Even if you can't travel abroad, it's still worth preparing a guide to Madrid
This year's pandemic has been a real challenge for those wanting to travel abroad. Especially as Christmas season approaches, the market atmosphere I most wanted to experience will be canceled this year. But we still need to keep faith. Since we can't go now, let's look at guides to satisfy our wanderlust and prepare in advance for next year.
This guide takes you to 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 chat with them, ask for information, and learn about local lifestyles. 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 leather jackets loved by hippies in the 80s to rare Louis Vuitton bags from the 90s, as long as you are attentive enough, you can always find unexpected surprises. There are many restaurants offering tapas and cocktails nearby. When you're tired of walking, sit down, have something to eat and drink, and enjoy the performances of street artists—it's very pleasant.
It takes at least 2-3 hours to roughly browse the market. It's recommended to come early; otherwise, you may run out of time or others may pick up the good items first.
@todorastro
Mercado De 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 exit.
Date: Second Saturday and Sunday of each month
Time: 11:00-21:00
This market is set up inside the Railway Museum, which was converted from an old train station, with many old trains parked inside. Besides vintage clothes, jewelry, and records, there are also some niche brands and handmade jewelry. Some vendors can adjust sizes and designs according to your needs right at the stall. There are also agricultural product stalls mainly selling honey or fruit. If you want to dispose of your old clothes, you can also submit an application on their website to sell them.
Additionally, there are live concerts every time, with different bands performing, along with food and drinks provided, 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
Spain's oldest, most traditional, and largest Christmas market is in Madrid, with over 100 stalls selling Christmas-related items or food. Every Christmas season, Spanish people set up miniature scenes at home depicting stories related to Jesus. Therefore, you can see small toy animals and houses everywhere in the market. Under the 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 been blessed with luck!
@madrid.explore
Tips: On New Year's Eve, December 31st, at midnight, the bells of Plaza Mayor ring twelve times. With each ring, people eat one grape, called 'Uvas de la suerte' - lucky grapes. This tradition has continued for over a century. People still gather at Puerta del Sol waiting for the New Year's bell to ring, eating grapes together and praying for a smooth year ahead.
A lot of this information I got from the website of a seven-star tourist destination. That website is very comprehensive, covering shopping, travel, dining, local events, and everything! You can search for it yourself!
