If you’re holidaying in Madrid, you’re likely to want to do some shopping while you’re there, and there is a huge variety of shopping venues available here. The first thing to remember is that Madrid is city where everyone dresses smartly whether they’re going to work, heading out for the evening, or going shopping, so if you don’t want to stand out instantly as a tourist, dress smartly and leave the beachwear at the hotel.

There are five main shopping areas in Madrid – Salamanca, Chueca, Princesa, Cuatro Caminos, and the centre near Puerta del Sol. Each of these has its own style and you’ll find some quite different shops in each.

Salamanca
North east of the centre, this area is a bit like Bond Street. Here you’ll find boutiques and top designer names such as Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermes and Hugo Boss. This is the smart affluent area, and if you’re shopping here you’ll need to bring a heavily loaded wallet.

Chueca
Close to the centre, this is quite a bohemian area. Fairly trendy and with a mix of original and designer goods available. The area is especially good if you’re looking for shoes, and sales here tend to take place in January and July. The Fuencarral market is located here, and is an alternative to the more typical deparment store. Inside is a labyrinth of corridors, with craftsmen, designers and small traders from across Spain, selling original products. This is a lovely area for people watching as it attracts all kinds of people from all walks of life.

The Centre
Madrid centre is an area where you’ll find many traditionally Spanish high street names such as Zara, El Corte Ingles and Casa Jimenez famed throughout Spain for its lace and embroidered shawls.

Princesa
Princesa and Alberto Aguilera near the Arguelles University, is the best place to begin your shopping trip if you’re on a bit of a budget. You’ll find plenty of bargains here, as well as getting the chance to admire some of the city’s most famous buildings like the Liria Palace and the Cerralbo Museum.

Cuatro Caminos
To the north edge of Madrid is Cuatro Caminos, which is another paradise for bargain hunters seeking to find that extra special something at a really low price. You’ll find all you could want here between the streets of Bravo Murillo and Orense.

If you’ve not exhausted all your shopping needs, Madrid has some excellent markets to choose from. These can be a little on the crowded side, so be prepared for a little jostling if you do visit them, however if you do, you’ll find many things to choose from. The most famous weekly market is the El Rastro flea market held every Sunday morning at Ribera de Curtidores. It’s pretty big, and takes around three hours to walk round, but you’ll find plenty of clothing and trinkets to buy here. Do keep your money safe however as with this many people around, sadly you do also get pickpockets taking advantage here too.