El Rastro Market (Mercadillo El Rastro)

The most famous market in Madrid occupies the entire length of the street (La Ribera de Curtidores), stretching its appendices into side alleys. This is the so-called mercado al aire libre - "free market on air", or mercadillo.

The market is open on Sundays and public holidays, today was Thursday, but may 2 is Madrid's Day, so I planned to visit it in advance.

In General, I found nothing particularly outstanding - the same usual assortment of inexpensive Chinese clothing and interior items.

There was also no customer excitement, as there were clearly more sellers than buyers. Maybe it's busier on Sundays.

From the souvenir products are still the same kitsch that you can buy in the center, well, maybe here a little cheaper than on the tourist trails.

In General, nothing "flea", as promised by various travel portals, I did not find here.

Помимо уличной торговли, здесь масса магазинчиков, торгующих оригинальным товаром, как например эта Marihuana. Еще я видел несколько антикварных лавок, в том числе и с кино-фото аппаратурой, но они были были закрыты - праздник же! Возможно, кто придет сюда в обычное воскресение, увидит больше интересного.

Almenara Decoracion furniture shop-workshop.

And of course, what market is there without street musicians?