El Rastro Market

Think of flea markets and of Madrid, Spain, then the name El Rastro will spark up. Also known as El Rastro De Madrid, it is the most bustling open air Sunday market known as the flea market. It is also organized on any other public holiday as well between 9 am to 3 pm. It is located in the barrio de Embajadores near Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo. It is closely monitored and regulated by the Madrid Council and is permitted to have not more than 3500 stalls at a time. It is easily accessible from various metro stations. It was considered to be the border of Europe and Africa, making it a melting pot for diverse cultures.

This market is immensely popular for new and used commodities including much sought after antiques. Some of the age old segments in this market are Calle Fray Ceferino Gonzales (for sale of domestic animals), Calle San Cayetano (for sale of paintings and art work), Plaza de General Vara del (for sale of stamps and magazines), Calle Carnero (for sale of old books- collectibles), Calle Mira el Sol for movie fans and Plaza de Cascorro (for clothes and accessories) to name a few. With the abundance and variety, this is the perfect location to steal a deal with a memorable bargain especially between 9 am to 10 am, much known in this area.

The popularity of El Rastro has taken its mention and descriptions in movies, books and music