Mercado de San Antón Madrid
A three-level culinary hub in Chueca, offering gourmet groceries, diverse food stalls, and a rooftop bar.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Mercado de San Antón Madrid
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A three-level culinary hub in Chueca, offering gourmet groceries, diverse food stalls, and a rooftop bar.
"A vibrant market experience with delicious food and a great rooftop bar in the heart of Madrid."
🎯 Explore All Levels
Don't stop at the first level! Each floor offers unique groceries, food stations, and a rooftop bar.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
While gourmet options exist, you can find delicious and affordable eats like pinchos and bocadillos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gourmet Food Stalls
All levels
Indulge in a variety of street food and gourmet dishes from talented chefs. Try crispy chicken bao or unique bocadillos!

La Ancha's Tortillas
La Ancha stall
Don't miss the famous tortillas, especially the ones with callos. A must-try for a taste of traditional Spanish flavors.

Rooftop Terrace Bar
Top level
Enjoy a drink with a view. This is the perfect spot to relax after exploring the market's culinary delights.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Culinary Adventure
Beat the Crowds, Savor the Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore All Levels
Don't stop at the first level! Each floor offers unique groceries, food stations, and a rooftop bar.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
While gourmet options exist, you can find delicious and affordable eats like pinchos and bocadillos.
🚶♀️ Less Touristy Choice
Considered a great alternative to more crowded markets like San Miguel.
📱 Use the Market App
Some stalls offer unique concepts and might have online menus or ordering.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore All Levels
Don't stop at the first level! Each floor offers unique groceries, food stations, and a rooftop bar.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
While gourmet options exist, you can find delicious and affordable eats like pinchos and bocadillos.
🚶♀️ Less Touristy Choice
Considered a great alternative to more crowded markets like San Miguel.
📱 Use the Market App
Some stalls offer unique concepts and might have online menus or ordering.
☀️ Enjoy the Terrace
The rooftop bar is a perfect spot for an evening drink or a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mercado de San Antón for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse gourmet food options, and excellent rooftop bar. It's often recommended as a less touristy alternative to other Madrid markets, offering a great culinary experience across its three levels. Some find it can get crowded during peak times, and prices can add up if not mindful.
"All of these types of markets are very appealing. Whether it's for grabbing a snack or just spending some time, they're really great places. This one was also very nice, but overall it felt a bit expensive to me. One tapa costs €2. Other than that, the atmosphere and shopping options are excellent."
Pınar Gül 1.
"I absolutely loved this place! There was something for everyone and many options to choose from.
We sat on the 2nd floor which has a big seating area. And after food went upstairs to the terrace to a drink.
Would definitely recommend! Most of our food was from stalls 18 and 19."
alejandra hermida
"And old food market place converted into a gourmet food court. There is a good number of small shops serving their specialties, from traditional Spanish tapas and tortillas to Asian stuff and seafood. These little joints cohabitate with a few remaining shops like Octavio, one of the very best charcuteries in Madrid. I had the menu of the day "menu del dia" in the restaurant located in the upper floor. Food was good and the service too. There was ample space between tables which favored mi lively conversation with two old friends. I plan to visit them again in my next trip to Madrid."
Ricardo Llovet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado de San Antón is conveniently located in the heart of the Chueca neighborhood. You can easily reach it by metro, with the Chueca station (Line 5) being the closest. Several bus lines also stop nearby. Walking is also a great option if you're staying in central Madrid.
Yes, it's very accessible. The Chueca metro station is just a short walk away, and numerous bus routes serve the surrounding area, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Madrid.
From Atocha station, you can take Metro Line 1 towards Pinar de Chamartín and change at Gran Vía to Line 5 towards Alameda de Osuna, alighting at Chueca. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service will take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the market, several public parking garages are located within walking distance in the Chueca area. However, using public transport is generally recommended due to the central location and potential parking difficulties.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Plaza Mayor to Mercado de San Antón. You'll pass through charming streets of central Madrid, making it a nice way to see the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mercado de San Antón is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase from the various stalls and shops.
The market generally opens around 10 AM and closes in the late evening, typically around midnight on weekdays and later on weekends. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
Yes, Mercado de San Antón is typically open on Sundays, though hours might be slightly shorter than on weekdays. It's a popular spot for Sunday brunch or a late lunch.
While some individual stalls might take reservations, the market itself doesn't operate on a reservation system. It's more of a walk-in experience, especially for the food stalls. For the rooftop bar, seating might be first-come, first-served.
Yes, Mercado de San Antón often hosts cooking demonstrations and other events. These are usually advertised on their social media or website, so it's worth checking in advance if you're interested.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find an incredible variety! From traditional Spanish tapas like tortillas and pinchos to international street food like bao buns and kebabs, plus fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and gourmet products.
Many visitors rave about the tortillas from La Ancha, especially those with callos. Crispy chicken bao and unique bocadillos from stalls like Bócatame are also highly recommended.
While it's a meat and seafood-heavy market, you can find vegetarian options. Look for stalls offering vegetable-based tapas, salads, or international dishes that cater to vegetarian diets.
Prices vary greatly depending on the stall. You can find affordable pinchos and bocadillos for around €3-€5, while more elaborate dishes or gourmet items can range from €10-€20 or more. A rough estimate for a meal could be €15-€25 per person.
Absolutely! The market has a traditional grocery section on the first floor where you can buy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other high-quality ingredients to take home.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the food stalls, the colorful produce displays, and the lively patrons. The rooftop terrace offers great city views, especially during golden hour.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and stall owners; it's always polite to ask before taking close-ups of people or their products.
Late afternoon or early evening can be ideal, as the market has a lively buzz, and the lighting from the stalls creates a warm, inviting ambiance. The rooftop terrace is also beautiful at sunset.
The market's modern design across its three levels offers interesting architectural lines. Look for the interplay of light and shadow, especially on the upper floors and the terrace.
Focus on close-ups of delicious food, wide shots capturing the market's energy, and candid moments of people enjoying themselves. User-generated content often highlights unique dishes and the rooftop view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, the food stalls on the second level offer diverse options. While some dishes might be adventurous, you can usually find simpler items like bread, cheese, or even some milder international options. The rooftop terrace provides a space for kids to stretch their legs a bit, though supervision is key. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of a full sit-down meal at one expensive stall, consider sampling small bites from several vendors. This allows you to try more things without breaking the bank. The market also provides a great opportunity to experience Madrid's food culture without needing to book expensive restaurants.
couples
Cap off your visit with a drink at the rooftop terrace bar as the sun sets over Madrid. It's a perfect spot for conversation and enjoying the city's ambiance. The market's lively yet intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for a casual date or a fun evening out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mercado de San Antón Experience
The second level is dedicated to a vibrant array of food stalls and small restaurants. Here, chefs transform fresh market ingredients into delicious dishes, offering everything from Spanish tapas and seafood to international street food. It's a fantastic place to sample a variety of flavors without leaving the market.
Topping it all off is the rooftop terrace bar, a popular spot for drinks and light bites with views over the city. It's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the Madrid atmosphere, especially during warmer evenings.
Culinary Delights and Must-Try Foods
Beyond these highlights, explore stalls offering fresh oysters, Iberian ham, artisanal cheeses, and various international cuisines. The market encourages a 'grazing' experience, allowing you to try small portions from multiple vendors. This makes it ideal for groups with different tastes or for those who want to embark on a true culinary adventure.
While many options are meat and seafood-focused, vegetarian visitors can find salads, vegetable tapas, and international dishes. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with flair, making it a dynamic dining experience.
Navigating the Market and Avoiding Crowds
While it's generally less touristy than Mercado San Miguel, it can still get busy. If you're aiming for a quieter visit, aim for earlier in the day or during off-peak hours. The market's three levels mean there's usually space, but the food stalls can become quite lively in the evenings.
For a truly local feel and to avoid the peak rush, visiting on a weekday evening can offer a good balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds. The rooftop bar is particularly enjoyable when it's not overly packed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit