Shopping in Lavapiés-Rastro-Embajadores

Lavapiés

Reflecting its multicultural character, Lavapiés offers visitors a diverse range of commercial activity, primarily through small, traditional shops.

African crafts, belly dancing accessories, hookahs, bags and lamps from the Maghreb, electronics stores and mobile phone repair shops… Lavapiés is like a large bazaar where you can buy items from various parts of the world in just a few steps.

In the upper part of the neighborhood, on the streets closest to the flower stalls that add color to Tirso de Molina Square, wholesale businesses are concentrated—some of them also sell retail—mainly in the textile and accessories sector. A good option for those looking for fashion is to visit La Positiva Shop, where you can find all kinds of gifts and interesting items created by independent designers, mainly Spanish. Around Lavapiés Square, you can find small, traditional food shops selling a variety of imported products such as spices from India and Pakistan, sesame sauces, pita bread, and Arabic sweets (on Sombrerete and Tribulete streets), or Asian noodles, sake, and preserved bamboo. There are also several halal butcher shops for those who practice the Muslim faith. The independent bookseller is also a noteworthy figure: Enclave de Libros, Bajo el Volcán, Los pequeños seres, Sin Tarima Libros, and bookstore-cafés like Big Tree Books and Mujeres & Compañía make up an interesting alternative reading scene. And the Parent(h)esis bookstore where you can find books in Spanish and English.

Ambassadors and Rastro

Have you ever bought books by weight? In the San Fernando Market (Calle Embajadores, 41), you can find this unique offering at one of its stalls, in addition to shops selling organic fruit, select cheeses and preserves, gifts, accessories, flowers, crafts, and more. Also located in this commercial area is the Mercado de la Cebada, one of Madrid's largest food markets. Butchers, delicatessens, fruit shops, fishmongers, poultry shops, and other specialized establishments such as perfumeries, opticians, florists, and upholsterers, among others, make up its wide selection. Next to the Mercado de la Cebada is the neighborhood's new sports center, which features two indoor swimming pools, an athletics track, a gym, and an indoor sports court. Its large 915-square-meter terrace with a deep blue athletics track and artificial turf is a highlight.