In a world that is dominated by supermarkets, shopping malls, outlet centers and online shopping – getting back to basics can be a fun trip through the past. From food markets to flea markets, Madrid is covered in these wonderful bazaars to explore and shop the old fashioned way. Check out some of Madrid’s most popular and unique markets.
1. Mercado San Miguel
San Miguel is one of Madrid’s most popular food markets for tourists and locals alike! It is located just off of Calle Mayor – a 1 minute walk west of Plaza Mayor. It was named after the original church that occupied the property called San Miguel do los Octoes, and operated as an open air fish market in 1835. By 1911 it was converted into the closed market that you see today. Although San Miguel is slightly on the expensive side, its 33 stalls offer a variety of fresh produce, fish and meats. As well as some prepared cuisine – the upscale design of the market makes for a food lovers paradise.
If you are interested in learning about wine, Mercado San Miguel is the place to go, with mini bodegas and wine bars scattered throughout. The best times to go to the market is late in the evening and early morning to avoid the hoards of tourists that pass through each day.
2. Mercado Ildefonso
Food market by day, youth hotspot by night. Mercado Ildefonso is a super hip market in Malasana located right around the corner from Plaza de San IIdefonso. The market is a great mixture of fresh and prepared foods as well as a beautiful roof terrace and gastro bars. It’s got a very bohemian vibe to it, which attracts a really fun and social crowd during all hours of the day. It gets crowded fast at night, as many people make the market their first stop on a night out.
The market is set up with many places to sit and relax while enjoying your food, which makes it more of a hangout than a shopping market. When you are planning your next night out: add Malasaña on your list and start the evening with Ildefonso!
3. El Rastro
El Rastro is Spain’s largest open air flea market. Located in the heart of La Latina and open every Sunday morning from 9am-3pm. Unlike the other markets on this list, El Rastro is not a food market. But, instead it offers a wide range of antiques, clothing (both new and used) and many other trinkets and doodads. The market makes up for its lack in fresh produce by being located within a neighbourhood with some of the best and most authentic tapas bars in the city!
A local tradition at Rastro is to gather with friends, eat some food and have some drinks – don’t forget about the dancing and singing too! You can’t be in Madrid and not experience one of the cities best markets!
4. The Festival by Olavide
Located in the charming Plaza de Olavide in Madrid’s barrio Chamberí, The Festival by Olavide is an open air market filled with all kinds of independent vendors from across the city. Visitors will find boutique designers, artisanal crafts and gourmet food stalls. The market only takes place a few times every year, so make sure to follow their socials so you don’t miss the next one!
5. Mercado San Antón
Mercado San Antón is a very modern food market situated in Madrid’s most vibrant neighbourhood – Chueca. The market is divided into 3 different levels, all with different functions. The main floor is for those looking to shop for fresh produce, fish and meats – though the price is not low, you can be assured that the food is of good quality, sold to you by local merchants. The second floor is laid out with various food vendors – from Asian to Italian to typical Spanish tapas. People will gather and chat while they snack on these delicious foods.
The third and top floor is where the real fun begins! The rooftop terrace at San Anton is usually packed with fun loving locals getting together for a drink…or two. Its got a great atmosphere with a very alternative vibe – Chueca is home to many young, free spirited people and it is also known as the central hub for the LGBT community. With such a popular atmosphere, comfy seating and good music, it gets crowded fast!
6. Mercado de la Paz
Madrid’s barrio Salamanca is a great neighbourhood. With designer clothing stores, expensive flats and high-end businesses, it is very exclusive. So, naturally a market set within Salamanca would be no different! Mercado de la Paz is an indoor/outdoor market that is tucked away within the barrio – I actually walked right by it when I went to do some research for this post – and is mostly visited by local families. There is a great sense of community at la Paz, as families stop to chat with all of the merchants as they make their way through the stalls. The set up is similar to a typical Supermarket, and most people visit to stock up on fresh products.
Though the atmosphere of la Paz may not be as exciting as the other markets in the city, the food is incredible! The market is known for its seafood and its fresh produce and meats are fresh from local merchants. If you find yourself shopping or having lunch in Salamanca make sure you stop by Mercado de la Paz for some fresh fruit or a coffee! Especially the “Spanish tortillas” at Casa Dani are a must-try!
7. Mercado de Motores
Another large flea market in Madrid, Motores is held inside the Museo de ferrocarril every second weekend of every month. Located within a 19th century railway station, this beautiful vintage market also features some handmade clothing, live music and food. The unique location and the items for sale really make for a perfect thrift hunt for all those people who just love to get lost in the possibilities of artisan products!
The sale stalls themselves are placed within the old trains of the museum and along the platforms where the people of Madrid once went on with their everyday lives! Motores is open from 11:00-22:00 and it’s free to enter!
8. The Festival by Salesas
Set in the trendy Salesas district, The Festival by Salesas is a must for lovers of fashion, design and decor. Much like its sister festival in Plaza Olavide, this market brings together a curated selection of boutique shops, emerging artists, and food vendors set against one of Madrid’s top neighbourhoods. The festival takes place more or less once per month (except for the deep winter months). So keep an eye on their schedule to make sure you don’t miss out.
