Mercado Central

You’re now just a short walk away from Santiago’s main market, the perfect place to be if you’re feeling the slightest bit hungry. Stepping into the Mercado Central is a full-on sensory experience—the colours, smells, sounds, and constant buzz of activity have filled this iconic space since it opened in 1872. If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a real treat. If not, well… maybe this is your cue to grab a snack elsewhere. While the market also offers sweet pastries, fresh bread, exotic fruits, and artisan cheeses, the star of the show is the fish. The stalls are overflowing with everything from crabs, lobsters, and sea urchins to oysters, mussels, and a staggering variety of fish and shellfish. But don’t worry—you don’t need to cook any of it yourself. The Mercado is famous for its restaurants, which serve up some of Chile’s best traditional dishes in a loud, lively, and unforgettable atmosphere. One classic to try is caldillo de congrio, a rich seafood soup made with conger eel—simmered in white wine with onions, carrots, celery, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, often served with shrimp or shellfish. Another favourite is chupe de centolla, a decadent crab casserole made with Chilean king crab, garlic, onion, cheese, and milk-soaked bread, baked to bubbling perfection. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, go for pastel de choclo, a comforting Chilean classic made with creamy corn purée layered over ground meat, often with raisins and hard-boiled eggs. If you’re just looking for a quick bite on the go, grab an empanada—baked or fried, stuffed with anything from cheese and mushrooms to beef, chicken, or seafood.