San Miguel Market Tours and Activities

Mercado de San Miguel
San Miguel Market
Photo provided by National Tourist Office of Spain
San Miguel Market
Mercado de San Miguel


Shop for fresh produce, attend a festival or relax with a drink and some tapas at Madrid’s popular marketplace.

The Mercado de San Miguel is Madrid’s central market filled with tables and chairs and lined with fresh produce and food stalls. The building was designed in the early 20th century but underwent a huge renovation at the start of the 21st century. Today the marketplace is considered to be a culinary cultural centre.

The market is one of the oldest in Madrid. It charms visitors and locals with its lively atmosphere and its elegant beaux arts design. The original market here, unveiled in 1916, was modelled on Les Halles in Paris. The market’s modern refurbishment retained the building’s iconic style. A variety of modern conveniences have been added for the comfort of stallholders and shoppers. The air is infused with light water droplets every few minutes as a green alternative to air conditioning.

Explore the market’s 33 stalls, which line up side-by-side under a high roof of wood and iron. Rub shoulders with locals shopping for groceries or simply admire the mouthwatering array of fresh fruit, oysters, ham and more. Try traditional snacks such as chorizo (a spicy sausage), and tortilla (an egg omelet).

The Mercado de San Miguel hosts a variety of fairs, festivals and courses throughout the year. Check the market’s official website for timetables and ticket prices. Visit the in-house bookshop to buy Spanish cookbooks. A high-end tabletop store sells many kitchen and dining products made in Spain. 

As night falls, the market becomes a favourite spot to relax over tapas and drinks. Order tapas such as salmon, oyster or goats cheese. Tapas plates are small and typically inexpensive. Wash these light snacks down with a local wine, beer or cocktail such as sangria.

The Mercado de San Miguel is located just to the West of the Plaza Mayor in central Madrid. It is easily accessible by metro and bus. Walk from other attractions within the centre of the city. The market is open every day from mid-morning until midnight, with longer hours on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Entry is free.

Tours & day trips

See all 288 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 57 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 56 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 16 activities

Popular places to visit


Top San Miguel Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

3 out of 5
Paseo de la Florida nº5, Madrid, Community of Madrid
Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío
The Madrid EDITION

The Madrid EDITION

5 out of 5
Plaza de Celenque 2, Madrid
The Madrid EDITION
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Gran View Apartments
Live It Gran Via

Live It Gran Via

2.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 36, Madrid
Live It Gran Via
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near San Miguel Market

San Miguel Market in Madrid is a vibrant hub where you can indulge in shopping, savour delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere. Explore the market’s diverse food stalls offering everything from tapas to gourmet treats, while nearby theatres and art venues provide a taste of the city's cultural scene. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a lively day filled with sights, flavours, and experiences that showcase the essence of Madrid.

Shopping

San Miguel Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with gourmet food and unique souvenirs. Nearby, El Rastro is a bustling public market just 805m away, while El Corte Inglés and Milla de Oro are both 1.6km away, featuring a mix of fashion and family-friendly shops.

Recreation

Madrid Río is a scenic recreation park 1.6km from San Miguel Market, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst nature. For sports enthusiasts, Palacio Vistalegre, located 4.8km away, offers an energetic atmosphere with various events. Enjoy live music at Sala La Riviera, just 1.1km from the market.

Adventure

At Karting Carlos Sainz Center, a thrilling karting experience awaits, located 1.6km from San Miguel Market. Enjoy a fun-filled time at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, also 1.6km away. For stunning views, take a ride on the Madrid Cable Car, situated 3.2km from the market.

Nightlife

In San Miguel Market, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. The Royal Theatre and Teatro Rialto, both 0.2 and 644m away, showcase captivating performances. For a lively night out, head to Joy Madrid, a vibrant nightclub nearby, perfect for dancing and romance under the city's sparkling lights.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Miguel Market

When visiting San Miguel Market in Madrid, you'll find a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and charming streets. Explore the lively Mercado de San Miguel, indulge in local delicacies, and visit the nearby Madrid Palace for a touch of history. With its picturesque piazzas and inviting churches, this area offers something for every traveller seeking a taste of Spanish culture.

  • Gran Via: This iconic street, located 805m from San Miguel Market, is the heartbeat of Madrid, showcasing stunning architecture and vibrant city life. With its bustling shops, theatres, and cafes, Gran Via is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the urban atmosphere.
  • Puerta del Sol: Located 483m away, this lively square is a cultural hub in the city, featuring the famous Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy street performances and immerse yourself in Madrid's rich culture.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Just 483m from the market, this magnificent palace offers a glimpse into Spain's royal history. The stunning architecture and beautiful gardens provide a serene escape in the midst of the city's hustle.

Best time to go to San Miguel Market

The best time to visit San Miguel Market can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around San Miguel Market falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around San Miguel Market falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Miguel Market

To save money on your visit to San Miguel Market, plan your trip during the cheaper months of January to February or August, and consider booking your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays typically offer the lowest hotel prices, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia's tools to compare prices, find last-minute deals, and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities can result in further savings. Don't forget to explore the market on foot, as many attractions are easily accessible without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around San Miguel Market are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around San Miguel Market is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around San Miguel Market is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around San Miguel Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make the most of Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near San Miguel Market with flights and activities through an Expedia package.