El Rastro flea market

This is the most popular open-air market in Madrid and one of the oldest since its origins date back to the 15th century. Located in the area around Ribera de Curtidores street, it is an unmissable event for Sunday and holiday mornings. During these days, more than 1,000 street vendors offer visitors all kinds of goods: trinkets, second-hand clothes, antiques, crafts, books and records... A unique atmosphere is created for tourists and locals who visit to hunt for bargains and practice the custom of "ir de tapas" (going for tapas).

This is quite a huge market, which can be found between Toledo, Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo streets, traditionally known as the neighbourhood of El Rastro. One of the most common routes when visiting is to walk from the upper part (the popular Plaza de Cascorro) to the lower part (Madrid-Puerta de Toledo University Campus).Visitors can buy antiques and all kinds of curious objects (puppets, comics from all periods, old radios and clocks, handmade fans) and discover "theme streets" such as San Cayetano, known as "Los Pintores", as its shops have a multitude of oil paintings, watercolours and reproductions of great works of art. As the market par excellence of Madrid, there is no shortage of a mix of cultures along with typical elements such as the “barquilleros” (wafer sellers) or the organist who sets the scene with chotis music. El Rastro flea market is also known for its bars and taverns, where anyone can enjoy a few beers accompanied by tapas.