Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Madrid

Every country, region, and city is known for unique treasures you just have to pick up and bring home from your travels. Spain alone is a wealth of incredible specialties, and almost all of them can be found in its beautiful capital, Madrid. To help you on your hunt, we’ve put together the ultimate souvenir shopping list, including all the best spots to find these treasures. 

Leather Goods from El Rastro

Every Sunday, vendors set up shop along the Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores for the city’s most popular open-air flea market, El Rastro. While you’re likely to find many souvenirs unique to Spain at this shopper’s paradise – espadrilles and flamenco fans to name a few –, the must-find items here are quality Spanish leather goods. From hand-stitched leather boots to designer jackets and bags, you’ll be able to score your next great fashion statement at a fraction of the cost – those vendors like to barter! 

Violet Confections from La Violetas

If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s truly unique to Madrid, head to the 100-year old confectionary shop of La Violeta. This sweet shop specializes in making candies that feature the ingredient for which it’s named, violets.  There most famous treat are the delightful little purple hard candies made from the flower’s essence. They’re also available in a wide variety of packaging, making them a great gift for someone back home.

Drinking Chocolate from Chocolatería San Gines

Churros and chocolate have to be the best culinary duo since peanut butter and jelly. Sweet, fried dough dipped into warm, creamy chocolate is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures, and the best spot to savor this tasty treat is at Chocolatería San Gines. Set in a quaint little alley with tables set outside so you can enjoy the local street musicians, this chocolatería is open 24-hours a day, so you can enjoy fresh churros at any time of day or night. They also sell boxes of their special drinking chocolate mix, making it easy for you to transport 1 or 5 of them home. 

Hats from La Favorita 

Hats might not be what first comes to mind when you think of Spain, but there’s just something special about the ones found at La Favorita in Plaza Mayor. It might be its charming, unassuming store front or the fact that it’s the oldest hat shop in Madrid but shopping here is an experience in itself. The attendees are happy to measure your head and point you in the direction of the styles and sizes best suited for you. Our favorites were the classic mens caps. 

Olive Oil from Oleoteca La Chinata

Did you know that Spain is the world’s largest producer of olive oil? A staple in most recipes, olive oil from Spain has a freshness to it that’s nearly impossible to describe. When shopping in Madrid, keep an eye out for an Oleoteca La Chinata – there are a few locations around the city. This gourmet shop sells bottles of many varieties and infusions for cooking, and even cosmetics like olive oil soap and lip balm. Thankfully they also have an online store because trust us, once you run out of your La Chinta olive oil back home, you’ll be ready to book a plane ticket just to pick up a new bottle. 

 
Shopping in Madrid can be a treasure hunt. But with our list, you can be confident that your suitcase will be filled with all the best gems this beautiful city has to offer.