Madrid is Spain’s capital city and hosts some of the world’s most renowned art and architecture. Beyond Picasso and Gothic Churches, though, Madrid is also home to chic and upscale mercados - or, markets.
Picture this: After a long day of sightseeing, you sit under an umbrella on a sunny rooftop, a cool breeze flowing by. You take a sip of your cold tinto de verano (red wine with lemonade and ice), dig into a hot plate of tapas (light appetizers), and watch the beautiful people of Madrid stroll by. Here are the three best mercados (markets) in Madrid that you must visit.
#1 Mercado San Antón
Located in the center of Chueca, a lively, vibrant, and LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood of Madrid, is a stylish market. With stalls hosting a variety of gourmet foods, and a chic but casual rooftop lounge bar and restaurant area, you will feel like a true Madrid local in this mercado. One distinct novelty of Mercado San Antón is that you can choose your products at the different stalls, tell the storekeeper you would like them cooked in the "cocina de San Antón," and it will be prepared to your liking in the restaurant on the third floor—but make sure you book a table first!
#2 Mercado de San Miguel
An atmosphere-loving, people-watching paradise, Mercado de San Miguel is equally as chic as San Antón but is housed in a tasteful wrought-iron structure built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Mercado de San Miguel has a wide selection of foods, including local and regional fruits and vegetables, meats, fresh fish, olive oils, and various organic products. This spot is a favorite place to get a drink and some tapas!
While here, you can buy tapas of your choice at one of the gourmet stores inside the market, choose a drink at one of the many bars and then grab a table and soak up the atmosphere!
#3 Mercado de la Paz
Perhaps the most upscale market of the three listed here, Mercado de la Paz is in the Barrio de Salamanca neighborhood - home to stylish locals, fine dining, and designer boutiques. In addition to a wide array of high-quality food stalls, you can find practical items, such as shoelaces and pocket knives, and gourmet souvenirs to enjoy!
Experience these unique markets on your next trip to Madrid. Schedule your FREE Travel Consultation today and start planning with the ELx Travel Team.