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We’re going to the market today! But we are not going to eat tapas in one of the many gastronomic markets that bud in Madrid nor to do the purchase of the week. Today we propose to do something different.
Let’s visit an alternative design market.
Wooden straws, recycled clothing, cardboard furniture, artisan jewellery, second-hand items and vintage decoration… In the design markets of Madrid we will find innovation and a lot of creative spirit”
Most of Madrid’s design markets are located in areas of tourist interest so, as long as you are not very fair on time, it is a good idea to approach The walk will be worth it and you will have the opportunity to feel another Madrid. The design markets in Madrid are becoming more popular every day and have become a cultural and leisure bet that includes, in addition to the market itself, parallel activities, music, workshops and gastronomic space.
Matadero Design Market
A market in a very stylish old slaughterhouse
Matadero Cultural Center: Paseo de la Chopera 14 (Legazpi metro)
One weekend a month. All day. 3 euro ticket
The former Matadero of Madrid and an example of the industrial architecture of the nineteenth century is today a huge cultural center where many artistic disciplines and cultural events. The pavilions that once hosted sheep, cows or pigs are now home to theatres, cinemas, cafes, concert and exhibition halls, libraries and multipurpose spaces.
As if that were not enough, Matadero also hosts the Spain’s largest design market. Designers and artists meet one weekend a month to make quality design accessible and close. Clothing, accessories, jewelry and furniture sold by the same designer and without any kind of intermediaries!
And for those who want to pause among the more than 160 designers that usually meet: there are also concerts,a bar and an outdoor area full of foodtrucks
A word of advice! Matadero is located on the banks of the Manzanares River and very close to the beautiful and lively park of Arganzuela. Do not hesitate to take a slight walk to enjoy it.
Motor Market.
A market between old trains
Railway Museum: Paseo de las Delicias 61 (metro Delicias)
One weekend a month. All day. Free admission
Located in an old train station of the nineteenth century that is today a Railway Museum,the Motor Market is one of our favorites because it has a unique charm. Once a month it brings together independent designer shops, vintage boutiques,the latest in decoration and craftsmanship. It also has a gastronomic space and numerous musical performances.
We advise you to go early to avoid the agglomeration at the entrance, as it reaches its maximum peak at about 12 am. However, at the same time it is at the same time when more life and music there is. . In the outdoor area you can also buy second-hand items in flea market-style stalls.
It is common to see a photo shoot held (not in vain has been the setting for such well-known films as Doctor Zhivago or Panic in the Trans-Siberian) in a place with so much history. You can explore the railway museum and go on to browse old disused trains. For the most amateurs, don’t miss the newly restored automobile of Zaragoza. Kids will love it !
Frog Market
Madrid’s Candem Town
Neighborhood of letters (sol or Antón Martin metro)
First Saturday of the month All day. Free
The frog market is a big unknown to much of Madrid. Following in the wake of street markets such as Candem Town, the Frog Market, take to the streets the usual establishments of the neighborhood.
Located in the well-known and central district of letters,the market does not have a specific location but encompasses the entire area. While you can discover the area and the stalls at your own speed, we definitely recommend you to cross the streets Cervantes, Lope de Vega,Huertas,Santa María, Moratín and San Pedro because they concentrate most of the workshops, antique shops and art galleries.
We recommend planning your visit to the area and matching it if you can, with the realization of the market. Street performers, theatrical tours, tapas bars and plenty of atmosphere await you.
Where does the name Frog Market come from?
The Market originally emerges in a street that was formerly called “Cantarranas Street (where frogs sing)” due to the number of frogs present in the ponds of the area.
The design markets in Madrid are a local experience and a good way to discover the city
Malamarket
A modern neighbourhood for a very alternative market
Plaza del Dos de Mayo – (metro Tribunal)
First Saturday of the month All Day Free
The neighborhood of Malasaña is characterized by its marked atmosphere and style. Once an old traditional neighborhood, Malasaña was one of the first neighborhoods in Madrid to suffer the so-called “gentrification”. In recent years the neighborhood has seen the original trade and settlers of the place disappear to become a hipster and modern area.
The design markets in Madrid have become more and more popular and have ended up becoming a cultural and leisure alternative, which often includes parallel activities such as concerts, workshops and gastronomic spaces.
Its picturesque facades,its stylish cafes and bars,its art galleries and vintage shops are today its greatest hallmarks Exploring the neighborhood is worth it. Every first Saturday of the month, a popular market of unique second-hand items is held in Plaza Dos de Mayo.
Every first Saturday of the month, a popular market of unique second-hand items is held in Plaza Dos de Mayo. You can find vintage clothes and original designs both in the small stalls that are located in the center of the square and in the shops of the surrounding streets.
The Malamarket is one of the smallest street markets but has no loss for its unbeatable location. In the market, they usually schedule parallel activities, acoustic concerts, children’s workshops, chess tournaments, dance exhibitions and even flower auctions.
Nomad market.
A design market in a classic food market
Barley Market (La Latina metro)
4 editions a year All Day Free
La Latina is a neighborhood with a lot of atmosphere and is full of markets. It is part of ancient Madrid and is a must when visiting the Spanish capital. Old churches, wonderful squares and narrow forgotten alleys will make you feel in a small village Both the Nomada Market and the well-known Rastro meet here.
Located in the Barley Market,the Nomad market is one of the most emerging alternative markets. During all its editions (which are 4 years) this independent fair hosts activities, exhibitions, gastronomic spaces and live music.
On the ground floor of the market you can enjoy culinary delights, market to use, bars in shops, dishes cooked in the stalls or typical Madrid food.
On the second floor you will find the design market and a multitude of activities: a photocall, diy workshops and even several events for children. . The Nomada Market is one of the most kids friendly markets, having an area reserved for the little ones.
On one side of the market there is also a square self-managed by the neighbors of the neighborhood (we talk about it in our post about the Insólito Madrid)that hosts all kinds of cultural events, rest areas and an urban garden.
We hope that the post has been useful to plan your visit to the capital. The design markets in Madrid are a local experience and a very nice way to discover the city. Remember that you can ask us any questions you have about Madrid in our info@madridpourvous.com We are happy to lend you a hand!