El Rastro Market in Madrid

The biggest Flea Market in Europe!

The first time I heard about El Rastro Market was because of a friend living in Madrid.
She told me the funniest nights in Madrid are used to end with a big breakfast on Sunday morning and a tour at El Rastro Market!

When I was there, I simply visited the Market in the morning, before my lunch around La Latina district. And for sure it worths to spend two hours there.  
It is said the name derives from the fact that cattle from Madrid's abattoir were transported to nearby tanneries located in Ribera de Curtidores street and left a trail ("rastro" in Spanish) of blood on the streets.

Now it's a colorful, huge flea market. Every Sunday at 9 a.m. hundreds of posts are set up around Calle Ribera de Curtidores. They are visited by a large amount of “madrileños” and tourists. All types of new and second hand articles are sold!

Said to be the largest flea market in Europe with up to 3500 different stalls, it extends through several streets in one of the city's oldest working-class neighborhoods.

There are bargains in everything from furniture to clothing, together with souvenirs and a wide range of other goods. Antique shops also line the surrounding streets and remain open on Sundays to take advantage of the market's lively crowds and wonderful atmosphere.

Remember: never pay the price initially asked!
This is an experience not to be missed. When the stalls close in mid-afternoon, it's time of beer and tapas and a crowd of people fill bars and restaurants in the area.

Get a look!

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