Madrid is filled with markets ranging from elegant to quirky. Whether your market passion lies in flea markets, touristy markets, or hidden local markets, there’s no shortage of options in Madrid.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best markets in Madrid to fit your travel- and taste bud- style.
Wheelchair Accessible Note: Look for this box for details on wheelchair accessibility at these Madrid markets. Also, make sure to head over to our guide on 11 Accessible Things to do in Madrid.
Best markets in Madrid
Below are details about eleven amazing markets in Madrid. Then, at the end of this post, I’ll give you tips and advice on things to watch out for when visiting these markets.
I hope you enjoy tasting and purchasing your way through Madrid as much as I did!
1. Mercado de San Miguel
If you’ve already done some research on markets in Madrid, you’ve surely heard of Mercado de San Miguel.
Mercado de San Miguel is the mecca for market tourism in Madrid. And for good reason. I’ve been to a lot of markets, but Mercado de San Miguel is the first I’ve seen that has floor to ceiling windows for walls. To add to the building beauty, adorned metal columns are scattered about.
You’re not going to find your everyday farmer selling fruits and veggies at this market. Instead, upscale food stands sell fancy seafood, dessert, cheese, and meat dishes.
Mercado de San Miguel is an excellent place to go if you’re wanting bite-sized tastes of some of Spain’s most iconic food.
Of the many options, small, open-faced sandwiches are among the biggest theme at the market. Have your cameras ready because every food stand selling these sandwiches has a unique take on their presentation and ingredients used.
Mercado de San Miguel is open seven days a week but has varying hours. You can view the market’s hours here.
Mercado de San Miguel has a wheelchair accessible entrance to the right side of the building. The market is on a single, level floor. Many food stand counters and all seating is too high for wheelchair users.
2. Mercado de Antón Martin
There’s a time and place for big markets, and then there’s a time when Mercado de Antón Martin is just what you need.
Conveniently located near the Antón Martin metro station, Mercado de Antón Martin is in a pretty, older red building, taking up a small block. Although an easy walk from El Sol, Mercado de Antón Martin has a more local feel with far better prices than Mercado de San Miguel.
There are two main levels at Mercado de Antón Martin- a basement and a first floor. Both require going up and downstairs to get to and from the main entrances.
You’ll find fruits, veggies, meats, and restaurant stands on both floors. Cafes and bakeries are more commonly found in the basement. Don’t let the word “basement” fool you- many of the cafes have a fun, modern design. Tapas and other food stands are primarily on the first floor.
Make sure to walk around the streets surrounding the Mercado de Antón Martin. There, you’ll find a more informal outdoor market. In addition to typical market produce, you can pick up food from other parts of the world, particularly in Asia.
Yet another item that makes Mercado de Antón Martin one of the best markets in Madrid isn’t the market itself but its setting in an area surrounded by old European architecture- without the tourists. You may even be inclined to catch a film at the neighboring and adorable Cine Dore!
Mercado de Antón Martin is not wheelchair accessible since all entrances have stairs. However, the outdoor market area is accessible, so wheelchair users can explore the beautiful streets around Mercado de Antón Martin.
3. Mercado de Los Mostenses
Mercado de San Miguel is a touristy market, so what happens if you’re staying in Madrid’s center and want to pick up some fresh produce?
You go to Mercado de Los Mostenses.
This market is located one block behind the Gran Vía, towards the Plaza de España side.
There are two stories to Mercado de Los Mostenses. The ground level has mostly meat and seafood stands, although there are some food stands as well. The second floor has fruits and vegetables, plus a number of food stands.
Mercado de Los Mostenses is wheelchair accessible via a ramp on Ricardo Leon Street. There’s a free, always open, accessible restroom on the ground floor.
4. Mercado de La Paz
Established in the 1800s, Mercado de La Paz is an excellent place to get high-quality goods in a local neighborhood essentially free of tourists.
Mercado de La Paz is unique in that the stalls are more spread out, with extra-wide aisles. You can purchase anything you’d expect from any other market in Madrid, plus a number of specialty pre-packaged food, cheeses, meats, etc.
There are a few local restaurants leading up to the entrance of the market where you can have a sit-down Spanish meal.
Mercado de La Paz is entirely wheelchair accessible, thanks to being on a ground floor with a flat entrance. This is one of the best markets for wheelchair users thanks to wide aisles.
5. Mercado de San Fernando
Mercado de San Fernando is not only one of the best food markets in Madrid, but it’s in the hippy, bohemian district of Lavapiés. Such a win-win.
This market is not for the morning person. Things don’t truly get going until mid-day and the Mercado de San Fernando gets especially hopping at night.
In addition to restaurant stands, you can buy produce, clothes, paper items and more.
After you’ve eaten your way around Mercado de San Fernando, make sure to shed those calories by exploring the Lavapiés District. It’s home to some of Madrid’s best street art, and yes, more awesome cafes and restaurants.
There are two wheelchair accessible entrances to Mercado de San Fernando. The flat entry is via the “Centro de Salud” door in the plaza to the left, when facing the front of the market. The other accessible entrance is via an elevator on the Calle de Tribulete side of the market.
6. El Rastro
El Rastro is the best market in Madrid if you’re looking for non-food items.
This outdoor flea market takes place every Sunday around the Cascorro Plaza. Here, you can find items ranging from beautiful handmade artwork to antiques to touristy items to clothes (both new and second hand).
El Rastro is a big attraction among tourists, but there are plenty of locals that use the market, as well.
Although El Rastro isn’t a food market, it runs along streets that are lined with tapa bars and cafes, so there’s no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat.
The El Rastro Market is wheelchair accessible. Much of the market is set on a long, sloping hill which is paved since they close off the road for the market.
7. Mercado de Vallehermoso
Mercado de Vallehermoso is located in northern Madrid and is the furthest from the tourist area of the markets that are mentioned here. Nevertheless, if you enjoy walking over taking the metro, you can arrive at Mercado de Vallehermoso on foot.
Due to its distance from the center, Mercado de Vallehermoso attracts mostly locals. At this two-story indoor market, you’ll be able to find stands selling delicious local cheese, meat, desserts, and, of course, tapas. There’s even a stand that sells escargot!
While Mercado de Vallehermoso has more stands that are geared towards pre-prepared food, there’s a small section that sells produce.
Mercado de Vallehermoso has two wheelchair accessible entrances. A ramp leads to the second floor. This market has a good amount of accessible seating compared to some of the other markets in this article.
8. Mercado de San Ildefonso
Mercado de San Ildefonso is the best market in Madrid if you’re looking to fill up on high-quality street food.
Offering dishes from Spain to Asia and beyond, there’ll surely be dishes to delight a group of any size. They have a great website showcasing their food stands so that you can take a look in advance.
Speaking of large groups, there’s indoor seating on the three different floors of the market plus two outdoor terraces. However, this market gets packed in the evenings, so you might need to wait to grab a table.
Shopaholics will love Mercado de San Ildefonso since it’s located in an area filled with mainstream and boutique clothing stores.
Mercado de San Ildefonso is wheelchair accessible thanks to a barrier-free entry and an elevator. However, the pathways are very narrow, so it’s best to visit early before it gets too crowded.
9. Mercado de La Cebada
If you’re looking for a local market that has a fun decor, Mercado de La Cebada is one of the best markets in Madrid for you.
Located by the La Latina metro stop, it won’t be hard to find the building with its circular roof and flashy painted walls.
Like many of the markets talked about here, Mercado de La Cebada has two floors. There’s no shortage of options for fruits, vegetables, and tapas. There are also some artisan stalls.
Mercado de La Cebada is wheelchair accessible via a ramp behind the building. Once inside, you’ll be able to move between floors via an elevator.
10. Mercado de San Antón
Mercado de San Antón has a yuppie vibe. It’s divided into four sections- a grocery store on the first floor, a boutique-like market on the second floor, ready-to-eat food on the third floor, and the La Cocina de San Antón Restaurant with an outdoor terrace on the fourth floor.
Located in a residential district in the center of Madrid, Mercado de San Antón is classy in the most casual way possible. They even have a section where owners can leave their dogs, complete with doggie beds, water, and a sign that reads “Don’t bother me, I’m waiting for my owner. Woof!”
Wheelchair accessibility is good at Mercado de San Antón, thanks to an elevator and wide aisles. If you want to dine at La Cocina de San Antón, make a reservation in advance since accessible tables are limited on the terrace.
11. Platea
Platea is a place that many people label as a market but more closely resembles a mall- and an upper class mall at that.
This is the kind of market to go to if you want to get dressed up and go out with your friends for an evening of fine dining and wine tasting.
Platea does have an area that somewhat resembles a market where fresh produce, jams, and pastries are sold. However, get ready to shell out some Euros, since the prices match the classiness of Platea’s ambiance.
If Platea feels like it has an odd layout, it’s not your imagination.
The building was formerly a cinema, so various theater rooms-turned-restaurants branch out from the main corridor.
Platea doesn’t offer good wheelchair accessibility due to a number of staircases in the main corridor.
Tips for visiting the best markets in Madrid
- Check the opening and closing times. Things tend to get started later in Madrid, so this is a case when early birds won’t get the worm.
- Going off the point above, it’s not always best to arrive at these Madrid markets right at the opening time. Oftentimes, vendors are still setting up shop (or haven’t even arrived…)
- Know your market style. If you want to dine around lively crowds, remember that the Spanish eat lunch and dinner late. If you’re wanting to snag the freshest seafood, go to the market earlier in the day.
- Visiting markets in Madrid is an excellent activity to do on a rainy day. All the markets listed here, except El Rastro, are indoors.
Conclusion
Madrid is a market lover’s dream. Whether you’re looking for the best food markets or a place to get deals on antiques, you’ll find it all, and more, in Madrid. What are your favorite markets in Madrid and why? Leave a message in the comments section. I’d love to hear from you.
Happy market exploring!
P.S.- Looking for other ideas for things to do in Madrid? Check out our recommendations for a 2-Day Madrid Itinerary.
