This is a fun curio shop, and I stopped in to see if I could find lens filters for a camera. They…read morewere extremely nice and recommended a great little shop around the corner. There was service with a smile and the perfect recommendation. I've been having trouble finding a photography gear shop and they knew right where to go.

This really is a post for Panerai lovers.... in case you are in Madrid and didn't know, they do…read morehave a boutique that opened up a year or so ago. A must visit for the true enthusiast! Have been inside and they were friendly enough as I contemplated pulling the trigger on another PAM....

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