Calling all foodies! There’s never been a better time to visit the Spanish capital. Why? The best food markets in Madrid are undergoing an exciting revolution, becoming ever more popular with locals and visitors alike.
Madrid’s top food markets have become so much more than spectacular places to shop. While you’ll still find the city’s best raw ingredients here, you’ll also discover inviting cultural spaces, tasty tapas bars and packed weekend events. So whether you’re looking to shop, eat or wander, these tips will have you maneuvering the best food markets in Madrid like a seasoned pro in no time!
Top Tips for Navigating a Food Market
Stop in on a Saturday. If you visit any of our favorite food markets on a Saturday afternoon, you’re in for a special treat. Saturday mornings are the busiest time of the week at many of Madrid’s markets. This is when they hold events, host tapas crawls and (if you’re lucky) give out free samples!
Know how to order. Order meat by the kilo. For reference, one kilo equals 2.2 pounds. Order fruit and vegetables by the kilo or by how many pieces you want. Order cheese by size (most cheese sellers will show you how much they will cut for you and you can tell them more, “un poco mas,” or less “un poco menos“). And order fish by your number of dinner guests.
Meet your vendor. Introduce yourself to the vendors, and if the market is not too crowded, have a little chat! They’ll more than likely be able to offer some advice as to what’s in season or how best to prepare your purchases. After all, they are experts in what they are selling!
Don’t touch! Touching the goods, particularly produce is an absolute no-no. Just ask the vendor for what you’d like and they’ll pick the best pieces out and bag them for you! For produce like avocados, peaches and persimmons be sure to tell them when you’re planning to eat it (today? this weekend? next week?) so they can give you the pieces with the proper level of ripeness.
Visit different markets. Each and every food market in Madrid offers a completely different experience. If you’re visiting Madrid and only have time to visit one food market, do a little research. Find what best fits your vibe. No two food markets in Madrid are the same!
Our Favorite Food Markets in Madrid
We can’t get enough of Madrid’s food markets! It’s truly been a pleasure “researching” them. Here’s a brief overview of our personal favorites:
- Mercado de San Miguel (Plaza de San Miguel): Easily Madrid’s most famous market. Hotspot for tourists and locals, ready-to-eat tapas and pastries, modern design and moderately priced.
- Mercado de Maravillas (Calle Bravo Murillo, 122): “Market of Wonders,” super traditional, enormous and replete with rare Spanish delicacies like live snails and cow tongue as well international products such as Mexican chiles.
- Mercado Anton Martín (Calle de Santa Isabel, 5): Traditional with an indie twist, organic products, international cuisines such as sushi, cooking demonstrations and small art exhibits. Join us on our Huertas Neighborhood Food & Market Tour to learn the ins and outs of this market while tasting traditional fare from many of the traditional vendors!
- Mercado San Fernando (Calle Embajadores, 41): Hipster, dance performances, recycled leather crafts, international food, ecological products and craft beer. Go on Saturday morning before 2:00pm for the weekly tapas fair! The butcher grills fresh cuts, the cheese man serves tasting platters and the wine stall pours out unique Spanish vermouth!
- Mercado San Antón (Calle de Augusto Figueroa, 24): Five-story food heaven, tapas from every region of Spain and amazing rooftop views.
Important Spanish Phrases
Of course, we won’t send you off to maneuver Madrid’s food markets without a few key Spanish phrases for shopping! When in doubt, hand gestures often suffice.
¿Cuánto cuesta? How much does it cost?
Ponme… Give me…
Un kilo: One kilo
Medio kilo: Half a kilo
Cuarto kilo: Quarter of a kilo.
Una docena: One dozen
La carne: The meat
El pesacado: The fish
El queso: The cheese
El pan: The bread
La fruta: The fruit
Las verduras: The vegetables
Una bolsa: A bag
If you want to truly discover Madrid like a local, join us for a food tour! On our Huertas Neighborhood Market and Food Tour, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of one of Madrid’s most vibrant districts. Your expert guide will show you quaint food shops, quirky tapas bars and a locals-only food market. Prepare to discover the real Madrid though foods and flavors that make Spain’s capital the amazing city that it is!
Featured Image Credit: Matthew Hutchinson (Text Overlay: Devour Madrid)