Traditionally, markets in Madrid were a haven for the stay-at-home señora who would visit daily to purchase her fresh produce. These days, they cater to both locals and visitors craving a different kind of shopping and dining experience. These trendy new—and some old—havens are noisy, bustling spaces filled with vibrant local charm, and have everything from kitschy food trucks to vintage denim to giant legs of cured ham. Often packed to the brim and never boring, Madrid’s markets offer something for everyone.
1. Platea
Photo Courtesy of Platea
One of Madrid’s newest market additions, Platea is located in an old four-floor theatre amid designer shops like Roberto Verino and trendy restaurants like Otto and Ten Con Ten. Platea focuses on food and is spread over two floors, three stalls and a sweets section. Madrid’s ladies who lunch can often be spotted enjoying elaborate tapas such as foie with caramelized onions and age-worthy wine, perhaps a Reserva Especial. The prices are slightly elevated at this spot (still cheap though, with a glass of red wine only costing $4), and so is the experience, as you can sample international culinary treats as well as Spanish gourmet foods, like flavorful Dutch cheeses; Italian squares of pizza margarita with warm, crumbly crust; or cold, creamy gazpacho. In fact, the market’s chefs boast six Michelin stars combined. Check out the basement and ground floor diverse dishes, or visit the upper floors to admire the scene below at the cocktail bar, secret club or the Restaurant Arriba featuring chef Ramón Freixa.
2. Mercado De San Miguel
Meat and cheese lovers should head straight to the emblematic Mercado de San Miguel, the only steel market structure left in the city. After stopping to admire the neighboring Plaza Mayor, head inside the market where you’ll find hanging legs of Pata Negra ham and cones of salty chorizo. Join the locals and indulge in some mouthwatering tapas y vino at one of the 33 food and drink stalls as you take in the wafting smells of sizzling food and the Spanish chatter. Sample some Iberian ham or one of the many tostas, which are small pieces of bread with various delicacies perched atop, like shrimp, manchego or goat cheese. For those with advanced palates, sample some of the crazy seafood delights like percebes, small goose barnacles; gulas, tiny baby eels; or navajas, garlic razor clams. There’s nothing like standing up, smashed between crowds of extroverted Spaniards and curious tourists, happily sipping on some Sangria with a slice of manchego cheese in hand at the Mercado de San Miguel.
3. Mercado de Los Motores
