Hotels near Mercado de San Miguel

The Mercado de San Miguel is Madrid's most famous market - a 1916 wrought-iron and glass pavilion next to Plaza Mayor, now restored as a gourmet tapas hall with 30 stalls. Stand-up tasting bars serve oysters, jamon iberico de bellota, croquetas, salt-cured anchovies, and matched cavas, riojas, and sherries by the glass.

Free entry, open daily 10am to midnight (1am Thu-Sat). Tapas EUR 2-7 each, glasses of wine EUR 3-6. The market is touristy and pricier than locals' tapas but the variety in 90 minutes is unmatched. Avoid 1-3pm and 8.30-10pm when the bars are gridlock.

Pro Tip: Visit at 11am or 5-6pm for empty bars and full attention from stallholders. Order at the bar that catches your eye, eat standing, move on. Pair Mercado de San Miguel with a longer walk down Cava Baja in La Latina for serious tapas afterwards.