The best places to go shopping in Madrid
There are lots of little independent shops left in Madrid, some of which are so specialist that they only sell one thing.In summer, visit Casa de Diego for a very necessary purchase of a handmade fan, and in winter, fawn over the super stylish capes at Capas Sese?a. Gourmands will appreciate the array of small shops that sell artisan cheeses, extra-virgin olive oils and Spanish wines.
For everything from the city's top leather handbags to the best espadrilles, our destination expert knows exactly which addresses you need to shop like a local.
For further inspiration, see our guide to Madrid and the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars, tapas, nightlife, things to do and things to do for free.
Find places to shop by area
Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía
Casa de Diego
Casa de Diego has been selling handmade fans for nearly two centuries, and is one of Madrid’s best-loved traditional shops. Be warned, you might go in looking for something plain and simple but end up not being able to resist one with an exquisite design. As it is so hot in the city in the summer months, using a fan is a sensible move rather than an affectation. They specialise in umbrellas and walking sticks as well – also handmade at their other shop and workshop nearby at Calle Mesonero Romanos – and stock shawls, veils and castanets too.
Contact: casadediego.info
Prices: ￡￡
Guantes Luque
The streets of downtown Madrid used to have lots of tiny shops that had been in business for a century or more and specialised in one thing, but these gems are disappearing fast. Still hanging on in there is this magical shop which sells handmade gloves in all sorts of styles, materials and colours – although it is the buttery kidskin ones that most people want. They're all arranged in the original drawers and cabinets too. While it's always been a favourite of Madrid’s most elegant women, these days you are just as likely to see stylists, celebrities and costume designers inside.
Contact: esmadrid.com
Prices: ￡￡
La Central de Callao
Although this much-loved bookshop, which also has a branch in the Reina Sofía museum, had to vacate its palatial building just off Plaza de Callao, it fortunately only moved across the road – albeit to smaller premises. The shop has sections for books in English and other languages, and specialises in literature, history, philosophy and social sciences. It also stocks notebooks and gifts. Head to the website for the programme of regular book launches, readings and other literary events.
Contact: lacentral.com
Prices: ￡
Plaza Mayor, Opera, and La Latina
Casa Hernanz
Throughout the summer, there are queues outside Casa Hernanz by the Plaza Mayor. This is where the same family have been selling handmade espadrilles from a long wooden counter backed by packed shelves since 1845. Choose from an extensive range in every conceivable colour and style; you can decide between the traditional flat version, slingbacks or wedges with ribbons. There are very cute ones for babies too. Should you need a mesh bag to boil chickpeas in, a washing line or a rope to tie up your donkey, they can help you with that as well.
Contact: casahernanz.es
Prices: ￡
Cocol
Cocol celebrates the art in everyday objects, sourcing traditional pottery, crafts and jewellery from all around Spain. This delightful shop on the medieval Plaza de la Paja is packed with hand-painted ceramics, wooden toys, canvas and leather bags, hats, baskets, candles, blown-glass vases and sculptural olive wood chopping boards – with plenty of easy-to-pack things. Just ask and they will be happy to tell you where every piece is from and who made it.
Contact: cocolmadrid.es
Prices: ￡￡
Taller Puntera
Watch the artisans making bags and accessories at this stylish workshop on a hidden square in the heart of the Austrias neighbourhood. Beautiful leathers are dyed using a natural process in zingy shades, and then turned into highly covetable purses, wallets, satchels, backpacks and belts. They stock a range of gorgeous notebooks too. This is a good place to find a special gift for someone who likes high-quality things, as there is something to suit all ages and tastes and you can have items made to order.
Contact: puntera.com
Prices: ￡￡
Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés
Capas Sese?a
If you have ever fancied swishing around in a cape, this shop is for you. The exterior has a red wooden frontage and it's the only place in the world that sells capes and nothing else. Founded in 1901 by Santos Sese?a, it is now run by the fourth generation of the family. The capes are made from a dense yet lightweight merino wool from Béjar, a town in the province of Salamanca, and cut out on a table at the back – a process that looks simple but takes a lot of skill. Twirl around the shop in one and you won’t want to take it off.
Contact: sesena.com
Prices: ￡￡￡
La Real Fábrica
Mohair scarves in luxurious jewel shades, gazpacho bowls, pretty canned foods, artisan chocolates, olive oil, enamel pans, orange-blossom perfume and Basque berets are just a few of the things you might be tempted by in the Real Fábrica Espa?ola. Everything is sourced from small factories and workshops in different parts of Spain by owner Rocío Mu?oz. Sheepskin slippers from Mallorca, linen tote bags and herb-scented soaps make good presents and there are gourmet gift packs if you need to pick something up quickly.
Contact: realfabrica.com
Prices: ￡￡
Chueca, Malasa?a, Salesas and Conde Duque
Ecoalf
Ecoalf is a fashion brand that uses recycled plastic and other materials to create sustainable clothing, but there is nothing worthy or hippyish about their utility designs for men and women. It uses the latest techniques to create chic, wearable pieces. The range includes t-shirts, trousers, swimwear, handbags, backpacks, trainers and flip flops, as well as a sportswear line with all the gear you need for running, cycling, yoga, Pilates and surfing. There is another shop in the new Caleido business area in the north of Madrid.
Contact: ecoalf.com
Prices: ￡￡
Aceites La Comunal
This shop is run by a foundation that promotes everything to do with olive oil production and consumption. It stocks a huge range of extra-virgin oils from all over Spain, many of which it would be difficult to find elsewhere. Look out for varieties from Toledo and Extremadura. Although aimed at oil lovers in general rather than tourists (don’t expect obsequious service), they do have some in dinky bottles that are easier to transport for gifts, instead of the large cans or plastic flagons. They have some great hand creams and hair products too.
Contact: patrimoniolivarero.com
Prices: ￡
Quesería Cultivo
Chalked up on a blackboard in Cultivo in Conde Duque is the slogan #QuesosconRostro, which means 'cheeses with a face'. What the dynamic young team behind this shop are trying to get across is that the produce on sale is made by real people who all have a story to tell. They work with cheesemakers in three parts of Spain – Félix Iniesta, Granja Cantagrullas and La Cuerre – who produce cheeses especially for the shop using unpasteurised sheep and cow’s milk. They also stock around 30 cheeses from all over Spain and a select few from other countries. There is another shop in La Latina. There are also branches in La Latina and near Atocha station.
Contact: queseriacultivo.com
Prices: ￡￡
Paseo de la Castellana and Salamanca area
Malababa
Artisan techniques, organic dyes and ethical and sustainable practices are used to make the softest shoes and bags in both earthy and perky tones from recycled leather from the food industry. This is a good place to find striking jewellery pieces too. Everything is made in small workshops in Spain. The shop, on the elegant Serrano street, is like a work of art in itself and features a cowhide tapestry wall studded with the agate crystals used in their designs. If you are after a distinctive gift or a little treat for yourself, this is a good place to look. There is another shop at Calle Santa Teresa 5 in Salesas.
Contact: malababa.com
Prices: ￡￡￡