El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid is among the most popular open-air flea markets in the city. It's held on Sundays and public holidays and offers a wide variety of products. The market is known for its variety of new and previously owned products, as well as the many antique shops surrounding the area. The market's name means 'The Trail'. It's located in the barrio de Embajadores, or Ambassadors neighbourhood, in Madrid's Central District.
It offers up to 3,500 stalls of arts, crafts, food, clothing, housewares, antiques, collectables and general kitsch. Many unique speciality items can also be found here.
El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid - one of the highlights of 5 Best Shopping Streets in Madrid and 10 Best Markets in Spain (Read all about Madrid here)
What are the highlights of El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid?
El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid is famed for its speciality stalls located along specific aisles (called 'calles' or 'streets'). Calle Fray Ceferino González was historically where domestic animals were sold. Calle San Cayetano is where you can find paintings, art supplies and visual art. Calle Rodas features magazines, stamps, comics and trading cards.
If you're looking for rare and collectable books, head for Calle Carnero and Calle Carlos Arniches. For clothing and accessories, hit up the Plaza de Cascorro. Movie buffs can check out Calle Mira el Sol, where you'll find all sorts of movie memorabilia and DVDs.
What else is good to know about El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid?
El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid starts getting crowded around 11 am, so if you want to beat the masses, it's best to show up early. Also, be prepared to haggle for deals; the vendors here are experts at doing it, and they expect it. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many tapas bars in the area that have been here for generations.
El Rastro is easily accessible by metro from the La Latina station or the Puerta de Toledo station. Be sure to bring cash, as many vendors don't accept cards.
El Rastro Flea Market in Madrid
Location: C/ de la Ribera de Curtidores, 28005 Madrid, Spain
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
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