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When you embrace shopping in Madrid like embarking upon a sacred quest, your reward will be treasures that you’ll cherish forever. Keep these 10 commandments in mind to cultivate the correct attitude so you can find your own holy grail.
Thou Shalt Stay in Frugal Style
Begin and end your shopping adventures in a chic Madrid hotel with Hostelbookers, the budget travel specialists, who recommend the AWA Madrid Downtown Hostel. Snuggled in a trendy Salamanca neighborhood, the classical design of this air-conditioned hostel includes formal balconies overlooking charmingly narrow streets packed with coffee shops, tea houses and great stores. Consult the multi-lingual travel desk for walking tours of the Prado Museum and Mayor Square or timetables for the nearby Puerta del Sol Metro Station.
Thou Shalt Convert
Clothing sizes in Spain are quite different from those in the UK and the USA, so it is wise to have along a clothing conversion app to automatically do the math of adding the 28 to the UK size and 32 to US sizes. Also, if converting your currency to Euros, be alert for exchange fees that can eat up one to three per cent of your shopping budget — even on credit card purchases.
Thou Shalt Go Local
Chain-stores have stuff you could find anywhere, so seek out uniquely Spanish vendors like the famous Madrid Wool Capes or the super-comfy shoes made at the Case Henanz Espadrille that are so popular you’ll have to stand in line to score your pair(s).
Thou Shalt Brand Shop
As Spain has emerged as one of the major design centers of Europe, styles like Mango, Camper, Zara and Loewe have gained international recognition. The Madrid outlets for these brands have the latest fashions in either ready-to-wear or made-to-order outfits.
Thou Shalt Hit the Streets
On weekends, street markets like El Rasta are brimming with one-of-a-kind wonders that you won’t find in any store. Show up early for the best selections and juiciest bargains and plan to have a leisurely lunch on delicious tapas and other local delicacies.
Thou Shalt Dress the Part
Wear clothes that match your intent for the day…if you’re bargain shopping, throw on some well-loved threads so you won’t look like an easy mark. On the other hand, if you’re hitting the fashion outlets, dress yourself up in a striking outfit that says you have style and know how to use it.
Thou Shalt Not Be a Victim
Like any city, Madrid has its share of sneak thieves and pick-pockets so don’t be tempted to wear flashy jewelry or wave around expense equipment that could make you a target. Also, do your best to consolidate your purchases into one bag (or backpack) that you can keep close.
Thou Shalt Maintain Spending Discipline
To keep yourself from exceeding your budget, use an Expense Tracker app to keep a running total of your purchases by either scanning receipts or inputting manually. Often these apps will also tag any purchases which you will have to declare at customs.
Thou Shalt Respect Traditions
Although the high-end department stores maintain regular business hours, many of the smaller shops close for an afternoon siesta so they can stay open through the early evening to attract the dinner crowd.
Thou Shalt Use Manners
The Spanish adapt a very formal, yet humble, attitude towards strangers and appreciate being treated the same. Learn phrases that automatically include formalities, like saying “lo siento, hablo ingles?” (I’m sorry, but do you speak English?) instead of just “hablo ingles?” Remember that Spanish men are quick to compliment a woman’s appearance and this should not necessarily be taken as a sign of flirtation, but more as a courtesy that can be either returned or answered with a polite “gracias.”
Happy shopping in Madrid.
