Madrid, Spain — Shopping
Shopping in Madrid, Spain
Shopping in Madrid offers something for all budgets.
Markets
The main areas for antiques are Salamanca and the arcades on Calle Ribera de Curtidores - Nuevas Galerías, at number 12, and Galerías Piquer, at number 29. Bargain hunters should make for the Rastro, Madrid's famous flea market,. The market is open on Sunday mornings (closing at 1400).
Shopping centers
The most convenient area for tourists is around Calle de Preciados, between Sol and Gran Vía, home to El Corte Inglés department store, and high-street names like Zara, Gran Vía 32, and Casa Jiménez.
Key areas
The smartest shopping district is Salamanca, around Calle Serrano. Designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss, including the elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are located on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Another trendy area is Chueca, especially Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, while the place for youth fashions is Calle Fuencarral.
Shopping hours
Madrid's shops are generally open from 0930/1000 to 1330/1400 and 1630/1700 to 2030/2100, with major stores open throughout the lunch hours.
Tax information
VAT (IVA) of 16% is charged on most goods in Spain. It is possible for visitors from outside the EU to claim a tax refund from many central shops - shoppers should look for the Global Refund Tax Free Shopping stickers in windows and ask for Tax Free Cheques and keep with receipts to be presented at airport customs upon departure. Further information is available from Global Refund (www.globalrefund.com).
