© jlastras
Now a days, gourmet markets are some of the top Madrid attractions. Former flea and groceries markets, this structures have been reformed in a very modern way in order to host food stalls that sell gourmet food and drink, as well as bars that serve you wonderful tapas. If you are wondering what to do in Madrid when lunchtime or dinnertime arrives, just visit San Miguel Market and San Anton Market- you will be impressed with the offer.
© jlastras
San Miguel Market
San Miguel Market is a symbol of the culinary move in Madrid. Not so long ago, it was just a regular market that offered fruit, fish and meat to the neighbors of Madrid downtown. Now a days this place has been transformed into one of the most exiting places to visit in the city, especially for those tourists looking forward to try a wide range of Spanish food in the same meal.
San Miguel still sailing groceries to buy and cook your own meal at home, but the stands carry tapas and meal by extraordinary local chefs. Raza Nostra and Carrasco Guijuelo are the two stand dedicated to Spanish ham and meat a local specialty you should try. Sushimarket and El Señor Martín are offering a wide variety of local sea food products, tapas and sushi. Indulge your sweet tooth in Horno de San Onofre or Ergoien a pastry shop and a yogurt store, respectively.
This market serves spirits as well, focusing on Spanish wine with a local accent. If you want to enjoy Spanish wine try a Wine Tasting tour in Madrid. Beer and traditional vermouth on tap is serve also in the market.
Once you arrive to San Miguel Market buy a glass of wine, beer or vermouth and then enjoy eating tapas at its usually very crowded tables. Move from one stand to the other trying all the tapas and meals until you cannot eat more! Then take a walk around the market discovering its incredible architecture. This buildings is one of the few modernist iron constructions that stand still, along with Atocha and Delicias railway stations.
Address
Plaza de San Miguel, Madrid.
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Getting here
San Miguel Market is in the heart of the downtown district, really close to Plaza Mayor.
Metro
The closest stations are Sol, served by lines 1, 2 and 3, or Opera, served by lines 2, 5 and R.
Bus
During the day take bus number 3, at nigh the San Miguel Square is include in route N16.
San Anton Market
San Miguel change the model of the markets in Madrid, but San Anton –inaugurated almost two years later than San Miguel– formally introduced a change in the gastronomic atmosphere in Madrid. Completely focused on gourmet food, San Anton stand are counted among the best restaurants and tapas bar of the city. Also, it still have food stores where you can buy food to cook during your vacations or take back home and impressed your friend with your culinary skills.
San Anton Market is more than a market or a food court, it is a cultural institution –almost a lively food museum. It host countless different proposals and initiatives from international gastronomic events to movies to plays, concerts and flash mobs with a culinary touch. They describe themselves as the first food market with cultural and culinary projection. Espacio Trapecio is a multidisciplinary space were young artists’ show their creations through exhibitions, concerts and other events.
La Trastienda, Puturru de Fua or Delicatessen are the names of the locals’ favorite places to eat tapas in the market. Also, don’t live without trying the pinchos –a Basque Country specialty- in La Casa del Bacalao and the croquets in La Alacena by Victor Montes. If you like sushi you can try the best local sea food in Sushi Market. If you are looking to try the real “going tapas” experience, book a tapas tour in Madrid.
The market also has a formal restaurant called La Cocina de San Anton by Cinco Jotas. Located on the third floor of the Mercado de San Antón with spectacular over the popular Chueca district.
Address
Augusto Figueroa, 24. Madrid.
Opening Hours
Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The restaurant closes on Monday and Tuesday.
Getting here
The San Anton Market is in the heart of Chueca district, in downtown Madrid. It is not too far from other Madrid attractions in the city, such as Gran Vía and Fuencarral streets.
Metro
The closest station is Chueca served by line 5. Also, station Alcalá and Gran Vía are without a small walking distance to the market.
Bus
Bus number 3 does the route closes to the market, along Hortaleza Street. Come down the bus on Hortaleza/Gravina stop.
If you like tapas and trying Spanish food, discover Madrid new culinary proposal: Platea Madrid.
