One of the most enjoyable and fun activities comes from shopping and Madrid is one of the best cities of Spain to go shopping; her infinitude of stores, their big shopping centers and her irresistible discounts make her an ideal place.
Moreover, shopping tourism is something that many people appreciate when it comes to visit a city or relocate to live in it, considering it as something necessary in their place of residence or visit the most famous streets and go out full of bags.
On the other hand, the capital of Spain isn’t exactly a city with closed prices, but it has streets of different styles with varied prices for all pockets, in addition to numerous shopping centers to spend the day. And, obviously, the two most important elements: the sales seasons (in the month of January and July) and the super outlets of Madrid.
From Barbieri Real Estate, specialists on rental housing, we tell you everything you need to know to triumph and wear the latest fashion. Let´s start!
Most famous streets for shopping
Madrid has a big variety of streets, which are known for their immense number of very crowded stores to go shopping.
One of them is located in the center of the city; this is the Gran Vía, built in the early 20th century, from the street Alcalá to its end in Plaza de España. It counts with some of the places more emblematic, such as the building Metrópolis, the building of Telefónica (being until 1929 the tallest skyscraper of Europe) or the church of San José, where Simón de Bolívar was married. In this street, you can enjoy a long shopping day accompanied with shops that, maybe you already know, but they bring together the latest trends, such as the Inditex chain; also the pure sports style in Nike or the official store of Real Madrid. On the other hand, you have at your feet the biggest Primark of Europe.
If wandering around stores is not your thing and you prefer having a wide variety of offers at hand, we suggest you walk along Preciados Street. There, you will find three Corte Inglés, the best-known department stores in Spain where you can enjoy the latest trends in fashion, technology, home, reading… and much more!
On the contrary, if you like exclusivity, continue walking towards Fuencarral Street. A central road that starts from the Gran Vía to the Glorieta of Quevedo; considered to be the place with the most alternative and urban trends in the city. It also passes through Tribunal, a place where the parties around Malasaña neighborhood are concentrated and some of the busiest places, such as the well-known San Ildelfonso Market or the baroque building of the Madrid History Museum.
Between its streets, you will find various stores not so crowded with interesting articles to set a trend. (For example: Superdry, Mocca or Kaotico).
The vintage style continues through the neighborhood of Malasaña, an area full of young environment, cafeterias, pubs and stores, as indicated: vintage. It also stands out for the Plaza of Dos de Mayo, which commemorates the May 2 uprising in the Spanish war of independence against the French. In addition to being a neighborhood that attends the regional festivity of the Community of Madrid, on May 2, in which Malasaña follows the tradition.
Here, you can find stores like Magpie Vintage, La Mona Checa or second-hand stores with high quality products and good prices..
Most luxurious streets for shopping
Sometimes the term expensive can be scary. The truth is that shopping tourism is one of the most popular activities for all those who visit a city and also for those who inhabit it. In addition, Madrid ranks second along with Barcelona as the best European shopping destination, behind London.
In this way, it can be considered that this city leads the commercial field and that means attracting many visitors, which leads to an increase in tourism and favors the economy of the Community of Madrid.
However, many people seek quality in their purchases associated with luxury and more expensive products. It is true that you can find stores with affordable prices and quality, but generally the most valued brands and prestigious firms meet conditions that provide a wide commercial offer, worthy of the choice of many who opt for luxury.
One of the most well-known and emblematic places is the neighborhood of Salamanca. Its 19th century buildings, its luxurious shops and the wide gastronomic offer that it brings together make this neighborhood a relevant point of shopping tourism. In addition, it is made up of several streets (Goya, Castellana, Guindalera, Recoletos and Fuente del Berro) that house the best luxury brands in the city.
You can opt for the famous Serrano Street. There, you will be able to find an infinity of stores that, normally, are usually crowded with tourists who opt for that added value in the quality of a luxury firm, stores such as:Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier o Miu Miu.
In addition, Serrano has an important building that was the headquarters of the ABC newspaper and is currently called ABC Serrano, a place with various shops and restaurants to recharge your batteries.
In addition to luxury, you have the alternative of spending your day shopping in cheaper stores, but located in the historic streets that make up the neighborhood of Salamanca.
Shopping tourism can be, perfectly, combined with prestigious firms and strolling through pleasant streets such as: Goya Street, Jorge Juan Street, full of charming restaurants and cozy terraces or Ayala, marked by its ideal place: Mercado de la Paz, defined with soul, designed by the famous August Eiffel. You can find various food stalls and a varied gastronomic offer.
Shopping Centers
For shopping centers Madrid is the number one. You have a wide offer to choose from and each one bigger with more stores. Without going further, one of the best options is situated in Arroyomolinos, where there is Intu Xanadú. A shopping center with more than 220 stores and 10.000 parking spaces; a true shopping resort that has shops for all tastes and all pockets.
In addition, it is the unique shopping center of Madrid that counts with a Snowzone: the unique indoor ski slope of Spain. Ski lovers will no longer have to go to the snow if they can’t afford it this year, bearing in mind that it is an expensive sport and they will be able to practice their hobby in Xanadú; also beginners and all those who wish to introduce them in the world of skiing have found the perfect slope to learn and enjoy of this activity. Don´t worry, falling down is normal and fun is guaranteed.
But everything doesn’t finish here, the services that Xanadú offers are worth mentioning. It should be pointed out its Atlantis Aquarium (is the first interactive Aquarium in Europe) and their luxurious cinemas of Cinesa company: all comfort that you need to enjoy on first release. Not missing popcorn!
Another interesting fact could be “the dome of Madrid” under the Plaza Norte 2, located in San Sebastián de los Reyes. A shopping center with a sumptuous decoration replete with stores to traverse with two floors and the famous Yelmo Cines.
Moreover, it counts with many cafeterias and restaurants that will provide you the necessary energy to go into all of their stores. And don´t miss that also you have a Corte Ingles, smaller than others that are at street level, but without missing the detail with all of you need.
But luxury, once again, honors us with its presence and is found in the Las Rozas Village outlet. In the year 2000 its construction began, leaving 17,000 m2 that already have more than 100 open-air shops, with a cosmopolitan style and forming a mini city full of shops.
One of its advantages is the Free Outdoor Parking and also the possibility of accessing its underground parking on weekends and summers. Another of its advantages is the opportunity to buy in its boutiques (with national and international brands) with discounts of up to 60%, throughout the year.
In addition, it offers the possibility of spending the whole day as it has several restaurants with terrace service that are pleasant on sunny days and even more so now with the arrival of spring. If you are looking for sales all year round. Go to Las Rozas Village!
The truth is that Madrid brings together a great infinity of options for those who are passionate about shopping. If you live in this city, you already know that you can go to the latest and be up to date with the latest news and of any style.
And if you are visiting the capital, shopping tourism is an interesting activity, bearing in mind that not only do you have the option of buying, but you can visit the most emblematic streets and all their services (culture, gastronomy, shopping, etc.)
At Barbieri Real Estate, specialists on rental housing, we offer you properties in the neighborhoods of Aravaca, Chamberí and Salamanca. Discover all our offer of available apartments in Madrid.
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