Shopping in Madrid Where are the best areas?

A traditional tour of the shops starts right in the city centre. More specifically, in calle Preciados, next to Puerta del Sol square. Walking around here is a real experience where you will see hundreds of people carrying shopping bags full of things they've bought on this street full of shops and a unique atmosphere. Calle Preciados leads into the equally lively Plaza Callao, which is also next to the Gran Vía, the most famous street in Madrid that always seems to be in a state of flux. All the large chains compete to have a shop window here and there is not a single self-respecting Madrid native or tourist who hasn’t visited the Gran Vía at least once. And there is so much life here that between the shops, you will always find a restaurant or a rooftop bar with beautiful views where you can relax. Madrid would not be the same without its iconic Gran Vía. Also, with it being such a great place for tourists and with total freedom over business hours, in this area, it is normal to find shops open to 10pm every day of the year. 

Where will you find the most exclusive shops in Madrid? Mainly in the Salamanca district and in the area known as the “Golden Mile”. Some of the most enticing streets to go shopping are Serrano, Ortega y Gasset, Jorge Juan and its inviting alleyway, Lagasca and Claudio Coello. Walking around this area is a pleasure with its stately buildings where you will find world-renowned companies, charming little boutiques hidden in interior courtyards, prestigious jewellery, shops selling artisan handbags and shoes ideal for turning heads, some of the city’s best wine shops, etc. In this district, there are also personal shopper services that can advise you according to your tastes and guide you in discovering new trends.

Going for breakfast around El Rastro street market area (in the Embajadores district), shopping and then topping it off with a vermouth in La Latina district is a Madrid native’s perfect way to spend a Sunday. El Rastro is actually an enormous street market with hundreds of stalls and a paradise for those seeking antiques to decorate their houses. Did you know that there are indications that this market already existed in the XVIII century? Take a stroll along Calle Ribera de Curtidores and lose yourself in the surrounding alleyways. Antique books, second-hand clothing, and characters who are 100% authentic Madrid, such as a “chulapo” in traditional dress selling waffles...Going to El Rastro street market in Madrid is a real experience. Mind you, the market sellers start to pack up at 3:00 pm on the dot on Sunday, so you have to make the most of the morning.

Talking of markets, it is becoming increasingly fashionable to sample gourmet products at food markets, or buy them to eat at home. Did you know that in Madrid there are several refurbished gourmet markets that allow you to do just that? For example, San Miguel Market opened its doors in 1916 and nowadays, as well as being full of delicatessen stalls, it is still one of the best examples of iron architecture in the city. The list of these types of markets is getting longer by the day. As well as fine foods, alternative flea markets are also here to stay in Madrid, held on specific dates, where you can find anything from designer furniture to unique jewellery, organic food, second-hand clothing, records, etc. They are usually held in unique places, such as the old railway station in Delicias. Look at all the options.

Let's not forget other important areas for shopping in Madrid, such as the Paseo de la Castellana and the Azca financial district, where you will find one of the largest flagship stores for Zara (the most worldwide-renowned Spanish brand), for example.Would you like to visit a shopping centre? Even though there are some central ones, most of these tend to be located on the outskirts of the city and can be a good option for spending all day shopping with your family.