For everything from innovative, fashion-forward accessories to locally hand-crafted artisanal homeware.
As Spain’s capital city, you’d probably expect Madrid to have a great shopping scene. But you might not quite realize just how varied the array of boutiques and stores is here, from independent retailers hidden in unusual parts of the city to thriving multi-story immersive buildings complete with digital museums and pop-up events.
While most shoppers in Madrid will head to Sol-Preciados-Carmen and Salamanca for clothes and homeware, some of Madrid’s best boutiques are tucked away in the likes of Chueca, Malasaña, and Lavapiés. If you’re looking for something unique, that’s where to go. Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops in Madrid? We’ve rounded up all of the best spots to check out.
Top Picks for You
Ekseption
WHERE: Salamanca & Centro
You don’t need to be Madrid-based to have heard of this uber-cool luxury fashion brand. One of the first multi-brand stores in Spain with international notoriety, Ekseption has two locations in Madrid: one on Velazquez Street and another on Marqués de la Ensenada Street.
A top choice for anyone who loves their labels and appreciates premium brands, you’ll find Saint Laurent, Acne Studios, Golden Goose, Off-White, and Telfar, as well as classics like Celine, Balenciaga, and Gucci.
Even if you’re window shopping, it’s worth strolling by Ekseption just to admire its sleek interiors and take some outfit inspiration from other shoppers. You’ll also find a range of events and collabs with brands here, so you may even be able to pick up exclusive pieces if you’re lucky.
La Integral 25
WHERE: Centro
While La Integral 25 sells a particularly cool range of t-shirts, you’ll also find music, books, jewelry, pins, and plenty more while shopping here. This eclectic store sits in the historic Barrio de las Letras and is filled with colorful walls, retro furniture, and quirky decorations.
Not just a place to browse, it hosts miniature concerts and poetry readings throughout the month, as well as a spontaneous array of other events. If you’re a music lover, you’ll need to check out La Integral 25’s great range of records. They also have a special section for independent and underground labels as well as a varied selection of vinyl records from national and international artists, genres, and eras. Even if you’re not looking for anything in particular, this store is worth a visit while you’re in the city.
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Pez
WHERE: Chueca
You’ll find Pez inside a defunct carpet factory in the trendy Chueca neighborhood. The great location of this womenswear and homeware boutique means you can pick up some new pieces and then immediately find yourself in the midst of other unique stores and quirky lunch spots.
A must-visit for anyone who prides themselves on dressing differently from the norm, Pez carries hard-to-find statement pieces from European clothing designers, including Humanoid, Soeur, and Golden Goose.
A place where you’ll pick up some interior design inspo while shopping, Pez was launched by former model and TV presenter Ana García-Siñeriz and interior designer María de la Osa. This means that as well as picking up some great sunglasses or statement jewelry, you’ll find sleek homeware pieces like plush hand-woven linens, ultra-modern dinnerware, and funky light fixtures.
El Rastro
WHERE: Embajadores
Okay, so El Rastro isn’t one particular store, but it’s definitely a top spot for shopping in Madrid, no matter what you’re looking to pick up. This open-air flea market occupies several streets and squares in the historic center of Madrid and attracts thousands of locals and tourists every Sunday.
Here, you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling everything from antiques and books to clothes, art, and crafts, complete with bars, restaurants, and cafes serving up local dishes and budget-friendly drinks.
One of the coolest and most unique things about El Rastro is that it has a specialist area for different types of goods. Looking for vintage cameras or furniture? Check out Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores. For paintings or artwork, head to Calle de San Cayetano. For books and vintage comics, Plaza de Campillo del Mundo Nuevo is the place to go.
El Moderno Concept Store
WHERE: Malasaña
El Moderno Concept Store is home to the sort of stuff you didn’t realize you needed until you saw it. And then, when you walked out of the store, you remembered just how much you suddenly do need some marble print salt and pepper shakers, or a red geometric elephant sculpture, or a colorful, squiggly vase complete with hand-drawn faces.
You get the point: El Moderno Concept Store sells a little of everything from interior odds and ends and fashion accessories, to stationery and art. You’ll see this spot in the heart of Malasaña, split into two floors. The ground floor is all about color and playfulness, complete with the soundtrack and goods to match. Upstairs, things are a little more tailored, with minimalist pieces designed by local and international artisans, artists, and designers.
Cocol
WHERE: Centro
Cocol started its life as an old tapestry workshop and nowadays sells a variety of Spanish traditional crafts, all made by local artisans. Come here when you’re looking to pick up something truly unique, whether that’s a beautiful tapestry to gift to a friend, a set of hand-knitted socks, or gorgeous ceramics in a range of subtle shapes and designs.
One of Madrid’s best boutique stores, it offers something a little different from the usual shopping experience. It is more about unique experiences and sustainability than mass-produced objects.
In addition to ceramics, blown glass, and enameled cutlery sets, Cocol is home to a more whimsical range of straw circus animals, wooden birds, and plenty of other things that you’re unlikely to find again. The hand-made nature of this spot means you’ll find new things each time you visit, too.
WOW Concept
WHERE: Centro
Be warned: a trip to the WOW Concept store is unlikely to be budget-friendly. But there’s no reason why you can’t explore its six levels and walk out empty-handed (with a few pieces mentally added to your Christmas wish list).
This futuristic store is all about innovative brands, contrasting nicely against the historic building it sits in: the iconic Gran Vía 18 building. You’ll want to reserve some time to properly explore WOW, as it covers more than 5,500 square meters of space and has a different theme on each floor.
Start with beauty before heading up to explore fashion, home and arts, technology, leisure, and gastronomy. At the top, you’ve got an extra treat, too: incredible views of the city below. While here, check out the digital museum and look out for interesting pop-ups or immersive experiences.
Casa De Diego
WHERE: Centro
A true treasure of Madrid, Casa De Diego is a family-owned and run spot that specializes in hand-made fans. Perfect for counteracting the hot sunshine in the summer months, these quintessentially Spanish fans are a double win: not only do you get to buy an authentic souvenir to carry around with you (and actually use), but you’ll be supporting a local business at the same time.
Founded in 1858, Casa De Diego is a haven of history and knowledge and has served royal households from all over the world, including the Spanish Royal Family. Fun fact: this is the store that designed the fan that Letizia Ortiz, Princess of Asturias, carried at her wedding for any royal buffs. It’s appeared in a handful of ’90s movies and still uses the same processes and design frameworks from when it first opened.
Malababa
WHERE: Salamanca
Fear not: Malababa ships worldwide, so if you find yourself scrolling through the brand’s pieces on Instagram after you’ve left Madrid, there’s still a chance you can shop with them. This Spanish brand is all about handcrafted accessories, like bags, shoes, and jewelry. A high-end brand that’s all about sustainability and minimalism, a stroll around here is endlessly calming, even if you walk out without new bags.
While it’s located in Calle de Serrano, the epicenter of Madrid’s high-end shopping area, Malababa sticks out for all of the right reasons, encouraging a more mindful shopping experience. Its python-leather Soshuke bag is one of its most popular pieces, but you’ll find a curated range of original accessories here throughout the year.
Casa Hernanz
WHERE: Centro
Madrid is a city where you’ll be on your feet a lot, which means you’ll need stylish shoes that last endless days of strolling. The answer? A trip to Casa Hernanz, one of the city’s coolest shoe shops that specializes in colorful espadrilles.
This vibrant boutique store dates back to 1845 and has made a name for itself over the years with features in movies like Gladiator and Fashion Week with Yves Saint Laurent. Casa Hernanz has been run by four generations of the same family over the years and sells around 100,000 pairs of espadrilles every year.
With its wooden shelves, metal boxes, and jute sacks, this Madrid store really leans into its historic past. Its old-fashioned atmosphere charms everyone who steps inside.