Mercado Central (Central Market), Santiago (must see)
The pulsating heart of Santiago is definitely the bustling Central Market which displays the richness of the country in terms of food, vegetables and fruits. Right in the middle of the market is an iron statue that exhibits its artistic element. The market is a testament to the wealth of Chile and a visitor have a lot to choose from, from food to handicrafts. Like any marketplace, the Central Market can be quite noisy, lively and entertaining as well, and if one does not mind crowds, would have a wonderful time here.
The best time to visit this place is during lunch hour, as you will get to experience the full splendor of the market, as well as sample some of the delicacies on offer, including fish marinade, ceviche or zucchini. Mariachis are present in various corners of the market, and their sweet music brings order to the noise, as they serenade visitors and locals.
The market's metal structure was originally made in England and then moved to Chile and assembled here in 1872 to serve as the National Exposition venue before it was transformed into a market. It is now a symbol of art and life in the city of Santiago and is open every single day except election days.
Why You Should Visit:
To grab a bite and buy your authentic Chilean souvenirs (e.g. textiles, alpaca scarfs) for a very good price.
The best time to visit this place is during lunch hour, as you will get to experience the full splendor of the market, as well as sample some of the delicacies on offer, including fish marinade, ceviche or zucchini. Mariachis are present in various corners of the market, and their sweet music brings order to the noise, as they serenade visitors and locals.
The market's metal structure was originally made in England and then moved to Chile and assembled here in 1872 to serve as the National Exposition venue before it was transformed into a market. It is now a symbol of art and life in the city of Santiago and is open every single day except election days.
Why You Should Visit:
To grab a bite and buy your authentic Chilean souvenirs (e.g. textiles, alpaca scarfs) for a very good price.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Mercado Central (Central Market) on Map
Sight Name: Mercado Central (Central Market)
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago, Chile (See walking tours in Santiago)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago, Chile
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Recoleta Walking Tour
Established under the rule of Pinochet, Recoleta is perhaps the most famous of all the Santiago communes. It is undeniably one of Chile’s most multicultural places, replete with historic and architectural attractions: churches, parks and more.
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Franciscan Church and Convent of Recoleta – built in 1843, this Neoclassical complex with Tuscan influence was declared a National Monument in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Santiago Shopping and Food Tour
Santiago is a busy, walkable city, with a fairly compact downtown bursting with exciting places to dine and shop. In recent years, Chile's affluence has prompted many international retailers to open their stores in the country's capital. Here you can shop practically for everything: from food to clothing to gifts and beyond, much as your bank account allows you.
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The pedestrian zones... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Santiago Introduction Walking Tour
Santiago is the political, financial, and cultural center of Chile. The capital city was founded on Santa Lucia Hill in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia. Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago offers history, gorgeous architecture, world-class museums, and fabulous markets.
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your trip from Santa Lucia Hill which has one of the best views of Santiago and the Andes... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bellavista Walking Tour
One of Santiago's most enigmatic neighborhoods, Bellavista is a lively and quirky area akin to Montmartre in Paris. Known for its bohemian culture and thumping nightlife, the district is dotted with casual pubs, low-lit cocktail bars, discos and numerous eateries serving fusion cuisine. Many of the city's esteemed intellectuals and artists live in Bellavista, following in the footsteps... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches and Cathedrals
For a country relatively small in terms of population, Chile is quite rich in two things: coastline and churches. Thanks to the Spanish founders of the Chilean capital, the majority of Santiago’s temples are Catholic. Given that most of them are conveniently located in the downtown area, checking out these historic religious sites doesn’t take too much time.
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The San Francisco Church –... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Made-in-Chile Goods to Bring Home from Santiago
Unlike the late 20th century, when Chile was largely associated with oppressive regime, today's Chile is known primarily for its premium wines and colorful crafts. If you're fortunate to visit the country's capital city Santiago de Chile, you will find yourself spoiled for choice with...