Madrid guide - Shopping
Madrid is a cosmopolitan city, where the visitor can find all kind of things, where the modern blends perfectly with the classic and traditional elements. Any visitor to Madrid should not miss a stroll through the famous “Rastro”, a huge, outdoor market that takes place each Sunday in “el Barrio de la Latina”, (Cascorro Street), where the visitor to Madrid can find practically anything from clothes, to antiques, to animals; you can also enjoy some typical “tapas” in a gorgeous atmosphere. The large department stores and more sophisticated shops can be found in “el Barrio de la Salamanca”, it goes from Goya Street to Ortega Street, and includes streets Gasset, Serrano and Velázquez. For slightly “funkier” trends and fashion, the “Chueca Barrio” with has all sorts of fantastic shops is highly recommendable.
Shopping
Opening Hours -- Normal opening hours for stores are, from Monday to Saturday, from 10.00 to 14.30 and from 17.00 to 20.30/21.00, although many stores do not close for lunch. All shops are closed on Sundays, with the exception of the first Sunday of every month, when the shops do open…
Magazines and Newspapers -- Most newsagents in the touristy areas, such as Gran Via, Plaza de la Independencia, Puerta del Sol, etc, carry all the international newspapers, magazines, etc. There is also a variety of VIPS shops, which open all day, and sell international press. The large FNAC store on Plaza de Callao also sells a good variety of literature with a good English and French section.
Interesting places--
Mercado de Fuencarral; address Calle Fuencarral 45: For the more avant-garde and daring personalities of the young and older generations…Even if you don’t consider yourself part of the “avant-garde” crowd it is definitely worth a visit. There is so much on offer, from clothes, to tattoo artists, hairdressers, concerts, etc...
The Municipal Museum Shop; address Calle Fuencarral 78, Malasaña. Metro stop Tribunal: Here the tourist can find great gifts, books, music; all items are good quality and a true souvenir of the city.