Madrid – Around Town : Salamanca and Recoletos (part 2) – General Shops

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A Day’s Shopping


Morning

Leave Serrano metro
station, heading south and limber up with a spot of window shopping on
Salamanca’s main fashion drag. Turn left into Calle Columela – try not
to pay too much attention to
Mallorca’s
 mouthwatering displays of cakes
and pastries then left again into Calle Claudio Coello, a delightful
street lined with private art galleries, antique shops and boutiques.
Don’t miss Capa Sculptures (No. 19) and Monasterio Antígüedades (No.
21). Look left at Calle de Goya for the entrance to the shopping mall,
El Jardín de Serrano
. Cross Goya, then continue along Calle de Claudio Coello to Calle de Hermosilla

As many Spanish shops
still take an extended lunch break and siesta from 2pm to 5pm, this is
the perfect moment to stop for lunch. Choices abound, but leading
contenders include Teatríz for more formal eating, thetapas bar at
Estay
 or the reasonably priced pizza and pasta joint,
Gino’s
.

Afternoon

Give Calle de Hermosilla the once over, then resume your walk on Calle Claudio Coello, which boasts designer names such as Roberto Verino, Antonio Pernas and
Cristina Castañer
. At Calle de Ayala turn left to return to Calle de Serrano, where you can either ogle over the designer goods and dream, or blow your budget on a beautiful handbag or pair of shoes.

General Shops

  1. El Corte Inglés

    This
    branch of Madrid’s best known department store also has a beauty
    parlour, restaurant and supermarket as well as the usual individual
    departments.

    • Calle de Goya 76–87

  2. El Jardín de Serrano

    One
    of Madrid’s most exclusive shopping malls. It has the top names in
    fashion, accessories and jewellery as well as a branch of the Mallorca
    cafeteria and delicatessen chain.

    • Calle de Goya 6–8

  3. Galería ABC Serrano

    Salamanca’s other main shopping centre also has a good selection of boutiques (including a branch of the Spanish chain, Zara).

    • Calle de Serrano 61

  4. Centro de Anticuarios Lagasca

    Antiques
    lovers can save time traipsing the streets for individual shops by
    visiting this gallery which brings together a number of Madrid’s most
    reputable dealers.

    • Calle de Lagasca 36

  5. Santa

    If
    you’re a chocolate lover, look no further than this tiny outlet on
    Serrano which also sells gift wrapped sweets. The speciality here is leña vieja (chocolates that are cast to resemble tree trunks).

    • Calle de Serrano 56




    Santa

  6. Mercado de la Paz

    Salamanca’s
    best known food market is hidden away on this side street and is worth
    tracking down for its Spanish delicacies and a good range of
    international cheese selections.

    • Calle de Ayala 28

  7. Vázquez Fruits

    Only
    small but this famous fruiter vendor includes, it is said, Queen Sofía
    among its patrons. The selection of tropical fruits in particular will
    stir the taste buds.

    • Calle de Ayala 11

  8. Mallorca

    This
    reputable delicatessen chain offers a mouthwatering selection of
    cheeses, hams, pastries, filled rolls, cakes and ice creams. There’s a
    small bar if you can’t tear yourself away.

    • Calle de Serrano 6

  9. Álvarez Gómez

    This
    firm has been in the perfume business for more than a century, selling
    its own line of eau de cologne. Also top brand names like Chanel and
    Estée Lauder and Bulgari jewellery.

    • Calle de Serrano 14

  10. Zara Home

    Part
    of the Inditex Emporium group, which also includes the clothing brand
    of the same name, Zara Home stocks a great range of stylish and
    affordable house-hold goods. You can shop online too.

    • Calle Serrano 88