Mercado del Puerto

• Address: Piedras 237, 11000 Montevideo, Uruguay
• Website: www.mercadodelpuerto.com
• Opening hours: daily 08: 00-17: 00

In the old part of Montevideo is the Mercado del Puerto port market, a landmark that plays an important role in the cultural life of the Uruguayan capital.

History of Mercado del Puerto

Construction of the main market of Montevideo began in 1868. Then it became possible thanks to the assistance of the President of the country Lorenzo Batle. For this purpose, a building was chosen, in which the railway station was previously located. The design and construction of the market of the Mercado del Puerto was made by Spanish specialists who drew inspiration from the English style.

In the first years of construction in the market it was possible to meet goods from different parts of South America. Here, even traders were smugglers and slave owners. Over time, the Mercado del Puerto has grown, has become cleaner and has acquired small restaurants and shops. Local residents are proud of the fact that the famous tenor Enrico Caruso visited here.

Features of Mercado del Puerto

This port market is famous throughout the country for its quality products, meat, fish and seafood. Here is concentrated a huge number of shops offering visitors the best varieties of meat, fish and sausages. In the territory of the Mercado del Puerto there is a large number of cafes and eateries, where you can taste:

• fresh fish;
• Churraco (meat cooked on the grill);
• blood sausage;
• parrilada (cold cuts);
• chorizo ​​(pork sausage);
• kidney and offal.

All meals in the institutions of the Mercado del Puerto are prepared according to secret recipes. That's why tourists can be confident that these dishes they will not meet in any restaurant in the world.

Popular places in Mercado del Puerto

To enjoy the taste of authentic dishes prepared in this market, you must definitely look into one of the following restaurants:

• Don Garcia:
• Roldos;
• Puerto Fragata;
• Estancia del Puerto;
• La Chacra;
• La Maestranza;
• Peregrino and others.

Lunch in any of these eateries costs at least $ 10-15, which is several times higher than in other restaurants in the city. That's why the Mercado del Puerto market is considered an expensive tourist destination. But it is worth noting that this does not affect its popularity in any way. There are always a lot of visitors.

In the afternoon, antiquarian trays appear on the market, in which you can buy souvenirs, and artists who are ready to paint a portrait for a nominal fee. Directly from the market of Mercado del Puerto, you can go to another no less popular market - Feria de Tristan Narvaha, where they sell souvenirs, antiques and products of local artisans.

How to get to Mercado del Puerto?

The market is located in the southwest of Montevideo about 300 meters from the seaport. You can reach it by taxi or public transport . At 100-200 meters from the Mercado del Puerto there are three bus stops: Calle Cerrito, 25 de Mayo and Colón. From them you can walk on foot, admiring the beauty of the local streets.