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 254 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...
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"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!
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"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.
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"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.
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"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...
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"Bodega de la Ardosa" in Madrid is 'castizo' -- pure, genuine. This kind of bar is in danger of extinction, so enjoy it while it's still alive!
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"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...
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"Banibanoo" Madrid is an Iranian restaurant that's just fabulous if you like new & exotic sorts of flavors. I like their combination dishes and desserts.
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"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!
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"Tepic" in Madrid is a Mexican restaurant with Oaxacan delicacies! I love the chicken tingas, the panuchos yucatecos and the guacamole!
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"Fellina" in Madrid's Chamberí is an Italian restaurant that's really exceptional. Everything tastes like 'nonna' cuisine. Oh, the burrata with tomato...
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"Mama Campo" in Madrid is one of my favourite places to have lunch: top ingredients, amazing desserts and a very nice location on Plaza Olavide...
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254 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 254 Insider Tips