When one thinks of shopping in Madrid, the most obvious places that come to mind are either El Rastro or Gran Vía. However, over the past few years, specialist markets and pop-up markets are becoming increasingly popular, providing more variety to the traditional brick-and-mortar shops, and showcasing an extensive range of unique products. Here is a list of the very best places to go for every type of shopper out there:
For bargain hunters and vintage lovers
El Rastro
Every Sunday and public holiday, from 9 am to 3 pm, the streets of Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo come to life as El Rastro opens its doors. A popular flea market, El Rastro has all sorts of items ranging from vintage clothing to antiques and other curious collectibles. What’s for sure is that you won’t be finding any of these items in conventional shops. It is best to go early when the crowds are less and there are more items.
Address: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Lost&Found Market
If you’re lucky enough to be in town when this pop-up market is in operation (only twice a year!), be sure to give it a visit. Held in the Conde Duque Cultural Center, Lost&Found lives by the quote “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, with a well-curated range of vintage and second-hand treasures up for sale. Check their website www.lostfoundmarket.com/madrid/ to find upcoming dates for the next edition.
Address: Calle del Conde Duque, 11, 28015 Madrid, Spain
For the food lover
Mercado de San Miguel
Aside from being an excellent location to sample all sorts of Spanish cuisine, there are many stalls hawking local Spanish produce at affordable prices. Be it jamón, Spanish olive oil or manchego, you’ll be able to find all sorts of
Address: Plaza de San Miguel, S/N, 28005 Madrid, Spain
El Corte Inglés
Perhaps Spain’s most ubiquitous department store, El Corte Inglés has all sorts of typical department store offerings. However, not many tourists are aware of the gourmet food hall it houses on the 9th floor of its Plaza de Callao outlet. Here, you’ll find a wide range of gourmet food products for sale, as well as a range of delightful offerings from the restaurants housed in the food hall.
Address: 9 Centro Comercial El Corte Inglés, Plaza del Callao, 2, 28013 Madrid, Spain
For designer brands
Calle de Serrano and Calle de José Ortega y Gasset
If luxury labels are your thing, head to Salamanca, Madrid’s most high-end district. Here, along Calle de Serrano and Calle de José Ortega y Gasset, you’ll find internationally-adored Spanish luxury labels such as Bimba y Lola, Manolo Blahnik and LOEWE, as well as many other local Spanish labels that sell a wide range of stylish items.
Address: Calle de Serrano and Calle de José Ortega y Gasset
For high-street fashion
Gran Vía
If you’re into fast fashion, head to Madrid’s most popular shopping street, literally translated to the “Great Way”. It houses a number of the most popular Spanish brands such as Zara, Pull&Bear and Mango. Here, you’ll also find a range of other well-loved international labels such as a large three-storey Primark.
Address: Calle de Alcalá to Plaza de España
For the fashionista
Mercado de Diseño
At the Design Market, you’ll find Spanish designers eager to showcase their works. Established in 2013, this market works as a visibility and sales platform for emerging and veteran designers to gain exposure to distributors and the general public. You’ll find all sorts of interesting designs here and with over 3,000 designers at their latest edition, you’re bound to find something that’ll catch your eye here. Held on the first weekend every month. Check online at www.mercadodediseno.es for the next edition.
Address: Paseo de la Chopera, 10, Matadero, 28045 Madrid, Spain
Mercadillo del Gato
One of the most elegant pop-up market experiences, Mercadillo del Gato is housed in the iconic hotel The Westin Palace, featuring exhibitors from different origins offering a range of unique products, from fashion, accessories, to handicrafts and other hand-made products. Held through one weekend every month, check online for the next edition at www.mercadillodelgato.es.
Address: Plaza de las Cortes, 7, 28014 Madrid, Spain
For the art aficionado
Mercadillo de Pintores
On Sundays, Plaza del Conde de Barajas becomes Plaza de los Pintores (Painters’ Square), with over 40 different artists showcasing their paintings and artistic creations.
Address: Plaza del Conde de Barajas, 28005, Madrid, Spain
For a slice of Madrid
Antigua Casa Crespo
This quaint little shoe boutique has been selling hand-sewn, rope-soled, canvas espadrilles since 1863. Available in many colours for both men and women, the shoes here are especially popular in summer amongst Madrileños of all ages.
Address: Calle del Divino Pastor, 29, 28004 Madrid, Spain
Casa de Diego
Opening in 1800, Casa de Diego primarily sells fans, umbrellas, sunshades, parasols and walking sticks, enjoying much success for their high quality products. Fans are perhaps their most popular item, and are made of high quality materials, with the details still embroidered by hand. If you don’t fancy a fan, they have a variety of other items also showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship such as scarves and shawls.
Address: Puerta del Sol, 12, 28013 Madrid, Spain
