It’s Sunday in Madrid, Rastro Day!
Madrid is a city full of contrasts, and one of them is undoubtedly El Rastro. Whether you live in Madrid or are just visiting on vacation and your Sunday plan is to sleep in and stay home watching TV, remember that there are plenty of fascinating things outside that you’d be missing.
The internationally renowned Rastro de Madrid is an open-air market held every Sunday and on public holidays in Madrid’s historic center, in the popular La Latina neighborhood. This market has more than 400 years of history, offering everything from everyday items to the most curious, antique, and eye-catching objects you can imagine. The market is set along the Ribera de Curtidores, a steep street where hundreds of stalls stretch out selling everything from antique corkscrews to dreamy furniture, lamps, and chandeliers, old movies and books, even vintage clothing and fashion items, all within a unique and entertaining atmosphere.
The history of this market dates back to around 1667 and has been documented since 1740. It originally formed in what was the old slaughterhouse. In fact, its name, “Rastro,” may have two origins: one is that in the 16th century, rastro was synonymous with a butcher shop or slaughterhouse, and the other is that it referred to the blood trail left in the streetswhen transporting animals from the slaughterhouse to the tanneries.
A Sunday morning with good weather is all you need to enjoy one of the favorite pastimes of Madrileños and visitors alike: explore the Rastro, browse the stalls and shops, and why not, take something home (XD)… The market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Many streets and squares have, by tradition or by the concentration of specialized stalls, a particular type of product.
Fray Ceferino González Street, known as Calle de Los Pájaros (Street of Birds), was historically the place for selling pets and birds, as well as care items. Today, animals are sold only in the remaining pet shops on the street.
Plaza de Cascorro specializes in underground clothing and accessories.
Rodas Street and the squares General Vara del Rey (formerly Antonio Zozaya Square) and Campillo del Mundo Nuevo are specialized in buying and selling magazines, trading cards, prints, and collectible games, among others.
San Cayetano Street, also known as Calle de Los Pintores (Street of the Painters), is lined with shops selling oils, paintings, illustrations, and art supplies.
Along Ronda de Toledo, since the mid-20th century, music, records, vinyls, and more are commonly sold.
Plaza del General Vara del Rey also has numerous second-hand clothing stalls.
Calle del Carnero and Carlos Arniches Street are known for antique, used, or collectible books.
PROGRAMA UN TOUR CONMIGO
Walking down the Ribera de Curtidores can be considered the climax of the market; and you can do it in two ways: go with the flow like a salmon, or stop at the various stalls along the way—just be careful, or the crowd of tourists and locals will carry you along. Both ways are valid and equally fun.
Haggling at the street stalls is typical of this market, so if you think you can lower the price, go for it—you have nothing to lose. But be careful in shops, where the price is usually fixed and discounts are uncommon.
The atmosphere is incredibly lively, and you can also visit restaurants and bars along the market, with a diverse culinary offer, from traditional “tostas” with cod, octopus, cheeses, ham, and everything you can imagine.
If you decide to visit and enjoy a good time among its streets and stalls, my main advice is to wear comfortable clothing and shoes and keep your valuables secure.
Even outside market days, these streets are full of life thanks to their antique shops, restaurants, bars, and various stores, so if you prefer to avoid crowds, visiting during the week offers a very different experience.