Shopping in Madrid

The Madrid shopping scene is varied and quite entertaining.

The Gran Via near Callao provides numerous shopping options while those interested in buying luxury items should visit the Salamanca neighbourhood.

The area around Serrano and Ortega y Gassett is famous for designer stores and upmarket boutiques.

For imported goods, visitors should visit the side streets around Lavapies. Immigrants from around the world set-up shops across Lavapies and sell their homeland goods at reasonable prices.

El Corte Ingles, the department store chain, has stores throughout the city, and offers almost anything from voltage transformers to fine wine.

The Opera house area is great for buying musical instruments, especially locally produced guitars.

The Rastro flea market is packed with shoppers and vendors selling a lot of clothing, including products ranging from plastic hoses to bird cages.