Flea markets, street markets and farmers markets

One of Madrid’s top markets takes place in the Railway Museum. On the second weekend of every month, dozens of stalls are set up among the old train carriages and locomotives, where you can buy everything from vintage clothes and decor to organic products and classic bikes. It’s been compared to London’s Camden Market for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its variety, and includes a section for children where, in addition to buying clothes and unique toys, kids can have a ride on a mini train and take part in games and workshops designed especially for them. When you get tired of walking around the platforms, you can have a bite to eat and relax with a beer in the large courtyard or enjoy one of the free concerts on offer.

This independent design fair has become one of the most important in Spain. It started in 2005 with the aim of being a showcase for emerging talent and a meeting place for creators and the public and for professionals of the sector. It is now held four times a year, coinciding with the new fashion seasons, on the upper floor of Chamartín train station. Its latest editions have seen new activities such as workshops, exhibitions and culinary events. Its success means that you’ll probably have to queue to get into the exhibition space.

This is Madrid’s oldest and most iconic street market. Every Sunday at 9am, hundreds of stalls are set up in C/Ribera de Curtidores, in the Embajadores neighbourhood, filling the street with life and bustle. It’s a must for tourists and locals alike, who browse through the new and second-hand clothes, costume jewellery, decorative items, vinyl records, T-shirts of bands, souvenirs of Madrid, prints and drawings. At noon it’s almost impossible to walk down the street, and two streams of shoppers are created, one heading for Plaza del Cascorro and another heading down to the Ronda de Toledo. Haggling is the norm, as are the shouts of the vendors announcing their best deals. After snagging yourself a bargain and trying some classical Madrid wafers, the best thing to do is stop off for a drink and a bite to eat in the bars of La Latina.

This market was created with the aim of showcasing the work of talented Spanish designers, artists and illustrators and is held on the first weekend of every month (from 11am to 10pm) at the multi-purpose space Matadero Madrid, in Legazpi. Fashion, decoration and art are the mainstays of the fair, which targets entrepreneurs in the world of design. It was originally held bi-monthly and quickly became a top leisure event for Madrid residents. More than 300 artists have exhibited their work at the MCD, where you can also enjoy free concerts and workshops. Originality and innovation are its personal trademarks. There's a small patio where you can take a break and have a drink and a snack.

This market for locally-sourced organic products takes place on the first weekend of each month at the Impact HUB Madrid co-working space and is a meeting point for the region’s producers and consumers. In response to the growing awareness of the importance of healthy eating, the market schedules culinary workshops where you can learn how to make home-made bread and cheese, how to grow your own vegetables and how to take advantage of solar power. It’s a good way for families to enjoy a day out together and discover the advantages of eating healthy produce from in and around Madrid.

This market aims to promote the rational use and reuse of consumer goods. It’s held the third weekend of every month at the Espíritu 23 co-working centre. It’s open to anyone who wants to get rid of goods they no longer use, though you have to sign up in advance. The emphasis at Adelita Market is especially on locally-sourced products and the aim is to be a model of sustainable business practices. Their website clearly states that this is not a craft market nor is it aimed at professionals. There is another venue in Majadahonda.

There are more and more street markets appearing in the Malasaña neighbourhood, and this one has become one of the most popular, despite its recent appearance on the scene. Fashion, accessories, art and decoration by around 20 designers take over the multi-functional Ciento y Pico building, which also hosts exhibitions, press conferences, business breakfasts and a whole range of other events. According to the market’s organisers, the aim here is to promote new firms and designers that have no other channels through which to showcase and sell their creations. The market is spread over two floors and admission is completely free of charge.

A former shopping arcade is now the site of this flea market, where gastronomy, design, fashion and culture come together every weekend. Here you’ll find innovative ideas and a wide range of activities for children, who can find fun things to do while their parents concentrate on shopping. The last weekend of every month is dedicated to second-hand objects, and there is also a bar where you can have a drink and try some culinary surprises.

If you’re looking for something different, you’ll love the Rave Market. It’s held every month in Madrid’s best-known concert venues and clubs like Shoko and But. Because it's organised by a non-profit organisation which aims to promote the recycling and exchange of second-hand goods, anyone can bring their own creations or unwanted items and sell them here. Under the slogan 'Because your things deserve a second chance', the Rave Market also features DJ sessions and live music, making it one of Madrid’s coolest markets.

You’ll find yourself reliving your childhood moments at this market. It started in 1997 as a space dedicated to old toys and quickly became a meeting place for collectors thanks to its large, top-quality collection of toys. After moving around between a number of venues, it now has its headquarters in La Ermita shopping centre, where it’s held on the first Saturday of each month except for August. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to see and admire the toys their parents played with and for parents to get worked up about old Scalectrix sets, electric trains, Madelmen, Playmobil sets, Geyperman, Nancy dolls, scale model cars and lots of other toys.