If you want to do some serious shopping in Madrid, avoid the shopping streets and head for a local market instead. The largest and most famous of the Madrid markets is the Rastro, or El Rastro as it is known in Spanish.
Set your alarm for 10:00 on a Sunday. Are you crazy? It certainly may sound like a mad idea, but for the thousands of people who wake up early to head to what is arguably the coolest flea market on the planet, it's nothing more than typical Sunday behavior.
The Rastro is the largest flea market in Spain, and gets going every Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, all year long. Looking for leather goods? No problem. Want to buy art? Souvenirs? Clothing? Buy it here. More in the mood for furniture? Music? Antiques? You've come to the right place. You can find just about anything, used and new, cheap and cheaper at the Rastro. Haggle the vendor down from his starting price and walk away with a bargain or two at any of the 3,500 stalls.
Of course, after all that shopping you'll have worked up a thirst. Wouldn't you know you're in luck? The bars that line the Rastro overflow on Sundays as shoppers pop in for beers and snacks which often include such delicacies as paella, olives, sardines and calamares.
Why you should go
Because the atmosphere absolutely rocks.
Where
The Rastro is located in an area known as Embajadores, and the heart of the market is in Plaza Cascorro and along Ribera de Cutidores, although it does branch outward on the many side streets along the way.
Take the metro to La Latina or to Puerta de Toledo (L5) and you will find yourself in the center of it all. Alternatively you can get off in Sol (L1, L2, L3, exit Calle Mayor) and wander through Plaza Mayor to Calle Toledo. Follow Calle Toledo and it will take you right into the Rastro.
Enjoy the best rastro in the world.