The gastronomic Mercados of Madrid
The mercados are where Madrid's tradition and its appetite for the new come together. The city is dotted with working markets where locals still buy their produce, their fish and their meat by the day, and where they also meet friends to share the best pincho de tortilla, or a bao bun with a glass of natural wine.
Each mercado has its own flavor and its own moment. These are our five favorites, and what makes each one worth the trip.
What to Know
Mercado de San Miguel
The beautiful iron-and-glass hall beside Plaza Mayor, and firmly on the tourist trail. Best treated as a quick couple of bites and a glass of cava on your way past, rather than somewhere to settle in: it is too crowded and too pricey to linger.
Mercado de San Antón
A restored Chueca market with produce and tapas counters below, but the real reason to come is the rooftop: a terrace restaurant and bar with some of the best views in the barrio. Have a look downstairs, then head straight up.
Mercado de San Ildefonso
A three-floor street-food hall in the heart of Malasaña, and a young, vibrant hangout more than a market. Come with friends, drink and graze across the stalls, and let the evening build around you.
Mercado de Antón Martín
At first glance a regular working market, but look closer and it is a foodie destination: a run of excellent stalls serving food from all over the world alongside the fishmongers and greengrocers. The one to come to when you want to eat well, not just shop.
Mercado de San Fernando
A buzzy night out in Lavapiés and a young hangout that has stayed thoroughly local. Old stalls share the aisles with craft-beer bars, natural-wine counters and world-food cooks; come in the evening and it fills with neighbors rather than tourists.
Use each for what it does best: San Miguel for a quick bite, San Antón for the rooftop, San Ildefonso for a night with friends, Antón Martín for serious food, and San Fernando for a local night out.
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