General Information
Opening times:
Most shops and shopping centres stay open from 10am to 8.30 or 9.30pm. The more traditional shops open from 10am to 2pm and 4.30 to 8.30pm.
Sales:
Generally speaking, the winter sales run from the second week of January to the end of February, and the summer sales from 1 July to the end of August.
How to pay:
Payment is usually in cash or by credit card, always providing your passport or other proof of ID for the latter.
Tax Free:
Non-EU residents are entitled to a full refund of the IVA (Value Added Tax) on purchases over €90.15.
In recent years, the Region of Madrid has seen a notable increase in centres that offer a wide range of both leisure and shopping opportunities. They are the best option for visitors who wish to enjoy a large number of establishments under one roof.
Such modern centres are more than just somewhere to go shopping. They are chosen by families and groups of friends alike as the meeting places of today. At most of these centres, the shopping experience is complimented by additional leisure opportunities, such as cinemas, bowling, sports facilities, discos and restaurants, making them increasingly popular venues for fun and recreation among the local population.
The largest centres are located outside the capital, in such places as Alcobendas, Arroyomolinos, Getafe and Las Rozas. Some of them specialise in retail fashion labels at discount prices, a major attraction for visitors to Madrid.
Shopping areas
GOYA AREA
Situated in the select area known as Barrio de Salamanca, Calle Goya is one of Madrid’s main shopping streets. This emblematic street is home to literally hundreds of shops and exudes a unique, exclusive ambience, a veritable showcase of luxury for those who can afford it.
Boutiques, jewellers and elite shopping centres stand amongst the more commonplace high-street fashion outlets aimed at younger shoppers, endowing the area with a high-class, yet casual, atmosphere.
Such features make Calle Goya the perfect middle ground between the exclusiveness of the “Milla de Oro” (Golden Mile), comprised of Calle Ortega, Calle Gasset and Calle Serrano, and the more conventional ambience of such streets as Calle Princesa and Calle Preciados.
Public transport
Buses: 29, 43, 61, 63, 146, 152 and 215
Metro/underground: : Goya, Lines 2 and 4, Velázquez, Line 4.
ORENSE AREA
Located in the north of the city, next to the Azca complex and close to Paseo de la Castellana, the Palacio de Congresos (Conference Centre) and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the street known as Calle Orense lies in the very heart of Madrid’s financial and business area.
The street is full of small shops, galleries and businesses, as well as many fast food establishments and cafés where visitors can relax after a busy day’s shopping.
This popular street is equally busy at mid-day as in the early evening, when thousands of nearby office workers make the most of their chance to do some shopping.
Public transport
Buses: 3, 11, 40, 66, 126, 149 and 150
Metro/underground: Nuevos Ministerios, Lines 6 and 10, Cuzco, Line 10
Regional rail: Nuevos Ministerios
PRECIADOS AREA
The shopping area that encompasses the streets Calle Preciados (which leads from Calle Callao to Puerta del Sol), Calle Carmen and several smaller, perpendicular streets, is a pedestrian-only zone. Together with Gran Vía, it is one of the busiest areas of the city and always bustling with people when the shops are open.
High-street fashion outlets, shoe shops, department stores – one of which is aimed solely at leisure and culture – and traditional establishments entice visitors to this lively part of the city, where you can also enjoy mime artists and street performers.
This bustling area, which is very close to the famous Puerta del Sol Square, is even more spectacular during the Christmas period, when it becomes one of the most popular areas for Christmas shopping for both visitors and locals alike. Shoppers flock to see the fabulous Christmas lights and decorations that adorn the entire length of the street.
Public transport
Buses: 2, 202, 3, 39, 40, 44, 46, 50, 74, 75, 133, 146, 148 and 149
Metro/underground: Sol, Lines 1, 2 and 3. Callao, Lines 3 and 5.
PRINCESA AREA
The street known as Calle de la Princesa is one of the best known shopping areas in Madrid, as well as the main thoroughfare of the Argüelles neighbourhood. The street runs from Plaza España to Plaza de la Moncloa and is lined on both sides by a large number of businesses and shops, along with many cafés, ideal for a relaxing break.
Department stores, shoe shops, Spanish fashion outlets and accessory stores are just some of the countless possibilities on offer along this ever-popular street, where you can also find restaurants, cinemas, clubs, pubs and discos.
Apart from shopping, this busy street also gives you the chance to admire some of Madrid’s most famous buildings, such as Liria Palace, home to the Duchess of Alba on her visits to the capital, and the Cerralbo Museum, situated in nearby Calle Ventura Rodríguez.
Public transport
Buses: 2, 202, 44, 74, 133 and 138.
Metro/underground: Plaza de España, Lines 3 and 10, Ventura Rodríguez, Line 3, Argüelles, Lines 3, 4 and 6, and Moncloa, Lines 3 and 6.
Open air markets
When referring to the more traditional forms of commerce in Madrid, you simply must mention what is undoubtedly the city’s street market par excellence: El Rastro. Although its medieval origins are no longer so evident, the area still creates excitement thanks to its two central axes: tradition and modernity.
Every Sunday, it becomes one of the most bustling places in the entire city, whether it’s hot or cold, in the pouring rain or under the hot August sun. El Rastro market in Madrid is a must-see for any visitor, not only for the fascinating things that you can buy there, but also the incredible amount of streets and stalls that it encompasses. Visitors to this most singular of markets can browse among antiques, second-hand items, electrical parts, clothing and all manner of collectibles, for which there is an additional area to buy and sell in nearby Plaza Mayor.
In the area around La Ribera de Curtidores, which lies between the districts of La Latina and Lavapiés, hundreds of traders set up their stalls
every Sunday and bank holiday from 9am to 2pm. And after a pleasant stroll around the market, you can conclude your visit by enjoying a drink in one of the many local bars and pubs.
Public transport
Buses: 3, 17, 23, 34, 41, 119 and 148.
Metro/underground: Embajadores, Line 3, Lavapiés, Line 3, Puerta de Toledo, Line 5 and La Latina, Line 5.
