We are planning a trip to Madrid end of July. My teenagers are food lovers so we want to experience a food market for traditional Spanish dishes.

Which is your favorite one?

Thank you in advance.

My favorite "real" food markets where locals actually shop (as opposed to the tourist-centered and crowded gourmet food hall, Mercado de San Miguel):

1. Mercado de Antón Martín at the metro of the same name, where Barrio de las Letras meets Lavapiés.
2. I also like the newly re-invented Mercado de Antón Martín in Chueca, but the top floor is dedicated more to bars rather than food stands. Octavio charcuterie stand on the 1st floor sells wonderful Iberian ham and Spain's best cheese and Madremiga sells great pastries, including the best almond croissants ever
3. My very, very favorite, especially because it's in my former neighborhood:
Mercado de la Paz, at the corner of Lagasca and Ayala in the Salamanca district, with some of the very best food stands in the city--a feast for the eyes and senses. Casa Dani is the place there for a great slice of tortilla española, one of the best in the city.

The above-mentioned Mercado de San Miguel is good for a stroll around, but it's often so crowded that there's no place in the center to sit. But in August you may find it less crowded. But high prices. Even though I like the food by Arzábal, I have their dishes at their other 2 locations.

My choice is the Mercado de la Paz. Try the marinated olives at the 'La Alacena' stall.
https://www.esmadrid.com/en/shopping/mercado-de-la-paz

“My favorite "real" food markets where locals actually shop (as opposed to the tourist-centered and crowded gourmet food hall, Mercado de San Miguel):”



Mercado de San Miguel is the tourist favourite. It is not far from the RP.