- When sales start
- Where to Shop: Top Areas
- Delicacies and vintage
- Welcome to the market
- Let's not forget to bring home …
Going on a trip to Spain, you must visit Madrid. This city fascinates with its rich history, unique architecture and special atmosphere saturated with centuries-old traditions of the country. But not all tourists know that Madrid is also an ideal shopping destination. So what can you bring from Madrid? The choice is wide: from branded clothing and footwear to delicious jamon and olive oil.
When sales start
Many tourists who choose Madrid aim to visit the sights of the Spanish capital. But shopping in Madrid is a real pleasure, and the prices here are lower than, for example, in Milan. Especially if you are planning a trip during the sales season. Traditionally, as in all of Spain, the sale sign in Madrid appears in winter and summer: from January 7 to March 31 and from July 1 to August 31.
During this time, discounts can be up to 90%. Especially experienced shopaholics highlight July: this month the assortment is the most diverse, in August the choice becomes much smaller.
Where to Shop: Top Areas
For those wishing to bring fashionable novelties from Madrid, we can recommend several districts, each of which has its own specifics. You just have to choose according to your taste and budget.
The most "luxury" is Salamanca. Famous brands of clothing, footwear, jewelry are presented here. The palette of the most famous brands speaks for itself: Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Miu Miu, Manolo Blahnik. If not on budget, then just take a walk, the windows here are simply dazzling.
A more democratic area, Arguelles, is more suitable for young people and for those who are interested in popular, but more affordable, brands. Such as Zara, Mango, Springfield, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Pepe Jeans and others.
If there is a desire to get acquainted with Spanish brands, you can go to Quatro-Caminos. Shoes, clothing, jewelry are also presented here. For those tired of shopping, numerous cafes and restaurants with national cuisine and drinks are open.
Don't forget about outlets. They are located in the suburbs, where brand stores bring unsold products from past collections. For example, this is the Las Rozas Village shopping mall, where there are both past Versace and Chanel collections, as well as items from mass-market stores, which are even cheaper in the mall.
We should also talk about shoes separately. It is impossible not to visit the shoe markets "Zapatos Gueerrilleros". This is a peculiar landmark of Madrid. The assortment here for every taste: from “stilettos” to cowboy boots. And most are at an affordable price. If there is an opportunity and desire to buy more expensive shoes, then these are Forrulx and Augusto Figueroa streets.
Delicacies and vintage
Spanish cuisine is a separate topic. You can try national dishes both in taverns and cafes, and buy Spanish products in famous markets, in numerous shops and shops. Here are the most famous cafes and shops:
- An old pastry shop "Del Pozo" serving the famous Christmas rolls, puffs, turronami (nougat) and biscuits.
- Casa Mira is a traditional pastry shop, where since 1855 sweets from honey, sugar and nuts have been prepared according to old recipes.
- Frutas Vazquez - here, among other things, the most exotic fruits and vegetables are presented. The store supplies them for the royal family.
In addition to fashionable novelties from Madrid, you can bring culinary delights and even vintage items. The most famous flea market in Madrid is El Rastro. Here you can find outfits from the mid-twentieth century, including brooches and jewelry, caskets and hats, as well as rare books, dishes, and antique furniture.
Welcome to the market
There are many markets in Madrid where tourists and residents alike will find an abundance of fresh produce. Here are just a few of them:
- Mercado San Miguel celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The market first opened its doors to visitors on May 13, 1916. It is considered the most original market in Madrid. Here you can find French oysters, Russian black caviar, and Galician seafood. In general, complete internationalism.
- Mercado San Anton, where on the ground floor you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, meat products, fish, cheeses and smoked meats, delicious desserts and traditional sweets and spices. Everything that Spanish cuisine is rich in.
- The Mercado de la Paz is one of the oldest of the markets in Madrid. Apart from vegetables, fruits, and other farm products, this is a favorite croquet spot. The market is home to the Le Croquette croquetry, where real homemade croquettes are prepared according to a traditional recipe.
- Mercado de Platea - famous chefs work here. After tasting, you can go to the Gold Gourmet store, which sells national delicacies. Friends and family will be happy to taste them if you bring goodies to Russia.
Let's not forget to bring home …
The main culinary brands in Spain are jamon (dry-cured pork leg) and olive oil. There are specialty shops for selling jamon, the best of which in Madrid are Lopez Pascual: a family shop with almost 100 years of history. Here, in addition to jamon, you can buy cheese, saltison and choriso, and taste delicious wine. And also Jamonera Castellana, which is located in the Chamberí market. Here, in addition to ham, there is also a large selection of national fresh foods and drinks.
So what should you bring from Madrid? Everyone decides according to their tastes, but the main thing:
- fashionable clothes and accessories;
- stylish shoes;
- olive oil;
- jamon;
- vintage gizmos from the flea market.
But most importantly, do not forget to bring wonderful impressions from your trip to Madrid, so that you will come back here more than once!