El Rastro Flea Market, Madrid
#2
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 249
when I lived there as a student 30 years ago....never was accosted. and I went to the Rastro many times. I think it's just the same common sense one uses in all cities. just be aware of your surroundings and don't fall for the tricks. and enjoy!!
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 33,303
Have been and not accosted; Barcelona Metro: entirely different story but none of it would keep me away.
The flea market can be a VERY crowded situation both in terms of folks moving between the many displays and within some of those rather massive clothing displays themselves.
Simple answer is to keep valuables well-protected and you shouldn't have any difficulty. DON'T stay away because of what some guidebook says..you can easily overcome the dangers despite the fact that the pickpockets are VERY skilled; don't give them anything to steal.
The flea market can be a VERY crowded situation both in terms of folks moving between the many displays and within some of those rather massive clothing displays themselves.
Simple answer is to keep valuables well-protected and you shouldn't have any difficulty. DON'T stay away because of what some guidebook says..you can easily overcome the dangers despite the fact that the pickpockets are VERY skilled; don't give them anything to steal.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 782
After Rastro enjoy a typical 'vermut de grifo' (sweet vermouth from the tap) at CRUZ (Plaza de Cascorro corner with Calle Maldonadas) or SAME (Calle Maldonadas 9). Then a few creative tapas at TXIRIMIRI (Calle Humilladero 6). Have a good time!
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,550
Hi Barbara
We visited the market and had no problems. However commonsense is always required anywhere. I suggest visiting opening time as it starts getting crowded later in the morning. I'm not a fan of flea markets but I found this one fun. You can buy some cheap gifts for people back home. If you're travelling with teenagers they will find El Rastro cheap shopping.
We visited the market and had no problems. However commonsense is always required anywhere. I suggest visiting opening time as it starts getting crowded later in the morning. I'm not a fan of flea markets but I found this one fun. You can buy some cheap gifts for people back home. If you're travelling with teenagers they will find El Rastro cheap shopping.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,756
I also went a couple of years ago without any incidents. In my opinion it's been one of the best flea markets I've been too while on vacation. We went early as thats what we do at home and I'm glad we did. They were just setting up so we really got to look and shop but by the time we made it to the end, the place was packed. It didn't bother us though as we were done by that time. As others have said, just use common sense and you should be fine.
