It may not be on the top of
your list when you think of shopping travel destinations, but Madrid has
the best of Spain to offer in its shops. If you are looking for upscale
chic shopping experiences, there are a number of exclusive shops available
in the city. If more organic shopping is your style, there are flea market
atmospheres or a number of quaint antique shops available for perusing.
The main shopping area in
Madrid is the Gran Via. This street is full of shops that seemingly never
close. Even when the night life kicks up, there is still shopping to be
done in this area in many of the stalls around the Plaza Mayor. A word
of caution, make sure you know how to bargain. Some of these booths are
just looking to make a buck off those in the tourism market and are selling
the same tourist junk you can buy at any airport kiosk. Look around, and
look for a good deal.
If you love the idea of shopping
in the open air visit El Rastro, the massive outdoor flea market in Madrid.
In addition to the same touristy things you expect to find everywhere,
there are treasures to be found including jewelry, old books, clothes and
antiques that need new homes. If you are in the area on a Sunday there
is also a coin and stamp fair nearby.
Check out the La Latina Metro
Stop. This is located between the Ronda De Toledo and the Plaza de Cascorro
and Ronda de Toledo. You will know you are there when you see the massive
Eloy Gonzalo statue in the center of Cascorro Square.
This place is packed on the
weekends, as it is a travel destination, but while the crowds are big,
so are the deals to be had! There are many, many shopping opportunities.
There is also some shopping potential during the week, but not nearly as
lively an experience as on the weekend.
Want the latest in style
and fashion? Then you want the Alcalá area. You will be able to
roam from boutique to boutique filled with dresses, shoes, and all the
latest accessories. If you are using the metro as your transport, get off
at the Sol or Sevilla.
Another fancy shopping destination
is Calle Serrano. This street is full of the finest in shopping including
art, gifts and a variety of designer clothing items. You can find a precious
gift for yourself, and don't forget to get something for those back at
home that were not lucky enough to be vacationing in Madrid.
The high fashion shopping
in Madrid is not just for women. Both genders of the tourism market are
appreciated where fashion is concerned. The Calle Princessa, which can
be accessed by the Argüelles and Ventura Rodríguez metro stops,
is lined with a number of men's boutiques selling suits, accessories and
shoes for the classiest of men.
For a quaint shopping experience,
try the Calle Preciados. It is a shopping area that is only accessible
by walking. To get there, take the Metro to Sol.
Finally get a real feel of
Spain at the Mercado de San Miguel. This was once just a fish market, but
now it offers a wide variety of foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and
other delectable items to experience.
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About the Author
The magazine writer Kurt
Schefken is especially interested in themes corresponding to Benidorm.
You might come across his publications on Madrid and gandia over at http://www.alicante-spain.com |
