Even if I can't go abroad, I still need to plan for Madrid
The pandemic this year has been a real challenge for those who want to travel abroad. Especially with Christmas approaching, the market atmosphere I most wanted to experience will be a washout this year. But we still need to have faith. Since we can't go now, we can look at guides, console ourselves with imagination, 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 stall owners are very welcoming to Chinese tourists. You can chat with them, ask for information, and learn about the local way of life. These markets are open-air, which for us is 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'll 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 hunt for antiques, records, clothes, jewelry, furniture, or even toys, this place can satisfy all your needs. From the leather jackets beloved by 80s hippies to 90s Louis Vuitton one-of-a-kind bags, as long as you are attentive enough, you can always find unexpected surprises. There are many restaurants nearby offering tapas and cocktails. When you're tired of shopping, sit down, rest, have something to eat, drink some wine, and enjoy street performers—it's very pleasant.
The market requires at least 2-3 hours to roughly browse. It's recommended to come early; otherwise, you might run out of time, or good items might be taken 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'll see it upon exiting
Date: The second Saturday and Sunday of every month
Time: 11:00-21:00
The Railway Museum is converted from an old train station, with many vintage trains parked inside, and the market is set up around them. Here you'll find not only vintage clothes, jewelry, and records, but also some niche brands and handmade jewelry. Some stall owners can adjust the size and design on the spot according to your needs. There are also farm produce stalls, mainly selling honey or fruits. If you want to get rid of your old clothes, you can also submit an application on their website to sell them.
In addition, there is always a live concert here, with different bands performing, along with food and drinks provided, and a free guided tour 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 more than 100 stalls in operation, selling 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 see miniature animals and houses everywhere at the market. Against the backdrop of Christmas lights, you can understand the romance of a European Christmas. You can also buy a Christmas lottery ticket to try your luck. Go to Dona Manolita to buy one; this century-old shop has always been favored by luck!
@madrid.explore
Tips: At midnight on December 31st, the New Year's Eve, the clock at Plaza Mayor will ring twelve times. With each ring, people eat a grape, known as "Uvas de la suerte - grapes of good luck." This custom has been practiced for over a century, and people still gather at Puerta del Sol to wait for the New Year's bell, eat grapes together, and pray for a smooth year ahead.
A lot of this information I found on the website of the Seven-Star Tourist Resort. The website is very comprehensive, covering shopping, travel, dining, local events—everything you need! You can search for it yourself.
