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EL RASTROThe sheer size of the El Rastro market demands a dedicated page on Madrid guide Spain. What could be better than browsing Europes largest outdoor market in the centre of historic Madrid? Whilst we can not hope to include eveything available our quick El Rastro guide will make sure you get the best of what is a Sunday morning institution!
The El Rastro experience!El Rastro is a series of winding streets passing though what is the oldest residential part of Madrid and this network of randomly networked streets contain the market. Although there is a main street dedicated to Market stalls (predominately clothing) the side streets contain the real treasures. Starting at either Metro La Latina or Plaza Mayor follow the crowds heading downhill towards Puerta de Toledo (you cannot see the Puerta so follow the signs). Within 50m & 200m respectively you will find yourself shoulder to shoulder with what appears to be half of Madrid. Everyone enters for the main thoroughfare but you will quickly end up in one of the side streets as you continuously catch something from the corner of your eye that has to be "checked out".
Residents Tip: Keep an eye on your wallet or purse and if taking a backpack wear it on your front. Pickpockets, although not numerous, have been known to operate in the busy market environment. Whilst not organised to any obvious pattern a rough rule of thumb is:
Throughout the market shops located in this area open their doors or in some cases their goods spill out onto the street. This is particularly true of the Antiques and second hand goods area. Prices are not fixed so you will need the phrase: ¿Cuanto cuesta? - kwan-to kwes-tah - How much is it The stall holder will normally answer with an English number. 99% of the time this does not mean that they understand English but is more than likely what they remember from school. Trying to bargain is acceptable at all stalls although some stallholders will maintain their previous price and in reality have fixed prices.
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