what did you buy that was "special" and what didn't you buy but wished you had. Also how is the stall food or is it just as easy to go to a locaL BAR?

There's a lot of junk at the Rastro, but some really cool stuff as well, if you look. The cross streets are sort of themed, with some specializing in art, others in antiques, etc. The main drag has more junk. There are also shops, as opposed to vendors, selling stuff. Better selection, but somewhat more expensive than the vendors.<BR><BR>Things I've bought:<BR>*a couple of old hand-painted tiles (still attached to about an inch of masonry)<BR>*some old keys<BR>*an old inkwell<BR>*a Spanish army entrenching tool<BR>On the more mundane side, I've also bought a pair of gloves and some socks.<BR><BR>I have tried to buy other things (especially antiques, maps and art) but was not able to get the price to where I wanted it. Pretty much everything under the sun is for sale somewhere in the rastro.<BR><BR>Be aware that the asking prices on all of the above (except the gloves and socks) were very high. The tiles in particular took 2 rounds of prolonged negotiations to get to a fair price. Tourists in particular are quoted high prices. Speaking Spanish is very, very helpful. A good strategy is too see how much similar items are going for at other vendors. This gives you a baseline.<BR><BR>On things like socks or whatever there is less negotiation, but the prices tend to be 30-50% off department stores.<BR><BR>Food stalls aren't actually all that common in my experience. I've bought drinks or snacks from them. They were fine. Go to the bars (lots in the area) for something more substantial. <BR><BR>The rastro is, in my opinion, a highlight of Madrid, even if you don't buy anything. I should repeat the standard warning about pickpockets and the like, although I haven't had any problems. Very strong police presence as well. I have seen the police arresting a pickpocket.<BR>

Do the vendors take credit cards or is it better to use cold hard euros !!

Nothing but cash for the vendors. Some of the shops (but not all) will take cc, but a lot of places in Spain will cut you a deal for cash. <BR><BR>

I went last summer and thought more interesting things could be found at your local Cost Plus. So much junk, nothing particularly interesting. I would not recommend it.