El Rastro

El Rastro is a flea market in the La Latina district of Madrid, spreading mainly along Ribera de Curtidores and lined by side streets. Over three thousand vendors offer antiques, clothing, leather goods, records, books, and used items, with stalls spreading across several blocks.

The market began near a slaughterhouse founded in 1497 and evolved over time into a trading place for used goods. By the 18th century, the weekly market started to establish itself, continuing every Sunday to this day.

The name comes from the trails left by slaughtered animals on their way to nearby tanneries, when a slaughterhouse operated here. Visitors today experience a lively Sunday morning tradition where people move between stalls and then gather at surrounding bars for tapas and vermouth afterward.

The market takes place every Sunday and public holiday from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon, with most vendors accepting only cash. Arriving early in the morning works best when stalls are less crowded and selection is wider.

Along a parallel street, Galerías Piquer houses specialized dealers with rare antiques and collectibles in covered indoor spaces. Tienda Hípica El Valenciano has sold handcrafted leather equestrian goods for over 120 years, continuing tools and techniques from the 19th century.