Lauren is a Mexico City–based writer, editor, and translator from Yorkshire with bylines at CNN, BBC Travel, and Al Jazeera. She’s currently working on her first full-length literary translation in between harassing her cat, drinking smuggled Yorkshire Tea, and blogging about Latin American literature at leyendolatam.com.
Lauren is a Mexico City–based writer, editor, and translator from Yorkshire with bylines at CNN, BBC Travel, and Al Jazeera. She’s currently working on her first full-length literary translation in between harassing her cat, drinking smuggled Yorkshire Tea, and blogging about Latin American literature at leyendolatam.com.
Hi, I'm Lauren!Lauren is a Mexico City–based writer, editor, and translator from Yorkshire with bylines at CNN, BBC Travel, and Al Jazeera. She’s currently working on her first full-length literary translation in between harassing her cat, drinking smuggled Yorkshire Tea, and blogging about Latin American literature at leyendolatam.com.
Hi, I'm Lauren!Lauren is a Mexico City–based writer, editor, and translator from Yorkshire with bylines at CNN, BBC Travel, and Al Jazeera. She’s currently working on her first full-length literary translation in between harassing her cat, drinking smuggled Yorkshire Tea, and blogging about Latin American literature at leyendolatam.com.
From upscale boutiques and department stores to traditional marketplaces and artsy design districts, there’s somewhere to suit every shopper in Madrid. So whether you’re looking to purchase souvenirs or Spanish specialities, here are some of Madrid’s unmissable shopping districts and destinations.
Located in the heart of the city center, the 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) Gran Vía is Madrid’s principal shopping street. Here, you’ll find big-name Spanish brands such as Zara and Stradivarius, and El Corte Inglés, a department store with a top-floor food market that offers great views of the Spanish capital. As well as shopping, you can enjoy the historic architecture of Gran Vía on a walking tour.
The quirky Malasaña neighborhood is replete with vintage clothes stores, second-hand book shops, and off-beat souvenir offerings; Velarde Street is a treasure trove of second-hand stores. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s still worth spending an afternoon window shopping on the streets of Malasaña.
Close to the Malasaña neighborhood is Fuencarral Street, lined with an eclectic mix of high-end and high-street stores. Look for brands such as Mac, Lush, and Intimissimi, or search out lesser-known fashion designers and boutiques. Calle Fuencarral has a great selection of bars and restaurants.
Along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of Calle Serrano that cuts through fashionable Salamanca, browse for national and international designer and luxury goods. Look out for brands such as Loewe—which has an extravagant year-round window display—Gucci, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Prada. Salamanca is also home to the city’s largest Zara, as well as several up-and-coming designers’ boutiques.
If you’re looking for luxury on a budget, don’t miss Las Rozas Village, a designer outlet that offers huge discounts on brands such as Calvin Klein, D&G, Armani, and more. To skip the hassle of arranging your own transport, opt for a tailored Las Rozas tour.
