30/03/2024
San Miguel Market: Tapas and Laughs Guaranteed
There are two things that Madrid has in abundance: tapas and laughter. Walking through its streets, adorned with imposing architecture and corners full of history, is a feast for the eyes and the mind. In this sensory journey, the capital of Spain triumphs with a unique combination of good food and Madrid’s friendliness.
If there’s a place in the city where you can fully enjoy both, it’s the San Miguel Market, a temple devoted to Spanish cuisine and its spectacular products.
From BYPILLOW, we’re excited to share the latest news about this market, located just 1 minute away from Citadel, our hotel in the center of Madrid.
The Gourmet Paradise a Step Away from BYPILLOW The Citadel
If you’re planning your itinerary in Madrid for a well-deserved getaway, take note! Markets are trendy, and they are no longer just a place where locals go shopping but have become a gastronomic space to taste the best regional products.
In fact, they’ve become so popular that many cities have decided to transform old neighborhood markets into true culinary paradises. Madrid leads this trend with the San Miguel Market, a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Inside, you’ll find over 30 stalls with quality, local products. For example, at the Flexia stall, one of the most eye-catching, fruits and vegetables fill the shelves, or at Carrasco Ibéricos, you can find the highest quality ham, which melts in your mouth.
The market is located in the center of Madrid de los Austrias, next to the famous Plaza Mayor, and has several hotels nearby, including BYPILLOW The Citadel. If you’re looking for hotels in the center of Madrid, don’t hesitate to check out our 2 flagship accommodations:
BYPILLOW Velázquez 45: One of the best hotels in Madrid, located in the elegant Salamanca district.
BYPILLOW Crosstown: a boutique hotel in Madrid, with spacious rooms and a groundbreaking design.
San Miguel Market: The Heart of Madrid
Even if you don’t buy anything, the visit is a spectacle itself, as you’ll be surrounded by the colors, aromas, and flavors most characteristic of our gastronomy.
But if you come hungry, in the center of the San Miguel market, you’ll find tables where you can sit down to enjoy designer tapas. Our recommendation is to take a first reconnaissance lap around the market to see all the available products and then target the tapas that caught your eye the most, pairing them with a good glass of wine. Now is the time to find your spot at the tables and enjoy these delights.
Important! Tables tend to fill up quickly, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Therefore, it’s crucial to be patient or have a friend reserve spots. And if not, you can always stand at the bar of each stall.
They say there’s no modernity without good tradition, so get ready to discover all these culinary wonders that combine both: Galician octopus, tartar, skewers, stuffed croissants, chicken wings, beef steaks, baos, cheese boards, oysters, empanadas, canned seafood, patatas bravas, gazpacho, croquettes, ham, fried fish, cuttlefish, calamari rings, paella…
And many more delicious options!
We recommend choosing one of the family hotels in Madrid close to the market, because after so much food, you’ll roll out of there.
Anecdotes and Curiosities of Madrid’s Most Picturesque Market
Beyond its gastronomic offer, the market is an open book of stories and curiosities.
The market owes its name to the medieval church of San Miguel de los Octoes, which stood for five centuries until it was destroyed by fire and demolished years later, in 1809 by orders of José Bonaparte.
Madrid’s merchants began to use this empty space for their outdoor trading activities. They created improvised counters with wooden boxes and sold their perishable products, like fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish.
By the mid-19th century, more than 80 stalls were gathered there, but it wasn’t until years later that a market was officially inaugurated to provide better working conditions. This space was built in 1916, becoming one of the finest examples of iron architecture in Madrid.
Stories Among Stoves: The Best-Kept Secrets of the Market’s Chefs
Did you know that among the stoves of the San Miguel Market, some Michelin stars are hidden? If you’re not aware, these stalls might go unnoticed, as they blend in with the market’s ambiance. However, a couple of stalls have been awarded the highest culinary recognition.
If you pay close attention, you’ll see that these stalls usually have a bit longer queues.
We introduce them to you so you don’t miss out!
The first is the Rocambolesc ice cream shop, where you’ll find artisanal and natural ice creams by Joan Roca, awarded with 3 Michelin stars.
The second is the Madrà by Arzabal stall, number 18, which presents traditional rice dishes by Rodrigo de la Calle, a chef with one Michelin star. There, you can taste paella or the most “castizo” tapas.
Now, you have all the necessary information to indulge in a true gastronomic feast just 1 minute away from our hotel BYPILLOW Citadel. It’s tough to find a boutique hotel in Madrid closer to the gastronomic epicenter of Madrid. Walk, eat, drink, laugh, and enjoy at the San Miguel Market, and when you return, you’ll tell us about your experience. We’re sure you’ll love it.