Madrid Markets | The Best Mercados In The Spanish Capital!
Are you a market lover like I am? I love going to markets everywhere I go. I love seeing the hustle and bustle of local vendors and shoppers and getting my snack on. One of my favourite things about staying somewhere for an extended period of time is visiting a ton of different places and being able to share my favourites. If you’re planning to visit the Spanish capital, definitely visit at least one if not a few of these Madrid markets!
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The best Madrid Markets!
Mercado San Miguel
This market is the most popular market in Madrid and one of my favourites. My first visit was in 2011 with my friend Jay who was studying in Madrid. The next visit was in 2017 when I did a food tour with Devour Madrid. I have come with visiting friends from out of town, with locals, and even on a date. Come here and try everything! It is touristy but if you’re only in town for a couple of days (or longer), it’s a good way to get a snapshot of Spanish food.
Mercado San Miguel
Snack time!
Sipping on some local vermouth
Mercado San Anton
Another popular mercado is Mercado San Anton in the Chueca neighbourhood. It is a multi-level market where vendors sell everything from produce to Spanish specialties. When the weather is nice definitely check out the rooftop bar!
Croquetas of course!
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Mercado San Ildefonso
A cool young vibe kind of market with vendors selling prepared food as well as a bar up top. This 3 story Madrid market is located in the Malasaña area.
Mercado San Ildefonso. Photo credit: Flickr
Photo credit: Flickr
Mercado San Ildefonso. Photo credit: Flickr
El Rastro
El Rastro is one of the most popular Madrid markets. It’s an open-air flea market that happens every Sunday and public holiday and is located near the La Latina metro station. I’m not a big shopper when I travel but I definitely love people watching!
Mercado de la Paz
Mercado de la Paz is more of a neighbourhood market and you may not care to visit but it is my local mercado while I am staying in Madrid. It’s located in Barrio Salamanca, where my family lives. My favourite places to visit in the market were the health food stall or herbolario where I bought things like probiotics after getting sick in Morocco and Casa Dani for the best tortilla in the city!
Yummmm! The tortilla at Casa Dani in Mercado de la Paz!
Mercado de Diseño and Matadero Madrid
Matadero was formerly the meatpacking district in Madrid and is located in the Arganzuela area of the city. It has now been converted into a mixed-use space with galleries, restaurants, and more. I went here a couple of times and on one Saturday I came across a food truck festival. Another time there was a market called Mercado de Diseño with vendors selling eyeglasses, clothes, jewelry and more. I went here right before Christmas so it was somewhat perfect for shopping for gifts!
I may have eaten a salad inside a French fry bowl
At an art installation inside the Matadero
Mercado de Motores
A very very cool market in Madrid that happens once a month on the weekends is Mercado de Motores. It takes place in the Railway Museum or Museo del Ferrocarril right beside Delicias Metro Station. At the market, you can buy food, prepared food, gifts, clothing, and vintage items. I love this market and was able to visit twice while I was in Madrid.
What are your favourite Madrid markets?
