Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid; a tourist trap or not?

Hi Spain Lovers! Are you planning to visit the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, a foodie wonderland bursting with 33 stalls serving up the best of Spanish delights? From cheese to tapas and paella perfection, this market is a flavor fiesta for locals and visitors alike. Sure, it’s touristy, but its central spot near Plaza Mayor makes it a culinary must-stop. To spice up your visit, dodge the peak crowds, stash some cash for tasty tidbits, and dive into the free tastings offered by friendly vendors. Oh, and don’t forget tapas etiquette – it’s all part of the fun! Whether you’re a food explorer or a newbie to Madrid’s munchies, Mercado de San Miguel promises a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary beat. Find out if it’s worth visiting and if it’s a tourist trap or not. Get ready to snack, stroll, and savor!

Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

The Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid is a covered market offering Spanish food and delicacies in an elegant ambiance. There are about 33 stands. It’s just about eating and drinking. Millions of people visit the market each year to taste the local food and delicacies including vermouth, olives, cheese, bacalao, fried fish, pintxos, paella and gelato. Visit the official website for more information.

Location and opening times

Madrid de San Miguel is located in the centre of Madrid, right behind Plaza de Mayor. It takes a two minutes walk from Plaza de Mayor to the market. The market opens daily at 10.00am.

Tip: due to its popularity, the market can get crowded, especially during peak hours. The busiest times to visit the Mercado de San Miguel are between 7.30am – 10.30am and 12.00pm – 15.00pm, so try to avoid these times. Consider visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid large crowds.

A short summary of my visit to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

Once inside there’s so much choice! I started my tapas journey with cheese. I’m a cheese lover and I was lucky enough to try all kinds of cheese at the Mercado de San Miguel. There’s a cheese market where you can try different cheeses: Goat cheese, blue cheese, manchego, cabral, roncal or torta de casar, all from Spain. A large cheese plate with 20 cheese tapas costs around € 28,00, with 10 cheese tapas around € 14,40, and with 6 cheese tapas around € 9,00. Per piece you pay around € 1,80. The slices are big and delicious.

After the cheese, I stopped by at la casa del Bacalao. This stand serves small tapas that are easy to eat. I had some with salmon, smoked sardines, and vegetables. They cost between € 1,00 and € 3,00.

There’s also a stand (Arzabal) where you can eat cooked tapas like patatas bravas (potatoes), gambon (ham) or gambas.

Another stand specializes in authentic paella, hmmm yammie! You can choose the paella with black rice or yellow rice. Prices vary between € 10,00 and € 20,00 a plate.

When you are more in the mood for a small bite, you can visit the stand Pintxos. This stand serves tapas from the north of Spain that are easy to serve and to eat on a run. Think about lots of different delicious things on top of bread like anchovies, tuna, asparagus, mussels, duck and loin.

Of course there are also plenty of stands serving desserts. There’s El Horno de San Onofre, a pastry/bakery shop that serves typical products like marrons, empinados and tartas. Another option is Rocamboles, a gelateria/ice cream shop that serves ice cream in cones or cups. I tried the marrons and they were delicious!

Is the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid a tourist trap?

Yes and no. It’s not a traditional market where locals buy their groceries. No, it’s a food hall where you can explore Spanish food and delicacies in an elegant ambiance. The food hall is located right by the Plaza del Mayor and in the centre of madrid. So, yes it’s touristic and a bit more expensive, but it’s still a great place to explore different types of Spanish food.

Is the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid worth visiting?

I think if it’s your first time then yes. But go when it’s quiet and know that sometimes the prices are expensive.

Some last tips for visiting the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid:

When planning a visit to the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, it’s helpful to keep a few key things in mind to enhance your experience:

1. Cash and Cards: most vendors accept both cash and cards, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or if you plan to visit street performers or markets nearby.
2. Navigating the Market: the market is not overly large, but it’s easy to get lost in the maze of stalls. Take a leisurely stroll through the aisles, explore each section and don’t hesitate to ask for directions if needed.
3. Tasting and Sampling: many vendors offer free tastings, especially at the charcuterie and seafood stalls. Take advantage of these opportunities to sample different flavors before making a purchase. Consider buying some specialties to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
4. Tapas Etiquette: if you’re dining at one of the tapas bars, remember that it’s customary to stand while enjoying your food.
5. Photography: While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of others and seek permission before taking close-up shots of people or their stalls. Some vendors may prefer not to be photographed.

Other traditional markets in Madrid

If you’re interested in visiting traditional markets in Madrid, than I recommend you to visit: 

1. Mercado de Antón Martín
2. Mercado de la Paz
3. Mercado San Fernando 
4. Mercado de las Maravillas

Conclusion

In the heart of Madrid lies the Mercado de San Miguel, a culinary haven boasting 33 stalls offering a vibrant tapestry of Spanish flavors. From the cheese market to tapas bars and authentic paella stands, it’s a delight for both locals and tourists. While the market leans towards the touristy side, its central location behind Plaza Mayor makes it a convenient introduction to Spanish cuisine. Timing is key, as avoiding peak hours ensures a better experience. Enjoy the tapas and don’t miss the opportunity to sample some offerings.

Author: Daphne

Pin this post if you’re planning to visit Madrid!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that when you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee at no extra costs to you. You still pay the same. Win-win! Thanks for supporting the work I put into Girlswanderlust.