Apr 3, 2025

Mercado de San Fernando Madrid

The alternative market

""Mercado de San Fernando" is one of my favorite markets in Madrid! I like it because it brings in a mixture of traditional establishments and modern spots."

Madrid has many diverse and active markets that are not mere marketplaces to buy food for you household. Markets have had to modernize into social centers in order to not disappear in the last decades, as supermarkets have eliminated the need for them. Even so, Spanish people have a strong culture of buying household food at the market -- the better quality and personalized service is what attracts the locals. Meanwhile, markets have adapted by becoming ecosystems of bars and places to try fresh food.

El mercado de San Fernando is one of the many markets in Madrid. Then there's Mercado de la Paz, Mercado de Maravillas, Mercado San Antón, Mercado San Ildefonso, Mercado de la Cebada, among many others. El mercado de San Fernando is my favourite due to its atmosphere. Since it's located in the emblematic neighbourhood of Embajadores / Lavapies, the market has inherited the alternative and informal attitude that's characteristic of the neighbourhood.

El mercado de San Fernando is a mixture of traditional establishments and modern spots. Therefore you can find classic old school tapas, sushi, Peruvian or ramen. You may get lost in their corridors full of spots with different specialities. My favourite place is the center, where there is an open space where the action is. Youngsters sit on the floor and kids run around. On weekends there is more life.

A tip would be to drink and snack during the day and finish off the evening in La Tabacalera.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Calle de Embajadores 41

Ceviche:

8

915272512

Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

Microteatro por dinero

More than short plays

"Microteatro por dinero" in Madrid is simple: 15m² - 15-minute plays - 15 spectators. It's a new way to to go the theater. What a thrilling experience!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 29, 2025

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Apr 29, 2025

La Abuela Rockera

I Want to be Her

Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Apr 26, 2025

Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit - why not!

This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 25, 2025

Los Angeles

Want to try a real paella?

Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

Mazál Bagels and Café

Big Apple vibes in Madrid

I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

El Campillo

Tapas in Madrid's Rastro

What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Apr 22, 2025

Licores Cabello

Find your favourite tipple

They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

MO de Movimiento

Innovative dining in Madrid

"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

Sala Canal Isabel II

Madrid's unique art space

Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

VETA Galería

Fine art in Carabanchel

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?

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 16, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

243 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
26
Filters