Both the capital and its surroundings have big shopping complexes, trade centres, antique auctions, works of art and an endless number of traditional handicraft shops.
In the big shopping centers you can spend an entire day shopping and enjoying their cafeterias and restaurants. These complexes offer a wide range of commercial and leisure activities: bowling, cinemas, discos, and sports facilities. They are open all day long and are distributed all over the city and in the local towns like Majadahonda, San Sebastián de los reyes, Getafe, Las Rozas San José de valderas,etc…In some of these places you can find discounted items at places like the Factory de las Rozas or Getafe as well as las Rozas village Mall.
In the heart of Madrid there is a historical place where antique dealers sell their treasures, where antique dealers sell their treasure, where all types of antiques, handicrafts and furniture can be found. This place is known as the Rastro (the street market), whose main street is Ribera de Curtidores. Every Sunday and holiday the Rastro of Madrid becomes the heart of the city, where locals, visitors, children and adults enjoy this street market filled with stands and stalls throughout all the streets, squares and small alleys of the city centre.
Shopping in Madrid can be a very interesting since most of the important commercial areas are close to each other. To start off, keep in mind that every Sunday and holiday the Rastro, or street market is open in the neighbourhood known as La Latina. Here it is easy to find all sorts of things such as antiques, handicrafts and jewellery as well as leather goods, gift articles and pet animals. In the Neighbourhood of Salamanca which is made of the streets of Serrano, Velazquez and Goya one can find most of the International brands as well as the stores of the main Spanish designers. Gran Vía, Princesa , Moncloa, Orense and Azca are the other streets where there are numerous shops for every visitor to enjoy. The open business hours allow department stores and some shops to stay open all day and some establishments even open on Saturdays and holidays as well.
