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!
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Madrid
Mercado de Chamberí – On-trend tradition
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.
By
Andrea
Roberts
Rosaleda del Retiro – A rose is a rose is a rose
The "Rosaleda del Retiro" gardens in Madrid has such a happy atmosphere - I challenge anyone not to be charmed by its flowery abundance in May & June...
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Roberts
Bosco de Lobos – The architects' refuge
"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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Elena
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Mercato Italiano – Italian Aperitivo in Madrid
"Mercato Italiano" in Madrid is in the city's Little Italy in Rios Rosas. Great bruschetta and salads, and I recommend getting a wine, spritz or Campari...
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Andrea
Roberts
Tepic – Mexican dishes
"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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María José
Morr
Rebel Cafe – Let them eat cake
The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.
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Andrea
Roberts
La Pentola Mágica – Real Italian food
"La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go.
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Daniel
Ramirez-Escudero
Slow Café – A standout coffee spot
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.
By
Andrea
Roberts
Menomale – Unveil a hidden Italian culinary gem
The Margherita at Menomale, with its simple yet perfect combination of fresh ingredients, is a testament to the art of pizza-making.
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Álvaro
Martínez Ponce
La Alhambra – The real Moroccan
I first visited "La Alhambra" in Madrid with an Algerian friend of mine. This Middle-Eastern is so authentic it can be a intimidating at first...
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Andrea
Roberts
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