Recommended shops The ten best shopping streets in Madrid
The new shopping routes of the Spanish capital
León, hub of the latest trends
In the heart of the Barrio de Las Letras, Calle del León is perfect if you’re after the trendiest finds. From a sustainable handbag made from recycled leather—like those designed and created by Walk With Me—to dresses from emerging designers at La Intrusa… or from the vinyls sold at La Integral to the fresh flowers, designer jewelry and artistic clothing at Adhoc.
Doctor Fourquet, the street of art
Lavapiés is a multicultural neighborhood with one of the greatest concentrations of art in Madrid. Just one of its streets, Calle del Doctor Fourquet, plays host to some fifteen contemporary art galleries. An essential attraction for art aficionados and collectors, this street covers all the bases, from sculpture to painting and drawing. Helga de Alvear, Alegría and Espacio Mínimo are just a few of the galleries you’ll find here. Nearby is the area known as Madrid’s triangle of art, comprising the Reina Sofía, Thyssen and Prado museums.
Serrano: luxury and exclusivity
Madrid’s Golden Mile exists, and it’s right here in the heart of the Salamanca district. It’s the most high-end shopping area in the city, featuring dozens of big-name luxury boutiques. Strolling through it, accompanied by the strong scent of sweet fragrances, is an utter delight. Here you’ll find Loewe, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Versace and more.
Velarde: vintage clothes and second-hand shops
Calle Velarde is not particularly long, but it boasts an impressive variety of shops specializing in recycled clothes and vintage accessories. Williamsburg is a paradise for lovers of period fashion, featuring the kinds of dresses adored by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker. But not everything revolves around clothes; there are also places to buy antiques, such as La Mona Checa.
Corredera de San Pablo: the whole package
All of the streets in Malasaña, currently the city’s most alternative neighborhood, hide one gem or another in the form of an unusual, original or specialized shop. But there’s one street you shouldn’t miss when exploring the area: Corredera de San Pablo. Actually, split into two streets (Alta and Baja), Corredera de San Pablo has something for everyone: from fashion and accessories to home decor, trendy hair salons and even exclusive hat shops. If we had to choose just two stores to explore here, there would be no competition: El Moderno and Rughara. Visit them and find out why.
Fernando VI: from flowers to pastries
All year round, this street in Barrio de Las Salesas is swimming in the scent of fresh flowers. Why? The answer lies in two shops that dominate the street: Margarita Se Llama Mi Amor and Cacto Cacto. It’s impossible not to gaze at these stores as you walk past, much less to resist buying something—even if it’s just a flowerpot. But the true tests of temptation are the pastry shops, Mamá Framboise and La Duquesita. It’s a sin to walk past without trying the tarts of the former or the croissants of the latter.
Pelayo: put your best face forward
If you want to take care of yourself inside and out, check out the beauty salons on this street in Chueca. Con Calma and Blow Dry Bar are two ateliers that promote natural, organic cosmetics. Casa González & González also offers natural and authentic home design products—a trade of days gone by—with unique yet practical pieces brought in from all over the world.
Barquillo: the street for fashion
Window displays from exclusive labels, young creators and designer brands coexist on this Barrio de Las Salesas street, also known as the new “Soho” of Madrid. In just a short space of time, this area has become inundated with spots like Árbol Shop, the designer and urban apparel boutique that everyone’s talking about, and Mott, a store that exudes French elegance and simplicity. Stepping inside, even just to look around, is a treat.
Santa Ana: the spirit of the Rastro
Who hasn’t heard of Madrid’s most famous flea market? Beyond the celebrated Sunday shopping ritual of El Rastro, Calle Ribera de Curtidores is an antique hunter’s heaven every day of the week (Galerías Piquer is a classic). It’s also home to multiple restoration and design workshops that have gained well-deserved fame. But suddenly and inconspicuously, a nearby street has made a strong comeback, and it’s stealing the attention of those in search of relics and antique treasures. This is Santa Ana, the most popular street for vintage clothes and budding businesses that, in no time at all, will make their mark on the Madrid shopping scene.
With around 11 million tourists and over 4.5 million overnight stays a year, Madrid has established itself as one of the 10 most visited destinations in Europe. This fact is not surprising at all, if we consider that it is one of the cities with more leisure opportunities and social life in the whole world, according to a recent study. In addition, the city offers enormous range of historical and cultural attractions.
