Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Market · Montevidéu, Montevidéu
Mercado del Puerto
Old market dating from 1868, with an iron structure manufactured in Liverpool, today taken over by parrillas that grill meats over coals. It is in Ciudad Vieja, facing the port.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mercado del Puerto
Mercado del Puerto opened on October 10, 1868, next to the port of Montevidéu. Its iron structure was designed by British engineers and manufactured in Liverpool, from where the four-faced clock installed in the center in 1897 also came.
The building ceased to function as a supply market and now houses restaurants serving Uruguayan food, especially parrillas, where meats, sausages and offal are grilled in view of the public, as well as souvenir shops.
Eating there is a direct way to experience the Uruguayan asado. The counters around the grills, with high stools, sit alongside indoor tables and nearby restaurants, which also spill out onto the sidewalks.
Museo del Carnaval is across the street, and Peatonal Sarandí leads back to Plaza Matriz and Plaza Independencia. The area is one of the busiest in Ciudad Vieja at lunchtime.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for a relaxed lunch.
Best time
At lunchtime, especially on Saturdays when it’s very busy. The market is livelier during the day than at night.
How to get there
It is in Ciudad Vieja, on Rambla 25 de Agosto, facing the port. From Plaza Independencia it’s about a 15–20 minute walk along Peatonal Sarandí.
Tip
The counters around the grills are the place to watch the asado being prepared. Portions tend to be generous: ask about the serving size before ordering for more than one person.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado del Puerto
What to eat at the Mercado del Puerto?
The specialty is the parrillas: cuts of beef, sausages, offal and vegetables grilled over charcoal, in the style of Uruguayan asado.
Is the Mercado del Puerto still a market?
Not like it used to be. The 1868 building now houses restaurants and some souvenir shops.
Does the Mercado del Puerto open at night?
Activity is concentrated at lunch, and many restaurants operate mainly during the day. Check each establishment's hours before going at night.
Where did the market's iron structure come from?
It was manufactured in Liverpool, England, as was the central clock, installed in 1897.