Looking for the BEST Madrid food markets? From hipster to posh, traditional to contemporary, this city has a spot to match any vibe. Discover the TOP 5!
If you're a foodie on the hunt for the best food markets in Madrid, look no further! This city is packed with markets and there is no short supply of options to choose from.
From hipster to posh, traditional to contemporary, produce-focused to ready-to-eat tapas, this city has a spot to match any vibe. After researching the most popular food markets in Madrid, I took to the busy streets and visited each one. These ended up being my top 5!
This map shows my favorite food markets in Madrid, Spain. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Blue - TOP 5 Madrid food markets
- Red - honorable mentions
1. Mercado San Miguel
The most popular (and liveliest) food market in Madrid, Spain
The wrought-iron-and-glass façade lures both tourists and locals alike. Be prepared for crowds because Mercado San Miguel is packed all day every day. And for good reason. The authentic Spanish food and lively atmosphere put San Miguel market at the top of the list. The croquettes from the Croquetas Cart were some of the tastiest from our trip!
Mercado San Miguel is more of a tapas ready-to-eat spot. You'll find counters and stalls filled with small toasts loaded with more topping combinations than you could ever dream of; fried calamari, traditional Spanish sangria, and paper cones filled with jamon and manchego cheese. You'll find locals grabbing a quick bite on their lunch break alongside groups of friends chatting over pitchers of sangria and tapas-filled plates.
I prefer to visit earlier in the day around 11:00 am, or later around 9:00 pm. Mercado San Miguel seems to be the most crowded in the afternoon and early evening.
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2. Platea
One of the best food markets for an upscale vibe and entertainment
This theater-turned-market is a posh take on the food market. It consists of 2 floors and 3 balconies. If you’re lucky, free entertainment such as Flamenco dancing or live music will accompany your meal of tapas and wine.
Stick to the ground floor (El Patio) for the traditional food hall set-up.
Like Mercado San Miguel, Platea food market is more of a tapas market versus a place where you'll see locals shopping for groceries.
Out of all the food markets in Madrid, this one feels the most upscale and almost like a place to see and be seen.
It's less crowded and hectic than the San Miguel market and is a better option if you want to sit and watch the action or chat with friends. The noise level here is substantially less than Mercado San Miguel, though it's still busy.
The prices at Platea are a bit high compared to other food markets in Madrid, but the atmosphere is worth it. Especially if you make sure to go when there's free entertainment.
3. Mercado San Anton
THE HYBRID FOOD MARKET for both eat-in and picnic/grocery items
Located in the shopping and nightlife district of Chueca, Mercado San Anton is more of a hybrid market. It's the perfect choice when you need either a takeaway picnic, grocery items, or a quick bite since it's a mix between a traditional food market and a tapas food hall.
There are 22 stalls. The ground floor is dedicated to takeaway and grocery items, the second floor is ready-to-eat foods, and the third floor houses the market restaurant, La Cocina de San Anton.
The restaurant is divided into several spaces. An indoor traditional restaurant, a bar area called the "chill" spot that serves drinks and snacks, and an outdoor rooftop. The rooftop terrace serves drinks and bites and is popular with locals and tourists alike for a gin and tonic with a view.
Mercado San Anton has everything to make a picnic or meal at home with fresh produce, cheese and charcuterie, poultry and beef, exotic meat like ostrich and crocodile, salted and fresh fish, and healthy juices. There are also many mouth-watering ready-to-eat food stalls with items like fresh empanadas, croquettes, patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, hamburgers, calamari, ramen, and a wine bar with over 100 wines.
4. Mercado de San Ildefonso
THE HIPSTER FOOD MARKET IN MADRID
If you’re looking for a food market with a hipster vibe, head on over to Mercado de San Ildefonso in the trendy Malasana neighborhood. This recently opened food hall was inspired by the street markets of London and New York and has an edgy industrial look with exposed brick and pipes.
20 international food stalls and 3 bars give visitors plenty of options to choose from. Out of all the food markets in Madrid, this is the spot to ask for samples. The vendors are more than happy to give you a taste.
If the weather is nice take a seat in the outdoor beer garden.
5. Mercado de la Paz
One of the MOST TRADITIONAL Madrid Food Markets
Mercado de la Paz is the most local and traditional food market. Located in the chic Salamanca neighborhood, Mercado de la Paz hosts stalls filled with fresh produce, cheese, meat, and seafood.
A few ready-to-eat tapas are available as well for those who come hungry.
If you're looking for a food market filled with locals buying fresh ingredients for tonight's dinner versus tourists snacking on tapas, Mercado de la Paz is your spot!
The atmosphere is less glamorous than the above markets, but in exchange, you'll get a better look at what a traditional food market in Madrid feels like. The prices are good and you'll find no shortage of quality picnic supplies.
Honorable Mention - Food Hall Galeria Canalejas
New to the scene is Food Hall Galeria Canalejas. The location couldn't be more convenient. A mere 2-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, the very heart of Madrid and the central point to many of Madrid's tourist sights.
The decor is lovely. Very modern and posh. The reason I have this Madrid food market as an honorable mention is because the prices were pretty high (not surprising given the expensive location and design) and it wasn't very crowded each time I visited. In fact, it felt quite empty. This is probably because it's brand new and not many people know about it. Or, locals aren't into the price point.
This is a good option if you're looking for a sit-down option as there were many small restaurants within the market.
Either way, it's a nice market to stop by if you don't want to go out of your way to visit the other markets.
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The best food markets in Madrid - taste the tapas
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