Madrid, best shopping destination in the world
8 June, 2022Madrid has always been a top city break destination, whether for its cultural and culinary offerings or for its authentic, one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Today, it also tops the list of the world’s best shopping destinations, according to the report published by the website WeThrift. With offerings to suit every taste and style, including exclusive, vintage, alternative, artisanal and designer goods, Madrid provides an unbeatable shopping experience.
Take note of our suggestions so you can recommend them to your customers, and don’t forget to remind them that UK residents are eligible for a VAT refund of up to 15% of the total cost of their purchases. All they have to do is fill out the electronic DIVA Tax Free form and get it validated before leaving Spain. For more information, visit: https://www.esmadrid.com/sites/default/files/diva_how_it_works.pdf
The city centre is filled with the most famous shopping districts and a huge range of options. Areas like La Gran Vía, la Puerta del sol and a number of streets such as Carmen, Preciados and Arenal are perfect for shopping, including as part of a weekend break.
Classic shops sit alongside more alternative options and the largest, most renowned stores, making this area one of the most vibrant to be found in Madrid. The culture of commerce and shopping in this district dates back to the Middle Ages and lives on in shops and artisan workshops that have been running for hundreds of years.
The newest addition to the huge range of options in this part of town has been the opening the Galería Canalejas complex, located between the famous streets of Alcalá and Sevilla, that has become a new icon of luxury in Madrid. It brings together more than 40 stores featuring fashion, accessories, perfumes and luxury jewellery from some of the world’s most renowned brands.
In the initial stage since its launch, exclusive stores from French brands Hermès and Cartier have been opened, with the rest of the shops due to open in the summer.
Made in Madrid
Products made in Madrid itself also feature as an important part of the city’s shopping options. The unmissable route to enjoy this huge variety takes in the iconic neighbourhoods of Barrio de Las Letras, Madrid de Los Austrias, Lavapiés, La Latina, Chueca, Malasaña, Conde Duque, Las Salesas and Barrio de Salamanca.
In these neighbourhoods, you’ll find shops that represent part of the cities living history, including Matarranz, a boutique specialised in homewear; Capas Seseña, Sombrerería Medrano, a famous hat shop and Guitarras Ramírez, a guitar shop with more than 100 years of history. These boutique options feature a level of luxury that makes quality, design, attention to detail and passion an integral part of the product.
It’s well worth exploring the range of handcrafted shoes at Glent, Javier Medina’s “organic trophies”, made materials like bamboo and the necklaces and bracelets on offer at Andrés Gallardo. The gift shop at the Tourism Centre located in the Plaza Mayor, features everything from highly original souvenirs through to pieces by Madrid’s local artisans.
The map of the historical artisans and handicrafts of Madrid (Spanish), which is well worth using to get a feel for the route, features 34 boutiques and shops from both past times and modern-day Madrid.
The trendiest route
In the Salamanca neighbourhood, a spot renowned for elegance, you’ll find Madrid’s so-called Golden Mile. It’s home to the biggest Spanish and international brands and leading designers which you’ll find dotted along the trendiest streets such as Claudio Coello, José Ortega y Gasset and Jorge Juan y Serrano.
El Barrio de las Salesas neighbourhood provides a taste of boho alternative styles. Argensola, Almirante, Conde de Xiquena, Bárbara de Braganza and Fernando VI make perfect shopping streets, an experience which can be combined with dining in a trendy restaurant, sipping a cocktail, checking out an exhibition or listening to live music.
If you want to get off the beaten track for other clothing and accessories, its essential to pay a visit to the Fuencarral shopping street and Chueca and Malasaña neighbourhoods, both of which are brimming with shops and a diverse range of restaurants, bars and cafes. In Conde Duque, many artists have opened small workshops and stores.
During the course of your shopping trip, it’s simply a must to stop and try local tapas dishes, find a lively street-level or rooftop terrace with incredible views, or enjoy delicatessen products in one of the gourmet markets. Shopping in Madrid is a unique experience waiting to be discovered!
