Markets, flea markets and the Rastro in Madrid

Rastro Market in Madrid

Flea markets are deeply rooted in centuries of history and this is one of the traditions that we can say remains faithful to its origins has been preserved over time. If we go back two hundred years ago, we will notice just a few differences between a modern flea market and an old one: noisy, crowds everywhere, sellers shouting, and all kinds of stalls… In Spain the markets have a long and popular tradition, maybe because in a flea market the products are cheaper than in the traditional shops. Madrid can boast of being one of the cities with most flea markets in Spain. In addition, it hosts the most famous flea market in the country: the Rastro Market.

The Rastro has its roots in medieval origin. Every Sunday and festive morning, between 9 and 2, thousands of street stalls shape the biggest market in Spain. There is no tourist or Madrileño who hasn’t heard of it. Unlike conventional retailers, in a market you never really know what you are going to find, let alone in this gigantic one. In this market you can buy the most absurd junk, to clothes, food, books, paintings or antiques … In addition, a visit to the Rastro is like visiting the heart of Madrid. In its streets you’ll find a mix of the most authentic and emblematic traditions of the city.

Every Sunday more than 100,000 people go to buy and stroll through the Rastro streets. Besides being a market of international reputation, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the capital. Its reputation has become known so much, that it belongs to Madrid’s Cultural Heritage.

But the Rastro market is not the only unique and important flea market in Spain. Els Encants flea market is

the equivalent of the Catalan Rastro. The Boquería market is very important too although this is the most famous food market in Spain. Other markets have become known for specializing in just one product, such as stamps, coins, antiques or books.

There are some traditions that fortunately remain imperishable: this is the case of the markets and flea
markets. This old fashioned and original way of buying goods has established itself as an
escape route to the cold and pompous way of the commercial world we have become accustomed to.

Come to the Spanish capital and visit the Rastro Market, but before you come you should look out for some apartments in Madrid. Enjoy the city!

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