It was severely damaged in a fire in 2013. It was rebuilt and reopened to the public in 2016 as the Mercado del Gran Concepción, on the same site it's occupied since the 1940s.
Discover Authentic Concepción: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Concepción, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Teatro Biobío, the Mirador Alemán and the Quinchamalí potteries.
Top 5 Things to Do in Concepción
Mercado del Gran Concepción
Rebuilt after a 2013 fire and reopened in 2016, this covered market has sold fruit, vegetables and seafood on the same block since the 1940s. It's a working market first, a sight second.
Barrio Estación
A pocket of 19th-century streets near the old railway station, now home to small boutiques, cafés and workshops. Good for an unhurried wander rather than a checklist.
Feria de La Florida
A Sunday street market in the La Florida neighbourhood, with food stalls serving traditional Chilean dishes alongside the produce stands. Affordable, local, and busiest mid-morning.
Cerro Caracol & Parque Ecuador
A green hill right by the university, with paths up through native forest and a lookout over the city. A short, easy escape from downtown traffic.
Universidad de Concepción campus
Declared a national monument, the campus is worth a walk-through even if you\u2019re not visiting for academic reasons — including the Casa del Arte, home to a large 1960s mural by Jorge González Camarena.
Explore Concepción's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Concepción
We've mapped local spots around Concepción, along the Biobío River and beyond.
Culture & crafts
Teatro Biobío
Designed by Smiljan Radic after the 2010 earthquake, this riverside theatre is Concepción's main stage, loved for its acoustics. Book ahead, or join the free guided tour on Saturdays at 4pm.
Biobío riverfront · Theatre · Perfect for concerts and opera
Quinchamalí pottery, Chillán
In Quinchamalí, women craft distinctive black pottery with white patterns, from figurines to kitchenware – a UNESCO-protected tradition. Take a piece home and you support the community.
Quinchamalí, near Chillán · Craft village · Made for unique souvenirs
La Bodeguita de Nicanor
A late-night favourite with live music, DJs and bingo nights. Come after midnight, order the sangria and some local comfort food such as pichanga.
Concepción · Bar and club · Great for nightlife
Universidad de Concepción campus
Founded in 1919, a leafy campus of sculptures, ponds and striking architecture, crowned by the 1940s Clock Tower. Wander through.
Barrio Universitario · Campus · Ideal for architecture
Mamba Negra
A lively late-night bar for mojitos, ceviche and fast-food favourites.
Bar · Perfect for a night out
Parks & views
Mirador Alemán
A steep forest hike up Cerro Caracol to a stone tower built in 1921 in honour of Bismarck. The prize: views over the Biobío estuary.
Cerro Caracol · Viewpoint hike · Perfect for views
Parque Ecuador
At the foot of Cerro Caracol: sports courts, a history museum with dioramas, churro stands and the famous 'Concepción' sign. Photo first, churros second.
City centre · Park · Great for families
Hacienda Patagonia
A traditional southern Chilean wooden house above the Biobío, serving grills and steaks. Pair them with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a pisco sour.
Biobío riverside · Restaurant · Ideal for fine dining
Camino del Agua
Natural spring pools, gardens and an elegant restaurant. Unwind.
Spa · Made for relaxing
FAQ
It\u2019s a weekly street market held on Sundays in the La Florida neighbourhood.
Mercure Concepción is on the Costanera by the Biobío River, within walking distance of the university, Parque Ecuador and Barrio Estación.
Yes. Free guided tours run on Saturdays at 4pm, and the theatre hosts concerts, opera and plays.
The Mirador Alemán on Cerro Caracol, reached by a steep forest hike.
Black pottery with white patterns made by the women of Quinchamalí near Chillán, a UNESCO-protected craft.
Where to Sleep in Concepción
See Mercure hotels in Concepción, all within reach of these picks.