EAT AND SHOP IN THE BEST LOCAL FOOD MARKETS IN MADRID

As any Spaniard knows, Spanish cuisine starts with fresh, local ingredients straight from the neighborhood food market. Spain’s location on the Iberian Peninsula and its Mediterranean climate ensure a wide variety of produce, seafood, and local products all year round. These delicious ingredients are then brought to the local food market, where great Spanish coking begins. If you’re in the Spanish capital, here are five food markets in Madrid that you definitely need to check out! Shop, eat, and discover the very essence of traditional Spanish cuisine.

Mercado de San Miguel

The Mercado de San Miguel is the shining star of markets in Madrid. Any day of the week you can stop in to browse the day’s haul of fresh products in the heart of city center. While this in itself is exciting, the Mercado de San Miguel is also an amazing place to sample the local fare. Many vendors sell tapa-sized portions or pinchos of delicious Spanish cuisine to taste. Try mouth-watering paella, fresh seafood, and of course, the local wine! Dessert is also a must, as you can browse from endless pastries and sweets. You’ll be surprised at all the tasty morsels you can try for reasonable prices. This market in Madrid is more than a place to shop, it’s a place to experience Spanish cuisine, straight from the source!

Address: Plaza de San Miguel, s/n

Mercado de San Fernando

To get a better feel for an authentic neighborhood market in Madrid, you need to head to the Mercado de San Fernando. This market has had a place in the Lavapiés neighborhood since 1943, serving as the spot for the locals to shop, eat, and meet. Lavapiés is unique due to its mix of cultures and Bohemian feel, and the market is a big part of its identity. You can find all the local produce you would expect, as well as cooked food that you can take home for a tasty, hot meal. Try some traditional Spanish cooking, or international cuisine like Greek or sushi. The Mercado de San Fernando where traditional and modern cuisines meet in Madrid.

Address: Calle de Embajadores, 41

See more: Enjoy the Sights, Smells, and Tastes of a Madrid Food Tour

Mercado de Antón Martín

The Mercado de Antón Martín is more than just a market because it brings the neighborhood together. The market is located steps away from the Antón Martín Metro stop right in the heart of the city. Get a sense for how the locals have shopped and eaten for generations. Fresh, local meat, fish, eggs, and veggies are plentiful, and are the starting point for so many delicious Spanish tapas and dishes. In addition to being a center for all things fresh and tasty, the Mercado de Antón Martín is a center of neighborhood activity. Dance competitions, book fairs, and so much more make this market the heart of the barrio.

Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 5

Mercado de Vallehermoso

The Mercado de Vallehermoso is about as traditional as markets in Madrid get! Many of the vendors who helped open the market in 1933 have since passed on the torch to younger generations, resulting in years of quality and tradition. The regular shoppers know their preferred vendors and the best places to buy Spanish delicacies like jamón ibérico, queso manchego, and olive oil. This market prides itself on its warm and welcoming atmosphere that lets all shoppers and foodies discover the real side of Spanish food and cooking.

Address: Calle de Vallehermoso, 36

Mercado de la Paz

Finally, make sure that you leave time for visit Mercado de la Paz when you’re in Madrid! Make your way on over to the Salamanca district and discover the market that’s been part of its soul since 1882. Beautiful architecture and delicious food bring both locals and tourists alike to this market, day after day. Shop to your heart’s content, as there are vendors for just about everything: food, clothes, flowers, and more. This market brings old traditions and modernity together to create something special.

Address: Centro Comercial La Paz, Calle de Ayala, 28

Want to see the best that markets in Madrid have to offer? Join Food Lover Tour on our Market Lover Tour and prepare yourself for the ultimate foodie adventure!