Madrid is considered one of the best destinations for shopping because of its diverse commercial offerings.

Madrid is a diverse city, as you can tell from its contrasting neighborhoods, the mix of people from all over and its varied commercial offerings. In the city center, boutiques from large brands stand next to alternative markets. There is international fashion, Spanish fashion, as well as everyday stores with modern outlets. More than 46,000 businesses, open 365 days a year, make Spain’s capital a leading shopping destination.

Food markets and venues also attract tourism thanks to the quality of their products. There, you can purchase packaged gourmet products letting you revisit the flavors of this trip when you return home.

Gran Via and Sol

In Puerta del Sol, Preciados street and Arenal street meet. There, you will find businesses that have been around for over 100 years and large fashion, technology and restaurant chains. There are also souvenir shops with traditional gifts like fans, flamenco dolls and the unique violet candies, a signature Madrid sweet, created in a pastry shop in Plaza de Canalejas in 1915, attracting devoted fans like Nobel prize winner Jacinto Benavente and Queen Victoria Eugenie. If you stay at the Only YOU Hotel Atocha you will be close to these popular shopping areas.

“Mile of Gold” Salamanca Neighborhood

The neighborhood of Salamanca is also known as the “Mile of Gold” due to the quality of its establishments. The wide sidewalks invite you to gaze at the window displays of large fashion brands, both national and international, including Versace, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Loewe and Gucci. Large jewelers like Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari are also present here. Nearby, on Jorge Juan, José Ortega y Gasset and Claudio Coello streets, you will find bars and restaurants where you can take a break and have a snack while on the go. Finally, in Goya, well-known fashion chains are open every day of the week.

El Rastro

A visit to El Rastro in Madrid is an experience you shouldn’t miss. This outdoor market, which dates back to the 15th century, gets its name from the “rastro” (“trail”) left by the bodies of animals coming from the slaughterhouse on the way to the workshops in the area where the hides were tanned. Today, in Ribera de Curtidores, between La Latina and Lavapiés, there are more than 1,000 stands with clothing, accessories, crafts, antiques, records, books and all kinds of curiosities. In the adjacent streets is a good cluster of authentic taverns where people come together to eat tapas and listen to live music after shopping. It is a good idea to get up early for a relaxed visit to the stands and then dive into the delightful hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.

Mercado de San Miguel

Market hangouts are a new trend in Madrid. The city has recovered its old municipal markets, where traditional food stalls now stand next to aperitif bars. El Mercado de San Miguel was the pioneer, just steps away from Plaza Mayor. This spectacular building from 1916 is the only display of iron architecture that remains in the city. Inside it you will find first class cuisine on offer: specialized fruit shops, butchers and pastry shops, as well as long bars where you can taste tapas and wines.