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Don't visit El Rastro flea market for the
shopping, visit it for the true hustle and bustle of Madrid life.
As you get near the market (follow the crowds from La Latina or
Plaza Mayor metros) you will be sure that more than half of Madrid
is there! For information, El Rastro is Spanish for trail, and
that's what you see from the metro to the market
every Sunday. The principal day is Sunday although some stalls are
also open on Saturday. The market opens at around 9 a.m. and
keeps going for most of the day. It's perfectly safe to
wander round the market on a Sunday but exceptionally skilled
pickpockets patrol the area. You have been warned. |
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The El Rastro market no longer has any real bargains
although prices on the side streets are cheaper than the main
streets. The main street stalls can be recognised because they have
have proper awnings and the goods for sale are in
new condition. Work your way out to the side streets
and the goods become more clearly second hand and
often displayed on the floor. Never pay the price initially asked, especially on stalls like
the one on the left. For art and craft items bargain for a 30%
reduction in the price, the stallholders expect you to haggle. |
| The best deals to be had in the market are first in leather
goods. There are endless Moroccan stalls which offer quality bags,
wallets and the like. If your bargaining at one stall is not
successful, don't despair, there are probably ten
more stalls just a minute's walk away selling
exactly the same goods. Don't take El Rastro
seriously and you will have a great time! Take a look at the antique stalls as well.
The prices are not particularly cheap but you will find local
antiques that are not available at home. |
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After you've had enough of El Rastro call into one of the street
tapas bars for a drink and a snack. On the left is a tapas portion
of Manchego cheese.
If you like cheese, you must sample this delicacy made only from
Manchega sheep's milk. It's truly delicious. The shops in and around
the market are also a good source of cheap local wine. Top the morning off with a short stroll to the Plaza de Cascorro
to see the statue of Eloy Gonzalo. He is famous for offering to
start a fire in the enemy camp during the siege of Cascorro in Cuba
(1898). The statue incorporates a small petrol can in memory of that
fire. Unfortunately he died in the attempt. |
It's perfectly safe to
wander round the market on a Sunday but exceptionally skilled
pickpockets patrol the area. You have been warned.OTHER MADRID
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