Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Madrid
Located on the River Manzanares is the city of Madrid, the capital and most populous city in Spain and the second biggest city in the European Union. As a hub of history and culture, Madrid is an extremely popular destination in Spain and is visited by over 6 million tourists every year.
While the city is most famous for its world-renowned museums and top-notch culinary scene. More and more travelers have discovered all that Madrid has to offer when it comes to shopping. In fact, Madrid has been repeatedly ranked one of the best shopping cities in the world.
When planning a trip to the Spanish capital, you need to set aside time to check out the shopping in Madrid. The city has a wide selection of shopping streets, markets, shopping malls, boutiques and other retail destinations that cater to all tastes and budgets. There’s nothing that you can’t buy in Madrid; whether it’s designer bags and clothes or local novelty items and antiques.
With so many options to choose from, Madrid is truly a shopaholic’s dream destination. To help you plan for your trip, we've compiled this list of the best shopping areas in the Spanish capital. Before heading out for your shopping spree, find luggage storage in Madrid where you can safely leave your luggage. This will help you keep your hands free to carry multiple bags after you’re done shopping in Madrid!
The Best Shopping Streets in Madrid
Gran Vía
Madrid’s main thoroughfare, the historic Gran Vía is known for its stunning architecture, dining establishments and, of course, its long list of shops and boutiques that will satisfy any shopaholic’s needs. Nearly a mile in length, extending from the Calle de Alcala to the Plaza de Espana, this famous shopping street is home to international chain stores, luxury brands, independently-owned boutiques and more.
Additionally, Gran Vía is home to an outpost of El Corte Inglés, which is the most renowned department store chain in Spain and the biggest one in Europe. Here, you can shop from a broad range of products, including clothing, electronic devices, cosmetics and even gourmet delicacies.
Calle Serrano (Serrano Street)
If high fashion is your thing, then you will surely enjoy shopping at Calle Serrano. Found in the swanky neighborhood of Salamanca and the most popular area within the so-called Golden Mile, this nearly 3 kilometer-long thoroughfare is filled with restaurants and high-end boutiques and international chain stores, including flagship stores for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci and Madrid’s largest store for the brand Zara. Calle Serrano is also home to numerous upscale jewelry stores and renowned Spanish fashion designers.
Calle Fuencarral (Fuencarral Street)
Another area filled with well-known international brands and chain stores is the Calle Fuencarral. Located in the eclectic neighborhood of Malasaña, the street extends from Gran Via up to Calle Sagasta and is also known to have a number of lively bars and quality restaurants. Aside from established brands, Fuencarral street is also home to some less commercial and independent stores where you can find some interesting novelty items.
Calle Preciados (Preciados Street)
Found south of the Calle Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, Calle Preciados is one of Madrid’s liveliest shopping areas and an important commercial district for the Spanish capital. In this pedestrian-only thoroughfare, which is about 500 meters long, shoppers can find a broad range of products – from fashion brands and accessories to video games and electronics.
At Preciados Street, you can also find large department stores such as El Corte Inglés and FNAC. The area is also home to several restaurants and tapas bars, which is the perfect hangout spot if you want to take a break after a full day of shopping and strolling.
Calle Claudia Coello (Claudia Coello Street)
Situated in the Salamanca district is Calle Claudia Coello, another shopping street making up the famous Golden Mile that’s packed with several hidden gems. The one-way street is lined with trees and has little to no traffic, making it the perfect spot for shopping and wandering. Most of the shops found at Calle Claudia Coello are independently-owned boutiques (pro tip: the most interesting shops can be found between Calle Ortega y Gasset and Calle Goya).
Calle Hortaleza
Just a short distance from Fuencarral Street is Calle Hortaleza, one of Madrid’s up and coming areas and a hub of activity and culture. Best known as the center for the LGBTQ+ community, Hortaleza is also becoming more known for its retail opportunities; the street boasts a range of designer shops, fashion boutiques, book stores and even some hobby stores.
Callejón De Jorge Juan
Among the most prominent shopping streets in Madrid is Callejón De Jorge Juan, a dead-end street that extends from the Calle Claudia Coello up to Calle Lagasca and forms part of the iconic Golden Mile retail area. While it is smaller compared to the other spots on this list, the vibrant area is extremely popular because it is far removed from the global brands that you can find in the other retail districts.
Instead, the shopping street is best known for its collection of fashion boutiques by famous Spanish designers (and a few international names) along with its impressive list of dining areas and other establishments. The lively street is also the venue for the annual San Jorge Juan festival, organized by fashion magazine GQ and held every June 22nd. During this time, the area is transformed into a pedestrian street and the shops stay open until midnight, making it a great night out in Madrid.
Top Shopping Malls in Madrid
ABC Serrano
Housed in the former headquarters for the ABC newspaper (which is how it got its name), ABC Serrano is a massive retail and leisure center found in the heart of the Salamanca district and one of the best spots for shopping in Madrid. Comprised of eight floors, with four dedicated to shopping and fashion, ABC Serrano has everything you could possibly need – from different brands and outlets of international names to jewelry stores and souvenir shops. The upper stories of the building are comprised of restaurants, a fitness center on the top floor, and a terraza where you can get spectacular views of Madrid.
Madrid Xanadú
Established in 2002, the Madrid Xanadú is a massive entertainment complex located in the municipality of Arroyomolinos. One of the biggest shopping malls in all of Europe, the Xanadú is a modern retail destination that is home to over 200 shops and boutiques along with other attractions such as restaurants, a 15-screen movie theater and the Madrid SnowZone, an indoor slope for skiing and snowboarding.
Las Rozas Village
Although it is found on the outskirts of the city, Las Rozas Village is worth making the trip for if you’re looking for some of the best deals on designer items in the city. Easily accessible via a quick bus ride, this open-air outlet shopping center is designed to look like a small village with Mediterranean-style houses. At Las Rozas Village, you can browse through a range of local and international brands and boutiques that offer high-end products at reduced prices.
Centro Comercial Principe Pío
Sitting in the heart of Madrid is the Centro Comercial Principe Pio, a shopping center set in a historic, Neoclassical building. The complex is housed inside the former Estación del Norte train station and is currently home to numerous boutiques, restaurants and cinemas, cafés, and even nightclubs. While it continues to function as a transportation terminal, Principe Pío is more popular among locals and tourists for the numerous retail and leisure opportunities within the property.
Dreams Palacio de Hielo
This is a terrific place to bring the kids. Located in the Hortaleza district, the Dreams Palacio de Hielo is a commercial center that is popular among locals for a fun day out. The 1,800-square meter complex has numerous fashion labels and shops mixed together with family-friendly amenities, including a massive ice skating rink, a bowling alley, mini golf course, a fitness center and a children’s playground. There are also several restaurants housed inside the building, including a food court that has over 10 different food stalls.
Must-Visit Markets in Madrid
El Rastro
Shopping in Madrid won't be complete without paying a visit to the El Rastro market. Found in the Plaza de Cascorro and part of the city center, this 400-year-old public market is widely regarded as the most famous market in Madrid. First established in 1790, the outdoor flea market is held every Sunday and has become a tourist attraction in itself. At El Rastro, you can find around 3,000 individual stalls and street vendors that sell just about anything you can imagine – from books, souvenirs and clothing to antiques, home décor and other accessories.
Regardless of whether you plan on doing some shopping or not, you definitely should make time to visit El Rastro to get a look into the real local experience in Madrid. The city’s top public market is also home to lovely food stalls where you can sample some of the best local delicacies that Madrid has to offer. The best part is that haggling is definitely a thing, which means you can walk away from El Rastro with several good deals if you bargain well!
Mercado de San Miguel
If you want to have a taste of Madrid, literally and figuratively, head over to the Mercado de San Miguel for some of the best eats that the city has to offer. Found in the city center, just a few steps away from the Plaza Mayor, the historic covered market was established in 1916 and reopened in 2009, becoming one of the go-to spots in the Spanish capital for some gourmet treats.
At Mercado de San Miguel, you will find a number of traditional food stalls selling all types of products, including fresh produce, local delicacies, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and some of the most delicious tapas in Madrid. It is in this market where locals normally buy the ingredients to prepare for their special dinners.
Mercado de la Paz
Another shopping gem found in the Salamanca neighborhood, the Mercado de La Paz is one of Madrid’s long-standing markets, having been in operation since 1882. Perhaps the most iconic market in the district, Mercado de la Paz draws loyalists from all over the city; in fact, the regulars and vendors here know each other well and are all friendly with each other.
The traditional covered market is known for having a fine selection of gourmet products, including cheese, Spanish wine and the famed jamón ibérico. There are also a handful of stalls selling ready-to-eat meals for those who are looking for a tasty and hearty meal while in the area.
Mercado de San Antón
Madrid has no shortage of gourmet markets and another impressive addition to the list is the Mercado de San Antón. Opened in 1945, this trendy market is located in Chueca and is known for an array of stalls selling gastronomic delights. Apart from vendors selling fresh produce and ingredients, there are also a number of dining spots and indoor restaurants serving up local and international cuisines.
Mercado de Maravillas
The 20,000-square-meter Mercado de Maravillas is one of the biggest municipal markets in Europe and one of the best spots to visit when shopping in Madrid. Located in Tetuan, about three miles outside of the city center, the local favorite has more than 200 individual stands that sell all types of goods, including baked goods, fresh produce, clothing, second-hand items, cleaning products and so much more.
Shop in Madrid VAT-Free!
Shopping in Madrid can be really fun but can become expensive quite easily, especially if you blow your budget on high-end items and luxury products. However, if you are a tourist from outside the EU, you can actually save some money on sales tax from particular items you purchased in Madrid. All you have to do is save your receipts, have them stamped as “tax free” and get a refund on some of the items that you bought!