El Rastro, Madrid

Name: El Rastro
Address: Plaza de Cascorro, Madrid, 28005, Spain

#32 among attractions in Madrid

Shopping, Market, Flea market

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lmbuga / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tamorlan / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tamorlan / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lmbuga / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Alberto Salguero / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lmbuga / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Discasto / URL

Facts and practical information

El Rastro is Madrid's most iconic open-air flea market and a staple of the city's cultural fabric. Nestled in the historic neighborhood of the same name, this bustling market comes alive every Sunday and public holiday, transforming the streets into a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing, and unique collectibles.

With origins dating back to the medieval era, El Rastro has evolved into a vibrant, eclectic marketplace that mirrors the diversity and energy of Madrid itself. The market sprawls from Plaza de Cascorro, with vendors lining the winding streets of Ribera de Curtidores, all the way to Ronda de Toledo. It is not just a place to shop; it is a cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the local way of life.

Visitors to El Rastro will find an array of items, from vinyl records and handmade jewelry to furniture and artwork. The market is also an excellent spot for those looking to purchase traditional Spanish items such as handcrafted fans, flamenco attire, and ceramic tiles. Bargain hunters and collectors will delight in the opportunity to haggle with vendors over a rare find or a quirky souvenir.

Apart from the main thoroughfare, the adjacent side streets are home to permanent shops that open their doors to the influx of market-goers, offering a more curated selection of goods. These boutiques and galleries cater to an array of tastes, ensuring that everyone leaves with something special.

El Rastro is not just about shopping; it's a social hub where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Street performers and musicians add to the lively ambiance, and the surrounding bars and cafes are perfect for enjoying a mid-morning tapa and a ‘caña’ (small beer) while soaking in the market's lively spirit.

Operating hours for El Rastro are typically from around 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and it is advisable to arrive early to beat the crowds and find the best deals. As with any popular tourist destination, visitors should be mindful of their belongings due to the bustling crowds.

Local name: El Rastro de Madrid Coordinates: 40°24'34"N, 3°42'26"W

Address

Plaza de CascorroCentro Madrid (Embajadores)Madrid 28005 Spain

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Madrid

Day trips

El Rastro – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Lavapiés, Monument to Eloy Gonzalo, Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, St. Michael's Basilica.

~1760 ftE
Nightlife, Dancing, Entertainment district
Lavapiés, Madrid
9 min walk • In the heart of Madrid lies Lavapiés, an eclectic and vibrant entertainment district that pulsates with life and culture. Known for its steep streets and colorful facades, this neighborhood offers an immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Madrid's social...
~310 ftN
Monuments and statues
Monument to Eloy Gonzalo, Madrid
2 min walk • In the heart of Madrid, the Monument to Eloy Gonzalo stands as a testament to the bravery of a Spanish hero. Located in the bustling Cascorro Square, this statue honors Eloy Gonzalo, a soldier known for his valor during the Cuban War of Independence.
0.4 miW
1700s place of worship with painted dome
Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, Madrid
11 min walk • The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great is a Roman Catholic church in central Madrid, Spain, located in the neighborhood of Palacio.
~1950 ftN
Baroque architecture, Church, Sacred and religious sites
St. Michael's Basilica, Madrid
10 min walk • The Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael is a baroque Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in central Madrid, Spain. It is located in San Justo Street, adjacent to the Archbishop's Palace. It is the church of the Apostolic Nunciature to the Kingdom of Spain of the Holy See and is now administrated by the priests of Opus Dei.
~1360 ftNE
Square
Plaza de Tirso de Molina, Madrid
7 min walk • The plaza de Tirso de Molina is a public square in the city of Madrid, Spain.
0.4 miNW
Palace
Casa de Cisneros, Madrid
10 min walk • The Casa Cisneros is a palace located on the Plaza de la Villa in Madrid, Spain. Built in Plateresque style in 1537, at the request of Benito Jiménez de Cisneros, a 16th-century architect and nephew of Cardinal Cisneros, in honor it is named.
~1810 ftSW
Commemorative gate completed in 1827
Puerta de Toledo, Madrid
9 min walk • The Puerta de Toledo is a gate located in Madrid, Spain. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1996. Construction began in 1812, but was not completed until 1827. It was one of the nineteen city gates within the Walls of Philip IV. Puerta de Toledo metro station in on Line 5 of the Madrid Metro.
~1660 ftSE
Museum, Event space, Art gallery
La Tabacalera de Lavapiés, Madrid
9 min walk • Tabacalera de Lavapiés or Centro Social Autogestionado La Tabacalera de Lavapiés is a well-known cultural and social center in Madrid, Spain. It consists of a large set of connected buildings in the central neighbourhood of Lavapiés.
~1390 ftNW
Baroque architecture, Church, Sacred and religious sites
Cervecería San Andrés, Madrid
7 min walk • The Church de San Andrés is a church in Madrid, Spain. It was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1995. It was built using the ruins that had a previous church in the same place.
~1300 ftE
Neighbourhood
Embajadores, Madrid
7 min walk • Embajadores is an administrative neighborhood of Madrid, belonging to the Centro District.
~1280 ftN
Baroque architecture, Church
Collegiate church of San Isidro, Madrid
7 min walk • The church of San Isidro el Real, also known as the colegiata or collegiate church of San Isidore, is a Baroque building in the centre of Madrid, Spain. It is named after and holds the remains of the patron saint of Madrid, Isidore the Laborer, and his wife Santa María de la Cabeza.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to El Rastro?

Nearby attractions include Monument to Eloy Gonzalo, Madrid (2 min walk), Teatro Pavón, Madrid (2 min walk), San Cayetano Church, Madrid (3 min walk), Calle de Toledo, Madrid (4 min walk).

How to get to El Rastro by public transport?

The nearest stations to El Rastro:

Bus

Embajadores - Cabestreros • Lines: M1 (3 min walk)
Pza. de Cascorro • Lines: M1 (3 min walk)

Metro

La Latina • Lines: L5 (4 min walk)
Tirso de Molina • Lines: L1 (7 min walk)

Train

Embajadores (10 min walk)
Pirámides (14 min walk)