Toledo is a City full of knives, both physically and historically. So during Gayle and my recent…read moretrip to Spain, this is one souvenir that I really wanted. And if you show up here with a Rick Steves' Spain Tour Guide, there's a 10% discount in it for you. The Toledo streets wind around a lot and if you keep walking, you'll eventually find Mariano behind the counter of his long and narrow shop (with his workshop behind). It's right "behind" the Ayuntamiento/City Hall in a fairly nondescript store front. Judging by what's left of Mariano's hands and a few knicks I picked up along the way, his knives are very sharp. He was also very honest about materials, quality, and use of the various grades that he sells. A few of the knives defied my immediate sense of logic on how they worked, and Mariano was very patient and helpful in explaining the mechanisms. I gave up on one of them and figured that if I couldn't safety work the thing, I wasn't going to buy it. Gayle ended up purchasing that one for one of her sons who does have that skill. I was happy with a more decorative pocket knife choice with a nice 2-tone bone inlay.

An outstanding visit to a sword making shop. The owner took time to talk to us about swords and…read moreexplain how the swords were made, the significance of the metal being used and how the swords were used in the past. Fact I learned - swords made in Europe were prized for the hardness of the steel thus the blade is dull on purpose. Highly recommended taking a look at this store and buying a blade if it strikes your fancy. The skilled craftsmanship is on display as is the patient demeanor of the owner. It made my kid's day to see this shop!

We shopped here right before flying home, were able to buy some quality Items for ourselves and our…read morefamily. Very different than those at souvenir shops; the items were made in Spain. I wish we had purchased more, they were exquisite. The owner was knowledgeable, and friendly. We left happy.

Just a short walk from the Prado, Laura makes you truly feel at home as you look around. I asked…read moreher for recommendations for my niece and she pointed out a shoulder bag that my niece will definitely love. Laura also explained to me where the items came from and the processes to make them. Every item has a story and I cant wait to tell the recipients about them when I get home.

Cambien los horarios en Google por Dios. Me vine en taxi un viernes que se suponia estaba abierto…read morey todos los horarios de Google incorrectos. Falta de respeto.

We visit the store on every trip to Spain, best selection of ceramic & wide variety of artisans and…read moreexcellent customer service. Thank you

If you are looking for a good quality store that carries niche cultural t shirts this is a good…read moreplace and also available in Lisbon.

The name of this T-shirt shop embodies what the design of their shirts is all about - interesting…read moredesign and interesting typography. Their silk-screened shirts are truly unique, with a graphic design sensibility that features the work of local designers. You won't find t-shirts like this anywhere else, so if you're already at Sol, Madrid's central square, it's worth the short walk over to Typographia to buy some new shirts for yourself, and these are the kind of t-shirts that would also make great gifts. One star off for the off-putting staff who don't do justice to the design work on display here - and no refunds, so be sure to try on your selections before leaving the shop as the sizes run a bit small. They do accept exchanges but, again, a bit begrudgingly. Note to staff: Be proud of what you're selling!

This flea market is massive. We spent about two hours wandering around and was able to walk…read morethrough 80% of it while stopping at a few stalls. Things I thought were interesting - 20 Euro leather jackets Piles of clothes on tables labeled with different prices (2/5/10 Euros) where customers dig through trying to find treasures Incense stands Plenty of interesting wall art What you will not find at this flea market - Food or drinks A restroom if your kid has to go potty They also have the normal jewelry, clothing accessories (scarves, hats, belts, bags), and little toys that you would find at any flea market. One stand sold different prints on pieces of wood for wall art. They had movies, anime, Madrid, art, food, and some other categories. At first, I scoffed at the price (1 for 6 Euros, 3 for 15, 7 for 30), but we wound up getting a few as I thought they were well done. They open at 9 and we got there around 10. That was pretty reasonable, in terms of people. By the time we left around noon, it was wall to wall people, and not a place I would want to be.

In a word, dreadful. I'm fond of flea markets in California which often have interesting arts,…read morecrafts, and random items. This one had none of these. What it did have was an enormous, dense crowd of people pawing through piles of socks, sweats, and scarves. Many of the stands looked like the back of an unusually messy teenager's closet. See appalling photos. Nothing seemed particularly original, and not an artisan in sight. I was interested in pottery, but all I saw was truly junk. For some reason, there were many stands with a Frida Kahlo items. Maybe it's a big year for big eyebrows. Frida was born, lived, and died in Mexico. If you're a bargain seeking garment/fashion shopper, check out the clearance area at the Corte Ingles department store. At the Puerto Sol location it's downstairs right in front of the entrance to the supermarket (think Harrod's food hall). There were some real bargains on high quality, non-knock-off goods. Plus there is the occasional free taste sample in the market And several floors of non-sale items higher up. DSC01464.jpg DSC01465.jpg DSC01468.jpg DSC01471.jpg DSC01476.jpg DSC01477.jpg DSC01478.jpg DSC01479.jpg DSC01480.jpg

Marin is an adorable furniture/home goods shop in the middle of what seems to be mostly…read moreclothing/souvenirs/food. The store is not very big, but they carry so many different items. They have some great vintage looking toys if you want to bring home a souvenir for a child. They also have some unique looking furniture, and they do offer shipping worldwide (although we didn't check how much it would have been). The prices were mediocre- I wouldn't say it was cheap, but it was definitely not expensive. If you're in the area and like to window shop, I'd recommend stopping by- you never know, you could happen upon something quirky that you love.

I have visited several shops in Madrid center area looking for souvenirs. Finally, I found "El…read moreChollo" with the best prices in souvenirs, caps, magnets,... Surprisingly, they have the same magnets as the store next door but much cheaper!!! They have other funny and usefull gadgets for phones and travellers, too.

Great finds shopping anything for the home. From kitchen stuff like tea infusers, spoons, bird like…read morescrapper, containers, to tea, candy, face mask, random seasonal items that are just plain cute. It's a chain mostly in Europe with lots of fun, cool, funny things. Quality reminds me of like Ikea, functional and affordable. Love the store! Danish design, practical and adorable.

Reminds me of Five Below back in the USA - inexpensive home items, toys, personal care items, and…read morecrafts. Most items were 3 euros or less. It might be a fun option for souvenirs/gifts.

Trips to España aren't complete without flying home with a new pair of espadrilles. Casa Hernanz…read morewas on my to do list for Madrid. I happily stumbled upon them while on a walking tour with my bff. I was at best, only marginally interested in the tour as the guide wasn't able to hold my attention (Hemingway was right on the money with "I drink to make other people more interesting" as maybe had I had a drink he wouldn't have bored me to pieces within the first 2min) so I spent most of it wandering off and exploring nearby because the entire point of a walking tour is to actually walk while learning fun new things. For instance, I learned where this shop was without directions. I walked right in and there were several people inside but no queue upon my arrival. They have so many options, but being petite I typically rarely if ever wear flats unless they are my tennis shoes. I tried on a few different pairs and sizes since I'm typically a 36 or 37 depending on the style of shoe. A couple color options weren't available in my size but I did find a really nice neutral brown I can pair with plenty. Service was great! My pair cost 25 euro which I felt was extremely reasonable. I only fly with hand luggage which definitely helps limit my spending due to space. Trust me when I say you'll want more than one pair! There's very little I love more than supporting a small buisness with incredible products. The store feels really special, very pleased with my experience. Grateful to have visited and HIGHLY recommend for any Madrid itinerary.

Went back to my favorite shoe store in Spain. Bought three more pairs of espadrilles. I own 6 pairs…read morefrom here. Service is always great and quick. The shoes seem a little more expensive, but everything has gone up in price. Be realistic - know what type of shoes you would wear, what your price point is, and what you like. If you live in a warm climate these shoes are perfect. The store can be overwhelming because there are alot of options, but please do not waste their time. The girl next to me had them bring out 10 pairs of shoes to only buy 1 pair.