There are still many small independent shops in Madrid, some of which are so specialist that they only sell one thing. In summer, visit Casa de Diego for a much-needed purchase of a handmade fan, and in winter you can marvel at the super-stylish capes at Capas Seseña. Gourmets will appreciate the many small shops selling artisan cheeses, extra virgin olive oil and Spanish wines.
For everything from the city’s best leather handbags to the best espadrilles, our destination expert knows exactly which addresses you need to shop like a local.
For more inspiration, see our guide to Madrid and the best hotels, restaurants, bars, tapas, nightlife, things to do and things to do for free.
Find places to shop by region
Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía
Casa de Diego
Casa de Diego has been selling handmade fans for almost two centuries and is one of Madrid’s most beloved traditional shops. Be warned: you may start looking for something simple, but ultimately you can’t resist something with an exquisite design. Because it is so hot in the city during the summer months, using a fan is a wise move rather than an affection. They also specialize in umbrellas and walking sticks – also handmade in their other shop and workshop nearby on Calle Mesonero Romanos – and also stock scarves, veils and castanets.
Contact: casadediego.info
Prices: ££
Guantes Luque
The streets of central Madrid used to be full of small shops that had existed for a century or more and specialized in one thing, but these gems are quickly disappearing. There’s still a magical shop selling handmade gloves in all kinds of styles, materials and colors – even if it’s the buttery soft goatskin gloves that most people want. They are also all arranged in the original drawers and cabinets. Although it has always been a favorite of Madrid’s most elegant women, these days you’re just as likely to see stylists, celebrities and costume designers inside.
Contact: esmadrid.com
Prices: ££
La Central de Callao
Although this beloved bookstore, which also has a branch in the Reina Sofía Museum, had to leave its palatial premises just off the Plaza de Callao, fortunately it only moved across the street – albeit to a smaller building. The store has sections for books in English and other languages, and specializes in literature, history, philosophy and social sciences. It also stocks notebooks and gifts. Check the website for the program of regular book launches, lectures and other literary events.
Contact: lacentral.com
Prices: £
Plaza Mayor, Opera and La Latina
Casa Hernanz
All summer there are queues in front of Casa Hernanz at the Plaza Mayor. Here the same family has been selling handmade espadrilles since 1845 from a long wooden counter with full shelves. Choose from an extensive range in all conceivable colors and styles; you can choose between the traditional flat version, slingbacks or wedges with ribbons. There are also really cute ones for babies. If you need a net to cook chickpeas in, a clothesline or a rope to tie up your donkey, they can help you with that too.
Contact: casahernanz.es
Prices: £
Cocol
Cocol celebrates the art of everyday objects and sources traditional pottery, crafts and jewelry from all over Spain. This beautiful shop on the medieval Plaza de la Paja is full of hand-painted ceramics, wooden toys, canvas and leather bags, hats, baskets, candles, blown glass vases and sculptural olive wood cutting boards – with plenty of easy-to-pack items. Just ask and they will be happy to tell you where each piece comes from and who made it.
Contact: cocolmadrid.es
Prices: ££
Greater Puntera
Watch the artisans create bags and accessories in this stylish workshop on a hidden square in the heart of the Austrian Quarter. Beautiful leathers are dyed in spicy shades through a natural process and then transformed into highly coveted wallets, purses, school bags, backpacks and belts. They also stock a range of beautiful notebooks. This is a good place to find a special gift for someone who likes high-quality items, as there is something for every age and taste and you can have items made to order.
Contact: puntera.com
Prices: ££
Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés
Capas Seseña
If you’ve ever felt like wandering around in a cape, this store is for you. The exterior has a red wooden facade and it is the only place in the world where capes are sold and nothing else. It was founded in 1901 by Santos Seseña and is now run by the fourth generation of the family. The capes are made from a dense but lightweight merino wool from Béjar, a town in the province of Salamanca, and cut out on a table at the back – a process that looks simple, but requires a lot of craftsmanship. Spin around the store in one and you won’t want to take it off.
Contact: sesena.com
Prices: £££
La Real Fabrica
Mohair scarves in luxurious jewel tones, gazpacho bowls, beautiful canned food, artisanal chocolates, olive oil, enameled pans, orange blossom perfume and Basque berets are just some of the things you might be tempted by at the Real Fábrica Española. Everything comes from small factories and workshops in different parts of Spain by owner Rocío Muñoz. Sheepskin slippers from Mallorca, linen tote bags and herbal scented soaps make good gifts and there are gourmet gift hampers if you need to pick something up quickly.
Contact: realfabrica.com
Prices: ££
Chueca, Malasaña, Salesas and Conde Duque
Ecoalf
Ecoalf is a fashion brand that uses recycled plastic and other materials to make sustainable clothing, but there’s nothing dignified or hippie-ish about their functional designs for men and women. The latest techniques are used to create chic, wearable pieces. The range includes t-shirts, trousers, swimwear, handbags, backpacks, trainers and slippers, but also a sportswear line with all the stuff you need for running, cycling, yoga, pilates and surfing. There is another store in the new Caleido business district in the north of Madrid.
Contact: ecoalf.com
Prices: ££
Aceites La Comunal
This shop is run by a foundation that promotes everything related to the production and consumption of olive oil. It stocks a huge range of extra virgin oils from all over Spain, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere. Look out for varieties from Toledo and Extremadura. Although they are aimed more at oil lovers in general than tourists (don’t expect obsequious service), they do have some in small bottles that are easier to transport as gifts, rather than the large cans or plastic bottles. They also have great hand creams and hair products.
Contact: patrimoniolivarero.com
Prices: £
Queseria Cultivo
On a blackboard in Cultivo in Conde Duque is the slogan #QuesosconRostro, which means ‘cheeses with a face’. What the dynamic young team behind this store is trying to convey is that the products for sale are made by real people who all have a story to tell. They work with cheesemakers in three parts of Spain – Félix Iniesta, Granja Cantagrullas and La Cuerre – who produce cheeses especially for the store using unpasteurized sheep’s and cow’s milk. They also stock around 30 cheeses from all over Spain and a select few from other countries. There is another store in La Latina. There are also branches in La Latina and near Atocha station.
Contact: queseriacultivo.com
Prices: ££
Paseo de la Castellana and Salamanca area
Malababa
Artisan techniques, organic dyes and ethical and sustainable practices are used to create the softest shoes and bags in both earthy and perky tones from recycled leather from the food industry. This is also a good place to find statement jewelry. Everything is made in small workshops in Spain. The shop, on elegant Serrano Street, is like a work of art in itself and features a cowhide tapestry studded with the agate crystals used in their designs. If you’re looking for a distinctive gift or a little treat for yourself, this is a good place to look. There is another shop at Calle Santa Teresa 5 in Salesas.
Contact: malababa.com
Prices: £££