Mercado de San Fernando

What to expect

The Mercado de San Fernando is a municipal market in Lavapiés, opened in 1944 to serve the residents of the neighbourhood and part of Arganzuela. Inside, traditional stalls sell fruit, meat, bread, preserved foods and pulses, and the building has high ceilings and large lights over a central plaza that acts as a meeting place.

Alongside the traditional stalls you find shops selling natural wines and craft beers from around the world, and places serving prepared food to take away or eat on the spot. The cuisines range from Madrid and Asturias to Peru, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Greece and Germany, which reflects the multicultural mix of Lavapiés. Books are sold by weight, and the market keeps a calendar of cultural events.

Don't miss

• Traditional stalls for fruit, meat and bread
• Shops with natural wine and craft beer
• Food from many countries
• Books sold by weight
• The central plaza

Tips for your visit

• Look at the market's website for its calendar of cultural events.
• Try small dishes from different countries instead of one big meal.
• Combine it with a stroll through Lavapiés.
• Come for a light lunch or an early drink, when both the stalls and the food places are open.