Farmers’ Markets are an ever-growing trend among social butterflies, local food lovers and travellers alike. They aren’t only a great place to buy fresh high-quality (mostly local) produce, but during the last few years they’ve also become the place to be; a meeting point for friends or even business events. All thanks to the introduction of the food courts and tasting stands, all hand in hand with the local wine cellar.
Madrid is a gourmet destination, a food lover’s paradise, Madrid is simply a (food) market-loving city.
There are many, of all sorts, to choose from. From big to teeny tiny, from fresh food and flowers to restaurant style…we have them all. So in case you find yourself in Madrid and want to explore these social spaces, here are a few of the best food markets in Madrid.
Let’s me start by walking you through one of the most popular food markets in Madrid, the central
The famous Mercado de San Miguel has been standing next to Plaza Mayor for about a hundred years, tho not always in its modern chic glass-iron form. It started originally in 1809 as an open air street market, but with the rapidly growing concern for health and safety among the experts, it was soon transformed into its current closed form in the early 1900s.
Home to some of the most delicious tapas and wines, famous bakeries, and general local products, as well as decor and other small things, it’s the perfect destination for a “piscolabis” (a snack) with friends in the city, or to grab yourself a set of “Tapas to go”
Its stylish and functional atmosphere, the vast variety of products, and reasonable prices make of it a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.
Recently revamped, it has managed to become a culture and culinary institution within the sea of possibilities that Madrid offers, by hosting regular events and having both takeaway and eat-in options, catering for all tastes.
Frequented by all. To eat, chitchat, take a stroll around, perfect for shutterbugs and people-watchers like me. Definitely worth a visit. This market is located on Plaza de San Miguel (right next to Plaza Mayor and within walking distance from Puerta del Sol following Calle Mayor) Monday thru Wednesday, and Sunday from 10 to 24, and Thursday thru Saturday from 10 to 2.
Mercado de San Antón
Second on the list of the best food markets in Madrid, the slightly lesser known among tourist but loved by locals Mercado de San Antón. This market is located in an easy-to-oversee building in the heart of the alternative neighbourhood of Chueca. This locals’ favourite is an old traditional Spanish indoors farmers’ market, remodelled into a delicacies heaven of a food market. On the ground floor, you can find the finest spices, the most elegant of wines, the freshest seafood and fish, and the juiciest of meats, among other things, for you to take home.
And on the top floor and rooftop of the building, you’ll be delighted by the flavours of the most delicious international and local cuisine in the food court and restaurant. From delicious pastries and freshly baked bread to mussels and pintxos, washed down with the best of Riojas. The foodie experience will be rounded up by the most trendy of art shows in the art gallery located in the food court.
A must if your trips aren’t complete without food! And, psst, between you and me, here you can also buy the most delicious organic burgers at Hamburguesa Nostra.
Address:
Calle Augusto Figueroa, 24
28004 Madrid
Opening Hours:
Farmers Market (1st Floor)
Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 3 pm
Show Cooking (2nd Floor)
Monday to Sunday: 11 am – midnight
Rooftop Restaurant (3rd Floor)
Sunday to Thursday: 10 am to midnight
Friday & Saturday: 10 am to 1:30 am
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Much like Mercado de San Antón and Mercado de San Miguel, the Mercado de San Ildefonso is a foodies’ haven. Except that in this case they skip almost altogether the food market and go straight to the food court and bar part of the deal. A market-meets-bar-meets-event-venue sort of place, which with more than 1200 visitors per week seems to be working out well.
The 18 different food stands and 3 bars are spread through a 3-storey building in the centre of Madrid with 2 terraces and the coolest toilets I’ve ever seen. The Mercado de San Ildefonso is full of neat neon signs and the very best of hipster decor. This makes this market the perfect place for hip, trendy design lovers and anyone who loves the most up to date locations.
To all the Instagrammers out there, and well everyone else too, this market is worth a visit!
The Mercado de San Ildefonso is also the perfect place for after-work drinks and tapas, or an evening out with friends. It is not only ideally located in the heart of the city but also has a parking garage and they host regular events. Could it get any better? Yes, of course! They are socially conscious. The Mercado de San Ildefonso collaborates with various NGO and hosts regular charity and solidarity evenings. Changing the world a “grain of sand” at a time!
You can find them in C/ Fuencarral 57, 28004 Madrid during their opening hours (Mon-Wed: 12:00 – 00:00, Thu-Sat: 12:00 – 01:00 & Sun: 12:00 – 00:00), and online on their website and social media channels (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube) 24/7.
Madrid has a lot of incredibly chic markets to offer. And even though I can highly recommend these three, each neighbourhood in Madrid has its own take on the food market. That being said, I can highly suggest that you go out to explore the area where you’re staying because you surely will find something worth your time. Oh and don’t forget to let me know if you find or know of one that I should add to this list! Stay tuned!!
