Mercado Negro (Black Market), Ensenada
The Black Market is the heart of the city鈥檚 seafood scene, and the moment you pass the fish-packing plants on your way in, you know you鈥檙e in for something fresh and delicious. While Ensenada is widely known for its culinary scene鈥攔anging from Baja Med restaurants to legendary street carts鈥攅verything starts with the catch of the day. And for the freshest seafood and a few unexpected surprises, the Mercado Negro is your must-visit first stop.
Ensenada has always been a fishing town, and its original seafood market began humbly with just a few carts selling the day鈥檚 catch. It moved locations five times before settling at its current spot along the malec贸n, right across from the city center. By 1957, it earned the nickname 鈥淏lack Market鈥� because it was known for selling prized seafood鈥攍ike lobster, shrimp, and abalone鈥攖hat was technically reserved for fishing cooperatives. That name stuck, and today it鈥檚 known more for quality and variety than anything shady.
A visit to the Black Market today means walking through rows of vendors selling everything from octopus and squid to oysters, mussels, shark, and all kinds of fish鈥攆resh off the boat and ready for cooking. If you鈥檙e not planning to cook, you鈥檙e still in for a treat: the market is surrounded by small eateries and food stalls offering mouthwatering seafood dishes. This is the perfect place to try the original fish taco or a bowl of caldo 7 mares (Seven Seas soup), which locals proudly claim was invented right here in Ensenada.
Ensenada has always been a fishing town, and its original seafood market began humbly with just a few carts selling the day鈥檚 catch. It moved locations five times before settling at its current spot along the malec贸n, right across from the city center. By 1957, it earned the nickname 鈥淏lack Market鈥� because it was known for selling prized seafood鈥攍ike lobster, shrimp, and abalone鈥攖hat was technically reserved for fishing cooperatives. That name stuck, and today it鈥檚 known more for quality and variety than anything shady.
A visit to the Black Market today means walking through rows of vendors selling everything from octopus and squid to oysters, mussels, shark, and all kinds of fish鈥攆resh off the boat and ready for cooking. If you鈥檙e not planning to cook, you鈥檙e still in for a treat: the market is surrounded by small eateries and food stalls offering mouthwatering seafood dishes. This is the perfect place to try the original fish taco or a bowl of caldo 7 mares (Seven Seas soup), which locals proudly claim was invented right here in Ensenada.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ensenada. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: 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.
Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App
Mercado Negro (Black Market) on Map
Sight Name: Mercado Negro (Black Market)
Sight Location: Ensenada, Mexico (See walking tours in Ensenada)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ensenada, Mexico (See walking tours in Ensenada)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ensenada, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Ensenada
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ensenada 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.
Ensenada Introduction Walking Tour
Ensenada, located on the Baja California Peninsula, is a coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural heritage.
This dynamic port city offers a unique blend of Mexican charm and maritime adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
This dynamic port city offers a unique blend of Mexican charm and maritime adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles