Mercado de San Antón

Not sure what you’re in the mood for, but feel like wandering around and sampling homemade potato chips, empanadas, and anything else that screams “I’m in Spain”? The ground floor of Mercado de San Antón has stands where you can taste freshly-sliced Iberian ham, cool off with a lime, yogurt, and cardamom popsicle, or pick up artisanal soaps or olive oil to take home in your suitcase. 

The market’s al fresco rooftop is a hip hangout when it’s warm, and overlooks the red rooftops of the city’s funky Chueca neighborhood. If you’re looking for a proper meal, skip the sit-down restaurant and head to the food stalls serving international and Spanish small plates on the second floor. We love the seafood tapas and tostas at the Casa Bacalao, and the fresh tiger mussels at Hevia.