Outside view of San Miguel market in Madrid

The Best Markets in Madrid

On a hunt for Spanish goodies? We got you covered!
By Adam Fraiel

If you’re keen on shopping for souvenirs, trinkets or yummy produce, then check out our favourite markets in Madrid!

You’ll find some of Spain’s best markets in Madrid. Called ‘Mercados de Abastos’ (literally meaning 'warehouse markets'), these markets are usually located near train stations, bus terminals, or other public transportation hubs.

With markets scattered across the city, some small and quirky, others huge and touristy, it’s more than a shopping experience. Exploring these markets is a window into Madrileños and Spanish culture.

They sell fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, flowers, clothing, souvenirs, household items, and much more.

Regardless of size and produce, each offer something unique and interesting.

  • El Rastro
  • Mercado de la Paz
  • San Miguel
  • San Anton
  • San Ildefonso
  • Platea Madrid
  • Mercado de Motores
  • San Fernando
  • Vallehermoso
  • Maravillas

El Rastro

El Rastro is the largest, oldest, and most popular street market in Madrid. Located along Plaza de Cascorro, this outdoor market opens every Sunday and on public holidays, selling everything from clothes and food to artisanal goods, collectibles, and souvenirs.

It’s worth spending a full morning exploring not just the main street, but the side streets too. With over 1000 sellers, you’re bound to find something of interest.

Opening times:

Sundays and Public Holidays - 9:00AM to 3:00PM

Nearest transport:

Line 5 - La Latina or Puerta de Toledo stations

 

Mercado de la Paz

Situated close to Plaza Mayor, Mercado de la Paz is known for its fresh produce. They sell fruits and vegetables straight off the truck.

Locals come from all over the city to stock up on the fresh produce from Mercado de la Paz. All good travelers know that if the locals go, it must be good, so don’t miss out.

Combining a modern design with a traditional iron structure, it bridges the old and new. You’ll find free Wi-Fi throughout and can even shop for the goods online if you don’t fancy carrying it all home.

Opening times:

Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Saturday 9:00AM - 2:30PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 4 - Serrano

 

Mercado de San Anton

This market is right in the city center. It’s smaller than the others, but it offers a wide variety of things to buy.

Located in the neighborhood of Chueca, Mercado de San Anton is similar to Mercado San Miguel, but with fewer visitors.

While this may seem like a negative, it’s not! It has all the benefits - fine dining, fresh local produce, and a rich cultural experience, all without having to fight your way through the endless crowds of tourists.

Featuring 3 floors, the ground floor covers the general market, the middle houses fast food and tapas, while the top floor is where you’ll find the 11 Nudos Terraza Nordés restaurant.

Opening times:

Monday - Saturday 10:00AM - 10:00PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 5 - Chueca

 

Mercado de San Miguel

Located just behind the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the world’s main gastronomic markets.

Originally opened in 1916, it relaunched in 2018, backed by several internationally renowned chefs. Welcoming over 10 million visitors a year, you can sample the finest products from all over the country.

With stalls run by Michelin-star and award-winning chefs, you can feast on some of the most delicious foods in all the land.

Opening times:

Sunday - Thursday: 10AM - Midnight

Friday, Saturday: 10AM - 1AM

Nearest Metro:

Line 2, 5, R - Opera

Line 1, 2, 3 - Sol

 

Mercado de San Ildefonso

You can find this market at Calle de Fuencarral. It’s not really a traditional Spanish market, but it’s interesting and worth exploring.

Less a traditional food market and more a place to meet up, socialize, and share a meal with friends, Mercado Ildefonso houses 20 unique gourmet food stalls.

It’s also home to exhibitions, fashion shows, and commercial launches. It has history, being the first covered food market in Madrid, but nowadays it’s a more modern, internationally inspired culinary scene.

Opening times:

Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 6PM - 10PM

Saturday - Sunday: 1PM - 11PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 1, 5 - Gran Vía

 

Platea Madrid

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Platea Madrid is for you. Spanning 5800 square meters, this food hall is located inside a former theater, complete with royal boxes, orchestra pit, and stage.

Divided into multiple distinct areas, you can enjoy gourmet tapas, relax at one of the cocktail bars, catch a show, or dance the night away in the night in the nightclub.

Platea Madrid is far from a traditional market, yet should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting the Spanish capital.

Opening times:

Friday - Saturday: Noon - 2:30AM

Sundays: Noon - 1AM

Nearest Metro:

Line 4 - Colón

 

Mercado de Motores

Mercado de Motores provides another unique shopping experience, this time within a railway museum, surrounded by locomotives and electric trains.

It’s not just a quirky backdrop. Boasting gourmet food stalls, fashion, unique collectibles, and local crafts, you can find some truly unique holiday gifts here, and all for a reasonable price.

With live music, refreshing drinks, and a wide selection of food trucks, this beautiful market is a true hidden gem.

Opening times:

The second weekend of every month - 11AM - 9PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 3 - Delicias

 

Mercado de San Fernando

San Fernando Market is in the heart of Madrid, in the Centro district.

A more traditional space, this municipal market is home to a variety of food stalls - tapas, empanadas, tacos, organic produce, etc.

The real magic, however, comes from the grapes. Home to Madrid’s premier natural wine bar, you can sample some of the best Spanish wines around.

Fashion stores, a unique pay-by-the-pound bookstall, and a vast selection of gift and craft stalls round it out to make this a must-visit tourist attraction.

Opening times:

Monday: 9AM - 2:30PM / 5:30PM - 9PM

Tuesday - Saturday: 9AM - 10PM

Sunday: 11AM - 6PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 3, 5 - Embajadores

 

Mercado de Vallehermoso

The thing that makes Mercado de Vallehermoso truly unique is that it’s home to Spain’s only permanent farmer’s market. If you’re looking to do some grocery shopping, look no further!

Organic food at affordable prices, the ground floor of Vallehermoso is one of the most popular food markets for chefs from many of the city’s fanciest restaurants. Smoked foods, chocolates, snails, liqueurs, and pastries are just some delicacies on offer.

After you’re done food shopping, explore the many craft-beer shops, wine bars, or international food stalls and restaurants.

Opening times:

Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 8:30PM

Friday - Saturday: 9AM - 12AM

Sunday: 9AM - 6PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 2 - Quevedo

 

Mercado de Maravillas

Saving the biggest for last, we have Mercado de Maravillas - The Market of Wonders!

Spanning 9,000 square meters and over 200 stalls, Mercado de Maravillas is the largest municipal market in Europe. It’s so big it has its own visitor information booth.

Located three miles north of the city center in the Tetuán neighborhood, the distance ensures it’s not a tourist trap. People travel there for the delicious fresh products, the tapas bars, international cuisines, and for the pure joy of exploring the endless corridors.

Opening times:

Monday - Friday: 9AM - 2PM / 5:30AM - 8:30PM

Saturday: 9AM - 2PM

Nearest Metro:

Line 1 - Alvarado

This is just a selection of the many markets scattered around the Spanish capital. From flea markets to gourmet food halls, there’s such. a wide range of attractions that there’s truly something for everyone, regardless of taste or budget.

 

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Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Free Things to do in Madrid

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The Crystal Palace in Retiro Park, Madrid.
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4 Days in Madrid

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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