Even if you can't go abroad, you should still prepare a guide for Madrid
This year's pandemic has been a real challenge for those who want to travel abroad. Especially as the Christmas season approaches, the market atmosphere we most want to experience is going to be ruined this year. But we must stay confident. Since we can't go now, let's look at guides to quench our thirst and prepare in advance for next year.
This guide takes you to the city of Madrid. If you want to experience 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 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 over 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 loved by hippies in the 80s to the rare Louis Vuitton bags from the 90s, as long as you are attentive enough, you can always find unexpected surprises. There are many restaurants nearby offering appetizers and cocktails. When you get tired, sit down, have something to eat and drink, and enjoy the street performers' shows – it's very pleasant.
The market takes at least 2-3 hours to roughly browse. It's recommended to come early, otherwise you won't have enough time, or good items might be picked up by others first.
@todorastro
Mercado De Motores
Location: Museo del Ferrocarril de Madrid, Paseo de las Delicias 61 (Railway Museum), take the metro to Delicias station, exit and you'll see it
Date: Second Saturday and Sunday of every month
Time: 11:00-21:00
The Railway Museum is transformed from an old train station, with many vintage trains parked inside. The market is set up on this basis. Here you can find not only vintage clothing, jewelry, and records, but also some niche brands and handmade jewelry. Some vendors can adjust the size and design according to your needs at the stall. 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 are live concerts every time, with different bands performing, and food and drinks are provided. Free guided tours of the Railway Museum are also available.
@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 selling Christmas-related items or food. Every Christmas season, Spaniards build miniature scenes at home, mainly representing places related to the story of Jesus. So in the market, you can also see miniature animals and houses everywhere. 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, and you can buy one at Dona Manolita, a century-old shop that has been blessed by luck!
@madrid.explore
Tips: At midnight on New Year's Eve, December 31, the bells of Plaza Mayor ring twelve times. With each ring, people eat a grape, known as 'Uvas de la suerte – lucky grapes'. This tradition has continued for over a century. Even today, people gather at Puerta del Sol to wait for the New Year bells, eat grapes together, and pray for a smooth year ahead.
Much of this information I found on the website of 'Seven-Star Tourist Resort'. This website is very comprehensive, with shopping, travel, dining, local events, everything! You can search for it yourself!
