Even if you can't go abroad, you still need to prepare a guide for Madrid
This year's epidemic is indeed a challenge for those who want to travel abroad. Especially as the Christmas season approaches, the market atmosphere that we most want to experience will also be ruined this year. But we still need to have confidence. Since we can't go now, let's look at guides to satisfy our cravings and prepare in advance for next year.
This guide will take you to the city of Madrid. If you want to experience a more local Spanish culture, you must go to Madrid, and you must visit the local markets. The vendors are very enthusiastic towards Chinese tourists. You can communicate with them, ask for information, and learn about the local way of life.
These markets are all open-air. For us, they are like a free museum, an opportunity to deeply understand and integrate into the city.
1. Vintage Flea Market
EL RASTRO
Location: Plaza de Cascorro, take the metro to La Latina and you will see it
Date: Every Sunday
Time: 9:00-14:00
This is the largest flea market in Spain, with a history of more than half a century. If you want to find antiques, records, clothes, jewelry, furniture, or even toys, this place can meet all your needs. From the leather jackets loved by hippies in the 1980s to the unique Louis Vuitton bags from the 1990s, as long as you are careful enough, you can always find unexpected surprises. There are many restaurants nearby that offer appetizers and cocktails. When you are tired of shopping, just sit down to rest, have something to eat, drink some wine, and enjoy the performances of street artists. It is also very pleasant.
The market takes at least 2-3 hours to roughly browse. It is recommended to come early, otherwise you may run out of time, or good items may be picked up by others first.
@todorastro
MercadoDe Motores
Location: Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid, Paseo de las Delicias 61 (Railway Museum), take the metro to Delicias station, and you can see it upon exit
Date: The second Saturday and Sunday of each month
Time: 11:00-21:00
The Railway Museum is transformed from an old train station. Many old trains are parked inside, and the market is set up on this basis. Here you can find not only vintage clothes, jewelry, records, but also some niche brands and handmade jewelry. Some vendors can adjust the size and design according to your needs at their stalls. There are also agricultural product stalls, mainly selling honey or fruits. If you want to dispose of your old clothes, you can also submit an application on their website to sell them.
In addition, there is a live concert every time, with different bands performing, while providing food and drinks, and free guided tours of the Railway Museum.
@mercadodemotores_oficial
2. Christmas Market
Location: Plaza Mayor
Date: November 24 - December 31
Time: 9:00-22:00
The oldest, most traditional, and largest Christmas market in Spain is in Madrid, with over 100 stalls open. The stalls sell items or food related to Christmas. Every Christmas season, Spanish people set up miniature scenes at home, mainly depicting places related to the story of Jesus. So you can also see miniature animals and small houses everywhere in the market. Set against the backdrop of Christmas lights, you can understand the romance of European Christmas. You can also buy a Christmas lottery ticket to try your luck. You can buy one at Dona Manolita, a century-old shop that has always been blessed with luck!
@madrid.explore
Tips: At midnight on December 31st, New Year's Eve, the clock in Plaza Mayor will strike twelve times. With each strike, people eat a grape, known as "Uvas de la suerte - grapes of good luck." This custom has lasted for more than a century, and still today people gather at Puerta del Sol to wait for the New Year's bell, eat grapes together, and pray for a smooth year ahead.
Much of the information here comes from the website of the seven-star tourist resort. This website is very comprehensive, covering shopping, travel, dining, local events, everything! You can search for it yourself!
