It doesn't have the beauty of Barcelona's famous Boqueria, but El Mercado de Maravillas is a cavernous marvel of a market that never fails to excite with its colour and bustle. Madrid leaves visitors spoiled for choice for wonderful markets, and Maravillas is the largest (over 200 stalls) and most emblematic.
It's a thriving, multicultural Aladdin's cave for foodies looking for great ingredients at amazing prices. If, like me, you prefer the lively buzz of a market to the sterile aisles of a supermarket, make a beeline for the Mercado de Maravillas!
It's so big that I guarantee you will get lost amongst the many stalls. As well as all sorts of fresh fish and seafood, meat, dairy, olives, spices, seasonal fruit, veggies and herbs, you can buy Latin American produce here; Chinese vegetables; French cheeses and special teas — all under one roof.
There are lots of great places to eat inside as well. Try some authentic Peruvian or Venezuelan dishes, or just have a beer or coffee while you take a break from marketing to do some people-watching.
And bonus; instead of tossing packets into a shopping trolley, you can practise a little Spanish too — see you there!
Find your way with 266 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
It’s a TARDIS-like Aladdin’s cave of colour and creativity for anyone, but also a great place to find some peculiarly Spanish items...
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The Spanish owner, David, honed his knowledge in Japan of this tasty curry, which is served with rice and crunchy panko-covered meat, seafood or veg.
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Housed in Nuevos Ministerios, this museum has an ambitious aim - to raise awareness of how architecture impacts the quality of our lives.
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This little Korean place, has a exquisitely concise menu - 6 different dumplings, steamed or fried, plus a couple of specials and sides and that’s it.
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The largest piece represents the Liberty Gate; three large columns, inscribed with the names of all the deportees, are 'the trees of dreams.'
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FMCMP in Madrid is a quiet, elegant space that still feels fresh. It is a fantastic museum and I can't think of a better place to spend an hour!
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It’s really cosy but airy at the same time - there’s room enough between the variety of seating arrangements for one not to feel boxed in.
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The monument, named “Recuerdo Vivo” (living memory) honours all 1429 victims of terrorism in Madrid and was installed in 2023.
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This hidden gem, located in the Malasaña neighborhood, is a testament to the art of mixology and offers an experience that transcends the ordinary.
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Le Secret du Marias in Madrid is a gorgeous perfumery with niche scents, Spanish brands and workshops. Learn about how fragrance are made!
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This fantastic wine shop, Vino y Compañía is the place to discover the wonderful variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!
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266 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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