Mercado de San Miguel

"Let me start with some brief backstory. This gorgeous old turn-of-the- century market was once a typical neighbourhood market. You know, the kind place little old grannies shop in. But as the neighbourhood changed, it went into decline and – instead of being knocked down like other wrought iron turn of the century markets, it was converted into the gourmet tapas hall that it remains today. And yes, the Mercado de San Miguel is the gastronomic ground zero for tourists in Madrid. And yes it is a fun place to explore. But treat the market as a place to get your sea legs once you land – dip your toe in, sip a vermouth and get the hang of things. But the key is to make sure your Madrid tapas adventure doesn’t stop here, because while there is good food, the market is not the true Madrid. Key tips for the Mercado de San Miguel • Stalls I like are: La Hora del Vermut for on-tap vermouth and olive skewers; Mya Quesos for cheese; La Casa del Bacalao for salt-cod and other simple “tostas” with fish; Paella Power doesn’t do a bad paella (though eating out of a plastic plate isn’t like sitting down for a long paella lunch); Pinkleton & Wine has a good wine selection. • You’ll notice I prefer most of the uncooked food, and that’s what I think San Miguel is good for – a vermouth, a wander, some cold tapas, and out. Get your cooked food in the tapas bars. • The busiest times are 12:00-3:30pm and 7:30pm-10:30pm – if you want to avoid the crowds, avoid those times."

"Located just off Plaza Mayor, this historic market is a food lover's paradise. Housed in a beautiful iron-and-glass structure dating back to 1916, Mercado de San Miguel offers a wide variety of gourmet Spanish delicacies, from fresh seafood to Iberian ham and artisan cheeses. It’s the perfect place to sample tapas, sip on a glass of local wine, or pick up some unique culinary souvenirs. Even if you're not hungry, the lively atmosphere and the chance to mingle with locals and tourists alike make it worth the visit."

"The Mercado de San Miguel is a renowned food market located in Madrid, Spain. Situated near the Plaza Mayor, it is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings. The market features a wide array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and gourmet products. Visitors can also enjoy tapas, wine, and other Spanish delicacies within the market's lively and social setting. The Mercado de San Miguel is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a taste of Madrid's culinary delights."