EL RASTRO

Each Sunday, El rastro, a veritable institution in Madrid, attracts several thousand people.

;El rastro is a gigantic flea market that takes place in the lavapiès district between the "ambajadores" streets. The enormous garage sale offers a hodge podge of goods; a mixture of clothing, video cassettes, magazines, hardware, many picture frames. You can find everything you want at el rastro.

The real antiques can be found just beyond the statue of Cascorro, and in the stores located to the side of the street. You will find beautiful furniture, paintings, and other antiques there. These stores are open all week, so you may think about going back when it's a bit less hectic during the week.

But don't go to el rastro with a precise idea in mind of what you want to buy. That would be impossible given the crowd and the huge size of the market itself. Just let yourself be carried along with the crowd. Keep an eye on your bags and cameras. Even if there are a lot of police around, crafty pickpockets are just waiting for unsuspecting tourists...

Don't leave before having a drink in one of the old, neighborhood bars. The ones in the Lavapiès district are the best.