Sunday, May 23, 2010

A Guide to Shopping in Madrid

Madrid is arguably the greatest shopping Mecca of Spain with an abundance of chic shops and designer treats to get even the most jaded fashionista clutching her credit card with joy. Calle Goya is one of Madrid's main shopping streets and provides an interesting mix of upscale boutiques and high street fashions. A number of shops aimed at younger consumers allow this area to retain a youthful, trendy vibe.
The Goya Serrano area is where fashion's big hitters are located: international names such as Valentino, Gucci and Chanel vie for the custom of the wealthy. Homegrown designers such as Adolfo Dominguez, Pedro del Hierro and Agata Ruiz de la Prada can also be found on this luxury avenue.
Chueca is one of Madrid's more bohemian areas and is known as the cities main gay village. Once a seedy area of drugs and prostitution this neighbourhood is now considered one of the most up and coming places in town with independent boutiques and bookstores providing a shopping experience that's miles away from the chain stores of the high street.
For a true flavour of Madrid there's no better place to visit than a flea market. Madrid has several fantastic options starting with El Rastro. This Madrid Institution is held every Sunday morning between the Tirso de Molina and La Latina metro stations. It is also open on public holidays and sells an assortment of unusual items such as antiques and curiosities. Tourists are advised to arrive at 11am whereas those looking for a bargain should arrive a couple of hours earlier.
Named after politician Claudio Moyano, Cuesta de Moyano is another Sunday morning market, this time specialising in old and rare books. Stalls can be found alongside the walls of the botanical gardens, near El Rastro and the Prado Museum.
The Fuencarral market is a bastion of underground culture and the antithesis of conventional shopping malls. Located close to Gran Via Fuencarral market has over sixty stores spanning 3 floors. There are DJs spinning cutting edge vinyl, tattoo and piercing stalls and an avante garde hairdresser. Innovative events such as the Fuencarral market rave party where shopping and partying alternate, are further boosting this markets reputation as Madrid's coolest place to splash some cash.
Tired from all that shopping? Have a disco nap at one of the Best Hotels in Madrid then head out to sample some Madrid Nightlife.
I am a travel enthusiast who loves to visit new places.

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