Sun-Wed 10 a.m.-midnight | Thurs-Sat 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Mercado San Miguel, a market built of beautifully ornate glass and cast iron, is a popular stop for tourists to Madrid, especially since it is located right outside of Plaza Mayor. Here, visitors can purchase some wine, grab a cocktail, juice or coffee, snack on a variety of ready-to-eat tapas, or pick up some ingredients for lunch or dinner from the fruit, seafood and meat stalls.
Recent visitors loved the vast selection of food offered, as well as the fun, vibrant atmosphere and described the market as a "must-see," especially for foodies. Some travelers, however, felt the market was too expensive and too touristy, lacking the character found at other markets, such as Mercado San Anton in Chueca. Others warned of pickpockets and reminded future visitors that you'll need to present a receipt from a vendor to use any of the restrooms free of charge.
Travelers will find Mercado San Miguel in a square by the same name, adjacent to Plaza Mayor. The market is open 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. For more information, visit the Mercado de San Miguel's website.
To the east of central Madrid, Parque del Buen Retiro(Retiro Park) can be translated as "Park of the Pleasant Retreat," and that's what it is – a sprawling swath of lush greenery filled with formal gardens, lakes, cafes, playgrounds and more. This 300-some-acre park previously housed Felipe IV's palace and gardens, and didn't become open to the public until the late 19th century.