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!
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VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?
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Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.
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Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.
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His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.
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"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!
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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters