El Rastro
El Rastro · Madrid
Por Spain ·
It is Madrid’s most popular open-air market and one of the oldest, with its origins dating back to the 15th century. Situated in the area around Calle Ribera de Curtidores, it is a must-visit on Sunday and bank holiday mornings.
On these days, more than 1,000 street vendors offer visitors all manner of goods: trinkets, second-hand and bargain-priced clothing, antiques, crafts, books and records…
A unique atmosphere is created by tourists and locals alike, who make the most of their visit to shop and enjoy the tradition of ‘going for tapas’.
The market covers a large area bounded by Toledo, Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo streets, in what is known as the Rastro neighbourhood.
One of the most popular routes when visiting is to walk from the top (the popular Plaza de Cascorro) down to the bottom (the Madrid-Puerta de Toledo university campus).Visitors can pick up antiques and all sorts of curious items (puppets, comics from every era, old radios and clocks, handcrafted fans) and explore ‘themed streets’ such as San Cayetano, known as ‘the Painters’ Street’, as its shops are filled with oil paintings, watercolours and reproductions of great works of art.
As Madrid’s quintessential market, it offers a rich mix of cultures alongside traditional features such as the wafer sellers and the organist who sets the mood with chotis music. El Rastro is also renowned for its bars and taverns, where it is customary to enjoy a few beers accompanied by tapas.
More at spain.info
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