Madrid is a diverse city livened with history, art and gastronomy. Although heavy in meat, cheese and seafood, vegetarians don’t fret, as there is plenty of meat-free options to discover. If you’re looking for the quintessential Spanish foodie experience, look no further than these five food markets in Madrid.
Mercado de San Miguel
This historic glass building is not to be missed while in Madrid. It’s my favorite and one of the most memorable spots in Madrid. Located near Plaza Mayor, this market sells everything from fresh fruit to sangrias to homemade sweets. And the sweets are a must like the white chocolate pistachio baklava. Here you’ll find the rare like cava and the weird like stuff sea urchins. If it’s your first time in Spain, try the meringue and the Spanish strawberries (together is nice, separate is optional). You won’t regret it. Whatever your palate fancies, come hungry, and be sure to admire this wrought iron-framed, reflective-glass Mercado as it underwent six years of renovation.
Location: Plaza de San Miguel
This historic glass building is not to be missed while in Madrid. It’s my favorite and one of the most memorable spots in Madrid. Located near Plaza Mayor, this market sells everything from fresh fruit to sangrias to homemade sweets. And the sweets are a must like the white chocolate pistachio baklava. Here you’ll find the rare like cava and the weird like stuff sea urchins. If it’s your first time in Spain, try the meringue and the Spanish strawberries (together is nice, separate is optional). You won’t regret it. Whatever your palate fancies, come hungry, and be sure to admire this wrought iron-framed, reflective-glass Mercado as it underwent six years of renovation.
Location: Plaza de San Miguel
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Located in the Malasaña neighborhood, this market occupies the space of a previous market that closed in 1970. Unlike Mercado de San Miguel, this is not a grocery store market but rather a foodie paradise consisting of 18 stalls and three bars dispersed amongst three floors. Hip, modern and chic, this market features an annual summer street food festival, serving the best of international cuisine. Like everything in Spain, this market opens and closes late, 10am – 1am.
Location: Calle Fuencarral 57
Located in the Malasaña neighborhood, this market occupies the space of a previous market that closed in 1970. Unlike Mercado de San Miguel, this is not a grocery store market but rather a foodie paradise consisting of 18 stalls and three bars dispersed amongst three floors. Hip, modern and chic, this market features an annual summer street food festival, serving the best of international cuisine. Like everything in Spain, this market opens and closes late, 10am – 1am.
Location: Calle Fuencarral 57
Mallorca Market
The original shop, Pastelería Mallorca, has operated since 1931. In the 2011, the old transformed into something new, the Mallorca Market. The market adopted concepts of the old Pastelería Mallorca to fuse a bakery, delicatessen, restaurant and gourmet market. It’s like the Spanish version of the one-stop shop, Whole Foods, but equipped with a garden patio and a real restaurant. This market is elegant and classy so shop in style.
Location: Calle de Génova 12
The original shop, Pastelería Mallorca, has operated since 1931. In the 2011, the old transformed into something new, the Mallorca Market. The market adopted concepts of the old Pastelería Mallorca to fuse a bakery, delicatessen, restaurant and gourmet market. It’s like the Spanish version of the one-stop shop, Whole Foods, but equipped with a garden patio and a real restaurant. This market is elegant and classy so shop in style.
Location: Calle de Génova 12
Mercado San Antón
Located in the vibrant Chueca neighborhood, this five-story market is a foodie and tapas paradise. Discover regional Spanish specialties such as olive oil and local favorites such as the cider. The top floor contains a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the city. A popular spot, you’ll find tourists and locals alike intermingling and enjoying the Spanish sun.
Location: Calle Augusto Figueroa 24
Located in the vibrant Chueca neighborhood, this five-story market is a foodie and tapas paradise. Discover regional Spanish specialties such as olive oil and local favorites such as the cider. The top floor contains a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the city. A popular spot, you’ll find tourists and locals alike intermingling and enjoying the Spanish sun.
Location: Calle Augusto Figueroa 24
Mercado de Maravillas
Open since 1942, this is the largest municipal market in Europe. Two hundred stalls sell local, regional and worldly specialties from fruit to spices to Spanish staples. Visitors find South American favorites such as Inka Kola, a Peruvian soft drink. It’s the perfect market to grab a snack or food for breakfast. The market also features cafes and restaurants. Don’t skip the paella stalls.
Location: Calle Bravo Murillo, 122
Open since 1942, this is the largest municipal market in Europe. Two hundred stalls sell local, regional and worldly specialties from fruit to spices to Spanish staples. Visitors find South American favorites such as Inka Kola, a Peruvian soft drink. It’s the perfect market to grab a snack or food for breakfast. The market also features cafes and restaurants. Don’t skip the paella stalls.
Location: Calle Bravo Murillo, 122
Must Try Veg-Friendly Market Foods While in Spain
Everyone who travels to Spain finds a soft spot for the tapas lifestyle. It’s a fun way to explore different types of finger food, “family style.” Although Spain is vegetarian-friendly, it’s not always vegan-friendly, unless you seek refuge in a vegan-only restaurant. The market is a gateway to Spain’s culinary history and gives you an insight of the Spanish culture. Here is a list of my favorite Spanish foods found at the markets.
-Meringue (or Meringue Cake)
-Spanish Strawberries
-Patatas Bravas
-Spanish Omelet (egg and potato)
-Chocolate Sweets
-Sangria
-Spanish Wine
-Citrus Fruit
-Baguette with Iberico Cheese (blend of cow, goat and sheep milk) or dipped in Spanish olive oil
Stay posted in the next week for some of the best vegan restaurants in Madrid!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 5 Must Visit Food Markets in Madrid.
Everyone who travels to Spain finds a soft spot for the tapas lifestyle. It’s a fun way to explore different types of finger food, “family style.” Although Spain is vegetarian-friendly, it’s not always vegan-friendly, unless you seek refuge in a vegan-only restaurant. The market is a gateway to Spain’s culinary history and gives you an insight of the Spanish culture. Here is a list of my favorite Spanish foods found at the markets.
-Meringue (or Meringue Cake)
-Spanish Strawberries
-Patatas Bravas
-Spanish Omelet (egg and potato)
-Chocolate Sweets
-Sangria
-Spanish Wine
-Citrus Fruit
-Baguette with Iberico Cheese (blend of cow, goat and sheep milk) or dipped in Spanish olive oil
Stay posted in the next week for some of the best vegan restaurants in Madrid!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 5 Must Visit Food Markets in Madrid.
What's your favorite food market in Madrid?
RSS Feed