Madrid may not hold the title of fashion capital but the city certainly has a vibrant shopping scene. There’s something for everyone, from international brands and discount outlets to quirky independent boutiques and flea markets. Here’s our guide to shopping in Madrid.
For fast fashion and high street brands
Calle Preciados and the area around Gran Vía leading down to Sol is one of the liveliest parts of town and a great spot for shopping. Here you’ll find your Zara, Massimo Dutti, H&M, Top Shop, Mango and other commercial Spanish brands (lucky for you, since Zara and Mango are made in Spain, the price tags are markedly lower). You’ll also find the Madrileños beloved department store El Corte Inglés, located next to Callao square, that’s a great one-stop shop for all your wardrobe and home essentials.
While you’re in the Centro area, be sure to also pay a visit to one of Madrid’s most emblematic shopping establishments Casa Hernanz on Calle Toledo for a pair of handmade Spanish espadrilles or alpargatas. You can’t get more authentic than this place and the handmade creations are built to stand the test of time.
For upscale, luxury shopping (or just to window shop and dream)
You’ll find luxury shopping galore in the trendy neighborhood of Salamanca along the streets of Serrano, Goya, Claudio Coello and Ortega y Gasset. Swanky high-end boutiques are housed in what were once small palaces replete with sparkling chandeliers and soaring ceilings. This is the go-to for the flagship boutiques of luxury international brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Christian Louboutin as well as Spain’s homegrown fashion house Loewe. The chic street of Jorge Juan is also worth a stroll down lined with the immaculate boutiques of emerging contemporary designers from Spain and beyond, all beautifully appointed and frequented by the city’s fashion crowd. After forming your wish list, you can then satisfy your shopping cravings at Madrid’s biggest Zara, which is also in the area (Calle Toro, 58–62) and boasts three floors dedicated just to women’s wear, as well as separate sections for men and kids.
For indie boutiques and designers
The Malasaña and Chueca hoods are where it’s at for indie designers and funky boutiques with a more artsy vibe. In Malasaña, head to Fuencarral, a once rundown area that’s been transformed into a trendy shopping strip offering shoes, clothing and accessories at all price points. Shoe lovers should make a beeline for Calle Augusto Figueroa that is lined with outlet shoe shops where you can find some great deals on trendy new kicks. Malasaña is also a vintage haven. Scour the shops along Calle Espiritu Santu for some unique vintage finds, calling in at El Templo de Susu, one of the original vintage establishments on the block.
Shopping must-dos around Chueca include Oliphant that sells an array of cool jewelry and clothing for women. Fashionistas will also delight in concept boutique Ekseption Stock’s well-curated collection of clothing for men and women from the coolest emerging labels in fashion.
For discount shopping
If you’re a bargain hunter then head to the outlet stores at Las Rozas Village, located on the outskirts of Madrid, where you’ll go wild over the up to 60% off discounts from an array of international brands. It’s here you’ll find a great deal on that Burberry trench you’ve always wanted or a cheap pair of real Ray Bans for your next trip to the beach. Unlike outlet stores in other locations, the complex is very picturesque with the shops all housed in small Mediterranean-style houses. You can reach the outlets by local bus (lines 626, 628 and 629) in about 30 minutes from Madrid’s Moncloa Exchanger.
For lovers of bric-a-brac
Head to El Rastro flea market on a Sunday, based around Ribera de Curtidores near the La Latina metro. This weekly market takes place from 9am to 3pm and you can find all manner of knickknacks, from antique jewelry to art, music, vintage clothing, furniture and other curios. Go earlier in the day for first dibs and to avoid the crowds. And keep a firm hold on your bag, as it’s a popular haunt for pickpockets.
Shopping Tip: Most of the big name shops will stay open all day (and even on Sundays) but keep in mind that smaller boutiques usually close between 2pm and 4.30pm in Madrid so avoid setting out on a shopping expedition during these hours.
Got any other insider tips for shopping in Madrid? Go ahead and share them with our readers in the comments section below.
Originally published on Ailola by Sophie Lloyd on March 23, 2018.
