Back to Madrid with Béa a.k.a. Con Botas de Agua, who took us for a stroll in the antiques & fleamarkets district. This is an area she’s known ever since childhood, when she still scoured it for collector cards. It has evolved organically into what it is today, preserving its charm of yore. This time around it is up to her daughters Lola & Martina to discover and experience this magical place themselves.
El Rastro is a fleamarket that is spread all over Madrid’s city center, in and around the Lavapies neighborhood. It is a true phenomenon in Madrid, taking place every Sunday morning until 2 pm and on official holidays. Hundreds of stalls can be found selling all sorts of things: clothes, accessories, furniture, bikes etc.
Next to being Madrid’s best outdoor market, it’s also a crossroads of cultures where you can still bump into authentic characters such as the local waffle vendors and barrel-organ players, with their unique Scottish flair. The El Rastro is also well known for its many bars and taverns, where the ideal plan is to get a few canas or beers, along with some tapas of course.
Béa’s favorites:
La Casa Josephine, Decoration store, Calle Santa Ana 15
Vacui, Antic store Calle Santa Ana 9
Igloo, Vintage store, Calle Santa Ana 8
Reno, furniture store, Calle Alta 7
Portici, furniture store, Calle Carnero 10
La China Mandarina, Restaurant, La Plaza Del Cascorro 17
" The El Rastro is also well known for its many bars and taverns, where the ideal plan is to get a few canas or beers, along with some tapas of course "
If you’d like to discover El Rastro yourself, we recommended you to do so in Spring (May) or Autumn (October) to avoid heatwaves or cold winters. During these seasons temperatures are mild and there’s less tourists.
Another recommendation is El Festival de Otono (“the Autumn festival”), in October & November when musicians from all over Europe and South-America gather here to play all sorts of music in front of large crowds.
In May there’s always tons of cultural activity along with a festive atmosphere, due to the San Isidro Festival, one of Madrid’s biggest events, which runs during 4 weeks. There are craft fairs, fashion shows and parties in honor of the city’s patron saint.
