Madrid street markets are bustling, busy, and full of life, an integral part of the city shopping scene. In fact, open-air markets are a long-standing tradition in the city.
They are great for bargains or for just browsing. You can search for that special something among the vintage home decoration, new and second-hand clothes, stamps, books, vinyl records, antique toys, and other stuff you didn’t even know were missing from your life…
Why should you visit one of Madrid street markets?
The best thing about stepping into one of these markets is just ambling in the open air through the stalls, stopping and looking at all kinds of goods and enjoying the lively bustle of the place as both traders and buyers mix.
I mean, that’s the best thing about markets, right? Never really knowing what you’ll find or see. Well, that’s my excuse to trot around them all!
So why don’t you try it? Mingle with the locals, bargain in your best Spanish while going to one of the largest flea markets in Europe and go home with an amazing memory of your time in Madrid…
The best Madrid street markets
El Rastro. You can’t be in Madrid on a Sunday and miss El Rastro, the city’s famous flea market that it is said to be the largest flea market in Europe.
Goya’s hippies. Though it may seem a contradiction to find cheap stuff at the posh Salamanca neighborhood, this market has 24 stalls with a bohemian flair and lots of handmade crafts.
Mercado de Arte. This market and painting exhibition is held in Plaza Conde de Barajas. Admire the works on display or buy one of the canvases.
Mercado Central de Diseño. This market was created with the aim of showcasing the work of talented Spanish designers, artists and illustrators and is held on the first weekend of every month at the multi-purpose space Matadero Madrid, in Legazpi. You will visit Matadero Madrid if you follow walk 9 of my ‘Madrid In 9 Walks’ guide.
Mercado del Juguete Antiguo. You’ll find yourself reliving your childhood moments at this market. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to see and admire the toys Spanish parents played with…
Mercado de Libros Antiguos. Known as the Old and Bargain Books Fair, it opens every day to sell genuine literary jewels.
Mercado de Modelismo. Located in the Museo del Ferrocarril, here you can buy and admire scale model railway engines and carriages displayed alongside the originals they replicate.
Mercado de Motores. One of Madrid’s top street markets takes place in the Railway Museum. On the second weekend of every month, dozens of stalls are set up among the old train carriages and locomotives, where you can buy everything from vintage clothes and decor to organic products and classic bikes.
Mercado de Monedas y Sellos. A great opportunity for stamps and coin lovers is to go on a Sunday morning to the Plaza Mayor’s colonnades where experts and amateurs trade their precious treasures.
Nómada Market. This market has become Madrid’s foremost independent design fair, an extraordinary platform for emerging artists and designers to showcase and sell their work.
Plaza del Dos de Mayo street market. Here, two markets merge. One is the Collectors’ and Bargain market, selling records, books and miscellaneous items, and the other is the DosdeMarket, where you can pick up clothing and accessories designed by young artists.