Lavapiés Shopping Walk (Self Guided), Madrid

To shop in the Lavapiés neighborhood is to enjoy an exciting and eclectic experience in a part of the city known as a melting pot of cultures. The diverse backgrounds are reflected in the sheer variety of goods on offer and in the food and drink you will find on the restaurant tables. There is a plethora of independent boutiques and among them is a mix of traditional Spanish shops.

If you are here on a Sunday or public holiday, investigate the stalls of El Rastro, the most popular flea market in Spain. There are hundreds of stalls filling the streets where you can buy clothes, jewelry, handbags, electronic goods, toys and much more. The range is simply astonishing. Many of the products are brand new, but you will also be able to find some secondhand bargains. Another popular marketplace is Mercado de San Fernando. It is known for its curios and cheap products as well as the bars that sell local Spanish wines. Stop for a revitalizing glass or two. Another good place for some refreshments is Gaudeamus Café, which sits atop a ruined church. In addition to the great shopping, Lavapiés provides a glimpse into a type of housing that is characteristic of old Madrid. This is La Corrala building, a fine example of a traditional tenement block.