My first trip to Spain and this part of Europe started in Madrid. It was my friend’s first time visiting, and we had known each other for decades. Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, three of Spain’s largest cities, were on our agenda. Almost all friends who had visited Madrid said that visiting the Mercado de San Miguel was a must-do. My favorite parts of traveling have always been visiting markets because you can get a real taste of the people’ cuisine, customs, and way of life. I was intrigued by the way people lit up when I talked about this Market.
Our first stop was the magnificent Mercado de San Miguel as a result. When this market first opened more than a century ago, it was a wholesale food market. It is housed in a striking old structure with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Originally a wholesale food venue, it is today recognized as one of the top culinary markets globally. Everywhere in this intriguing and varied nation, visitors can discover the essence and flavors of Spain.
It could not have been a better choice to launch our trip to Spain. The Market showcased the delicious food that Spain has to offer the world in all its glory and colors.
All of the food is as fresh as it gets, and the pricing are really fair—even inexpensive. It’s often made while you watch. Every day, the finest seafood and fish are imported from Galicia. Even though some of the seafood was unusual and unusual, many of locals were buying it. The traditional Mediterranean rice dishes were cooked to perfection; the paella was the best we’ve ever tasted in Spain. Samples of the superb cheeses from the Basque Country, Asturias, and Castile were available. The cheeses are beautifully displayed. Try some, then, if you’d like, but feel free to take some back to your hotel room.
Iberian ham is a specialty of Spain, and the best is available at the Market. There was an enormous assortment of cured meats. What about some unique cured meat that seemed to be in high demand, served in a paper cone? What a treat the prosciutto is! It might even surpass prosciutto from Italy. Naturally, there were exquisite baked goods and desserts. Nuts in cones made of paper were a common snack. Without olives and olive oils, what would Spain be? Add the delicious and vibrant fruits and vegetables to all of that.
Without a glass of champagne or an Aperol Spritz, what good is all that beautiful food? Even though it was lunchtime, it appeared like every individual was holding an alcoholic beverage.
The Tapas, oh!
The Tapas were the standout—and that wasn’t an easy feat given how amazing everything else was. The gorgeous Tapas, enormous and beautiful. Nothing else in my two journeys to Spain could compare to the San Miguel market’s tapas’ presentation, beauty, and quality. They were not only exquisite, but also a delight to the taste buds. There seemed to be more than a hundred different kinds. Therefore, your only restriction is how much space you have to fit all that food. The tapas are excellent whether you come to dine or, as many locals did, take them home.
Exuberant
The ambiance of the San Miguel market was bustling, loud, and energetic. Packed with people chatting away, it felt at times like a community event where friends gather versus a food market. This Market draws 10 million visitors a year, so you can expect large crowds most of the time. That said, we never felt closed in and unable to view what we wanted. The waits for purchases were relatively quick and efficient. Vendors were friendly and patient.
At the Market, a large number of Spaniards shop and congregate for food and drink. For locals, San Miguel serves as a social center. Numerous stands sell various types of alcoholic beverages. They managed to draw a lot of customers there because they were quite well-liked in this sector. The amount of champagne being poured at a food market astonished me, I must admit. But this is Europe; what would a meal be without a delicious glass of wine or champagne to go with it? Additionally large and appearing to be The most popular was the Aperol Spritz, but there were other options. View our blog post for some fantastic recipes and information on the history of Aperol.
One Magnificent Marketplace
Sincerely, I was amazed by this market. The Mercado de San Miguel is among the best marketplaces I have ever been to, and I have visited many markets over the world (one of my favorite things to do when traveling). Don’t miss this treasure when you’re in Madrid, Spain. It is conveniently located in the center of the city and is reachable by Uber or public transit. Since the market is indoors, rain is seldom an issue. There are numerous motels in the area that are accessible by foot.
In addition to being a feast for the senses, Mercado de San Miguel is a cultural immersion, a photographer’s dream come true, and a whole lot of fun!
