contrast, richly saturated shot. It has a certain raw quality that’s so fitting for freshly caught fish.
Thank you Barbara. For some reason visually Santiago and I just clicked – glad I was able to catch a touch of the market Mercado Central vibe.
Great post! When I went to Mercado Central in Santiago I bought some almonds and dried fruit, not realizing the fact that no matter what you bought there it was going to be fish flavored. Nothing better than talking to those fish mongers!
haha, the underworld of the fish mob.
Love the Chile and Santiago posts as i will be heading there in about 2.5 months. Great tips! Did you ever experience any problems while you were there with the pickpockets? What part of the city did you live in?
Had no problems with pickpockets and felt very safe walking around day and night. I was staying at La Chimba Hostel in Barrio Bellavista; sort of the bar district you could say.
Also a great person to get in touch with before you head to Santiago is Eileen Smith (@bearshapedspher on Twitter).