Old markets in Madrid have been transformed but some remain the same with all their old character. Some markets have been reivented to provide an overall different experience in which buying food is not the main objective, but tasting and eating is why you mainly visite them. Discover more about the food markets in Madrid in this short article.
You can also find the location of these food markets in our Madrid map.
Visiting a food market is for many people something special. We have included this activity among our top things to enjoy in Madrid.
The 2 most visited food markets in Madrid are Mercado de San Miguel, just next to The Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Anton, which is located in the Chueca district. These 2 markets are normally included as 2 important tourist attractions in Madrid. But the good news is that there are many more! You will be able to find below information on the 2 most popular and “tourist-friendly” markets plus some details on other importnat and interesting food markets in Spain´s capital city.
Designed by the architect Alfonso Dube y Diez, the San Miguel Market was inaugurated on the 31st of May 1916 but now totally re-done by Juan Manuel Alarcon. This market has all types of food from the land and the sea, and you can enjoy eating it in the magical interior with metal, crystal and ceramic frames. It is beautiful, but many locals believe it has become too touristic and too expensive too! In any
Why do we recommend Mercado de San Anton? The San Anton market located in the surroundings of the Plaza de Anton Martin, on Calle Santa Isabel and you can get there very easily on the metro by taking line 1 to the Anton Martin stop. If you like excellent quality products, this is the place for you. On top of it, variety is the word used to describe the market, because you can really find
Amongst the modern or transformed markets you will find in the Fuencarral district the San Ildefonso market. This market is known to many people as the Fuencarral market. Many stands and less of a market, you will be able to taste tapas, wines and all sorts of foods. You can expect a similar concept at Platea. Located at the premises of what used to be cinemas, Platea offers many stands in a stylish atmosphere where you will be able to find different sorts of food. Platea is locate right next to the very busy Goya street and the Plaza del Descubrimiento. These 2 markets are basically places to enjoy tapas. You can find more ideas for tapas in Madrid in this post.
If you would prefer to visit real food markets where locals still go to shop these are all good options not far from the city center.
Mercado de Anton Martin (next to the underground station with the same name). Old ladies and hipsters alike shop in this market. The arrival of new neighbours have provided with a new flair to this market, which boasts over 80 stands, lots of options to buy take-away food and also the possibility to enjoy tapas on the spot.
Mercado de Lavapies. This market was almost abandoned when new stands opened with eco-friendly products and good-value for money.
Mercado de la Paz. This market is located in Barrio Salamanca. A rather bourgeois district, this market boasts fantastic products and also the option to have lunch at some of the stands. This is a market where a loyal, local cliente shop everyday.
Mercado de Chamartin. Located a bit more distant from the city center, Chamartin is probably our favorite market. Lots of fantastic stands where you will be able to find excellent regional products.
Mercado de Mostenses. This market is located next to gran Via and Plaza de España. The market has evolved and today most of it stands are dedicated to food from latin-america and China.
Find more information about Madrid in our city guide.
Intro The Valencia Market or Central Market of Valencia is a public market located across from the “Lonja de la Seda” and the Church of Juanes in the heart of Valencia. It is home to a great number of stands that sell everything from fresh produce, to spices and charcuterie. The market itself is one of the most spectacular examples that you can find of Valencian Art Nouveau architecture in the City. Table of Contents
Why do we recommend Santiago food market (Mercado de Abastos)? This colorful permanent market is a vibrant space where locals and tourists alike mingle every day. The market is open every day except Sundays and on holidays. The food market of Santiago was established 3 centuries ago, and it was always in the same location. The current building was built in 1941 after the demolition of the previous city market in 1937. After the Cathedral
La Boquería market is the most famous in Barcelona for purchasing fresh products. This emblematic market is located in La Rambla, the most commercial street of the city, so getting there is very easy. It is not surprising that this market is one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Officially known as the Sant Josep Market, La Boquería was built between 1840 and 1914. Nowadays it is a huge market which covers 2.583 m²
Mercat de Santa Caterina in Barcelona was opened to the public in 1845 as the food market and was built on an old convent. The main highlight of this market is the colourful roof which was built at the beginning of 21st century –the rest of the market is a neoclassic construction–. Mercat de Santa Caterina is located near Barcelona´s cathedral and Ciutadella Park. Inside Mercat de Santa Caterina, you will discover a traditional market
