MERCADO DE SAN MIGUEL

My love for food markets is well documented on the blog. Whenever I travel, I make sure to visit at least one of the local markets and discover new flavours. That’s why the Mercado de San Miguel was on top of my things to see when I first went to Madrid. 

Located in the centre of Madrid’s old quarter close to Plaza Mayor, the Mercado de San Miguel dates back to 1916 and is one of the most popular markets in the city. Sure, it’s a bit touristy and in my experience, not really cheap but I really loved its atmosphere and energy. Colourful and in continuous movement, it houses numerous different food stalls with mouthwatering displays of tapas, sweets and fresh fruits. My partner in crime and I wandered around for a while before making our selection: baby shrimp, Galician octopus, tortilla de patatas, manchego cheese and jamón ibérico – all washed down with a couple of glasses of Cava. We grabbed a seat at one of the communal tables in the centre of the market and enjoyed our delightful spread while planning our next stop in the city.

Apart from the delicious food, I couldn’t help but admire the architecture of the Mercado de San Miguel. The market has a long history as it used to be open-air during the times of Napoleon until it moved indoors when an ornate iron and glass structure was made to house it. After a massive renovation, it opened its doors to curious visitors and foodies in 2009 and has evolved in a true culinary centre – definitely a must-see when in Madrid. Just be sure to go with an empty stomach and enjoy the whole experience!

INFO

Address: Plaza de San Miguel s/n, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Telephone: +34 915 424936

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