I was excited when I heard about the flea market... but when I got there I felt really disappointed. It was crowded and there isn't a lot to see. If you are expecting a flea market like the one in Paris, forget it. The neighborhood is also kind of dirty and full of tourists.

Only a small part of the rastro had antiques and weird stuff, most of what they sold were kitchy souvenirs and cheap clothes made in china. Still worth a visit- but you have yo arrive before 10 to beat the crowds, otherwise it becomes really annoying, you can hardly move and are much easier to mug.

It's JUST another outdoor market - I wouldn't even call it a flea market since only a few stalls were selling secondhand items and these were just clothes! Lots of clothing, bags, leather goods, lace items, Spanish fans, and even swords. No food or produce like some other European outdoor markets (but restaurants are along the route and open). Lots... More

We are big flea marketers and antique show goers so going to El Rastro was a given for us, especially since it was just a couple of blocks away from the apartment we rented. The market spills out onto the hilly streets of the La Latina neighborhood turning them into a riot of activity. There is a lot of junk... More

You won't find many useful things here. This is thé place in Madrid to get robbed or mugged. It is filled with pickpockets lurking around trying to grab your wallets or personal belongings. When you eventually do get in trouble, going to the police is not very useful as most of the police officers in Madrid are hopeless and off... More

You can buy anything but food. It is very big and crowdy. You can find street musicians and dancers. It is a must if you are interested in the customs of each nation.

The market was very busy, and as advised prior to my visit I put my small cross body bag underneath my coat. Nearing the end of my visit, I was aware of a prodding in back back, I turned to see a fairly "respectable looking" man in his thirties pointing to my shoulder, when I looked there was a huge... More

Strolling around the main street of el Rastro, the Madrid Flea Market, you can find two nice porticoed squares - to the left and right of the ribera de curtidores - full of quality vintage clothing, brocante, decoration and cartography. They are called Nuevas Galerías and Galerías Piquer. Worth the visit. Every day of the week but mainly on Sunday... More

This was definitely one of the hightlights of our trip to Madrid. We just love flea markets and El Rastro didn't disappoint. There is a very long main street with many stalls lined up on both sides, but then there are also side streets and antique shops dotted along the path and side streets. Some sell very high quality antiques,... More