Discover Madrid’s Las Salesas Neighbourhood
Madrid’s Las Salesas neighbourhood – named for the nearby Plaza de las Salesas – has sprung to life in recent years thanks to a new wave of pioneering business owners. Nestled between the iconic Gran Vía, party-loving Chueca, and stately Colón, Las Salesas is especially well-known for its variety of independent shops. A quick detour through this central barrio is perfect for picking up quirky and unusual souvenirs.
Calle Barquillo: Historical Origins at the Heart of Las Salesas
Shopping in Las Salesas has long been a tradition, and nowhere is this as apparent as on Calle Barquillo. This street could easily be considered Las Salesas’ main drag, with many shops having been around for decades. While others haven’t been established for quite so long, several of the newer stores retain the original façades.
This is the case with Santa Rita, a business which adopted the name of the haberdashery that was originally located here. Now, this 21st-century store outfits wedding guests and Madrid visitors with Spanish fans, clutches, hairpins, wallets, and berets.
Specialty Stores for Enthusiasts of All Stripes
The shops of Las Salesas have evolved, allowing for specialty stores of all kinds. Gion claims to be the largest Spanish importer of traditional products and modern knick-knacks from Japan. Kimonos, tea sets, Daruma dolls, and prints are just a few of the items available here.
On the opposite side of the street is macchinine, another store with a specialized focus. Toy collectors and hobbyists of all ages make pilgrimages here; with nearly 5000 toy cars on display, this model car store feels almost like a museum. Since opening in 2004, the store has built up a dedicated fan base, many of whom rely on macchinine to help them locate hard-to-find models or specific vintage cars from their childhood. Looking for something more affordable? Never fear, there are plenty of cars priced under €20.
For a curious peek into the shared history of Spain and the bodies of water surrounding the Iberian Peninsula, dive into all things water-related at Librería Náutica Robinson. This unique maritime bookstore features literature in both Spanish and English on topics ranging from guides to saltwater fish to children’s stories and first-hand accounts of ocean voyages. In addition to aquatic literature, the enterprising owners run a small publishing house, host events, and sell various marine-related items such as compasses, calendars, and keychains.
Future-Looking and Design-Loving
Lighthearted gifts can be found at Anclademar, a concept store that draws inspiration from all over the world. Italian notebooks, American candles, chocolate bars with wasabi, and anthologies of French fashion designers are featured alongside the latest Spanish brands, including Avellaneda (men’s fashion), Olga Prieto (jewelry), and The Painter’s Wife (contemporary art and fashion).
Do Design, a spacious concept store spanning 200 square meters, is filled with natural light and is dedicated equally to art, fashion, and design. Open since 2011, the gallery portion of the space hosts a diverse range of temporary art exhibitions. The store reflects the Scandinavian notion of hygge, featuring a range of lifestyle items such as wooden cake testers, Spanish leather wallets, and hand-stenciled notebooks. The small size of these affordable handicrafts makes it an ideal spot for quality and practical souvenirs.
Edible Gifts for Gourmands
Tucked away on a quiet side street named after a saint, El Huerto de Lucas stands out in the Spanish capital. With its hanging plants in the interior patio, organic food vendors, and an Eco Bistro, this venue promotes healthy living and serves as a haven for those with food intolerances or dietary restrictions. It’s also the perfect place to pick up unconventional gifts for eco-minded relatives or foodie friends; the stalls surrounding the cantina offer everything from organic makeup to jams and olive oil. An attached pop-up market periodically features sustainable clothing brands as well.
To conclude your shopping journey, follow the enticing scents wafting from Calle Barquillo to Pomme Sucre. This patisserie’s signature croissant regularly appears on lists of the best in Madrid, with varieties including classic, chocolate, and almond. Fruity macarons, chocolate tartlets, sugared palmiers, and cream-filled pastries also tempt visitors. Enjoy your treats in situ with a tea or coffee, or take them home as a sweet gift.
