EL RASTRO - MADRID'S FLEA MARKET
This area is known primarily for the flea
market (purportedly the world's largest) held
on Sundays and bank holidays from about 10AM to
3PM. El Rastro lies within the triangle formed by the La Latina metro stop, Puerta de Toledo and Glorieta de Embajadores; being calle Ribera de Curtidores its central axis. Google map location.
This market is a must-see for visitors,
the streets of the entire area filled with
stalls selling just about every imaginable
sort of goods. Even if you're not interested
in buying anything, it's worth coming by to
stroll around and feel what is still a very
genuine market atmosphere, then, perhaps finish
off your visit with a few tapas.
We would caution the visitor to this area
that not everything sold in the Rastro is
a bargain, and particularly cheap items may
have been stolen. Serious antiques trade has mostly moved off the streets and into the shops. Indeed, be careful of your
own wallets and handbags in around the market,
since the very crowded streets are a haven
for pickpockets.
Please
see also our recommendations to travel safe in Madrid.
El Rastro may only take place on Sundays, but flea market spirit pervades this artsy, bohemian section of Madrid.
El Rastro ends south at Puerta de Toledo (metro station Puerta de Toledo). This gate was constructed in 1827. Mercado Puerta de Toledo is an interesting shopping mall in Madrid. You can find antiques, crafts and design shops.
Puerta de Toledo Market
Puerta de Toledo 1
Google map location
Metro: Puerta de Toledo (L5)
www. Centro Puerta de Toledo Madrid
Mercado Puerta de Toledo is one of the most elegant shopping malls in Madrid. It used to be an old 19th century fish market, but now it is a modern shopping centre. Mercado Puerta de Toledo is a great place for antique, profession and design shops. You can also use it as a great excuse to get to know the area around Calle Toledo, Lavapiés district, Calle Bailén and Cebada Market. The Mercado Puerta de Toledo market is near Latina and you can go by metro Puerta de Toledo. More information in our page about Madrid shopping centres.
Follow Ronda de Toledo east to Glorieta de Embajadores.
