Markets, a must-visit for the weekend

Combining shopping and fine food in charming places is a perfect plan for weekends in the city, and locals head towards the increasingly more frequent pop-up events.

Street markets are not new in Madrid. The most representative has always been the Rastro, a traditional flea market where stall holders selling all types of wares set up every morning on Sundays and public holidays in Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores and other streets in the oldest part of the city. Popular and crowded, the Rastro attracts people looking for antiques and bargains and visitors from outside the Spanish capital. Also permanent and well-established is the book market, selling both new literary works and second-hand books. It is found next to the Botanical Park in Cuesta de Moyano. And the one everyone looks forward all year is the Christmas Market that sets up in the Plaza Mayor square, where charming seasonal decorations are on sale.

In recent years, private initiatives have started up, generally held on a monthly basis. They bring together usually young, small-scale designers and artisans to display their highly creative work in places where you can also have something to eat and drink a beer. Besides being original, they often share a general fondness for recycling and sustainability in tune with our current times. Their installations are ephemeral and they support each other in spreading awareness on social media and by word-of-mouth. Far more than just an occasional market, they have been incorporated into the leisure plans of the whole family or somewhere to get together with friends.

Following the example of Spitalfields in London, one of the pioneers is the Motor Market. A major part of its charm is its location, in the Railway Museum, a former station that is home to trains and engines of all eras. Inside you can find unique objects by young designers, and also classic bicycles or vintage furniture. Outside second-hand objects take centre stage, ranging from electric guitars to toys and crockery. A variety of food is on offer outdoors, where you can eat at a table or in a hammock in the sunshine. Children can also ride on the miniature train.

As the culturally most restless and innovative place in Madrid, Matadero is ripe for initiatives such as these. The latest trends in design, produced by over a hundred independent artists and creatives, come together every month both inside, which requires an entry fee, and outside. The purpose of the Design Market is to popularise quality design and make it accessible to the highest number of people possible. As a leisure alternative, the exhibition is complemented by a programme of workshops and concerts and food trucks located in one of the outdoor areas.

If food usually complements markets, in MadrEAT it’s the star of the show. Located in the Azca Gardens, a square with trees in the financial district of Madrid, every third weekend of every month it brings together over 50 food trucks and stalls selling food from all over the world: hamburgers, Argentine pizzas, Vietnamese pancakes, sushi, bao buns and fine-dining tapas designed by Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants in Madrid and other parts of Spain. You can enjoy them with an artisan beer or a vermouth.

Lost&Found Market in Conde Duque

Held in Barcelona for more than eight years, in 2015 the first Lost&Found Market was celebrated in Madrid in one of the courtyards of the Conde Duque Cultural Centre. Besides the usual stalls selling vintage decorations, clothing and accessories, second-hand books and toys, music is an important element to entertain shoppers while they seek treasures of bygone ages. There are also food trucks selling a variety of food and drink.

Producers Market

Selling locally-sourced products directly to the general public is the philosophy of Madrid Producers, which is held every last weekend of the month outside Matadero Madrid. Its aim is to promote produce grown, raised and processed in the surrounding area of Madrid, which is why you can buy organic fruit and vegetables, sourdough bread, pastries, sausages, cheese, meat, beer and wine and also try dishes made using the produce at the stalls.