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One of Spain’s biggest department stores is “El Corte Inglés”, where you can find nearly everything you could need, from clothes to electronic devices to food. Although their prices  may not be the cheapest, they have many stores conveniently located throughout the city. In general, you will find a range of supermarket chains in Madrid, like “Ahorra Más”, “Hipercor”, “Caprado”, “Día”, “Lidl” etc. Another big supermarket is “Carrefour”. These tend to be located in the outskirts of Madrid and offer an extensive range of products at competitive prices.
Tip: On Sundays nearly all the shops are closed (except for the ones in la Puerta del Sol). However many stores, including “El Corte Inglés”, are opened on the first Sunday of the month. There is a chain called “OpenCor” which is open until 1 or 2am. There are also many small shops dotted all over Madrid which are open until late at night.
Medication of any kind can be purchased from the local pharmacies (farmácia). There are plenty of pharmacies all over Madrid… just have to look out for a green cross (often lit up/flashing).
Tip: There are pharmacies which open until late or even 24 hours a day which are called “farmacias de guardia”.
One typical and special thing about Spain and Madrid are its colourful markets with all kinds of fresh foods. There are several traditional markets where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, cheese etc.
The main markets are:
Antón Martín - A small traditional market which offers high quality food which is specific for different cultures . It is situated in the colourful area of Lavapiés, full of artistic influences.
Address: Santa Isabel 5, Lavapiés  Metro: Antón Martín
Chamartín - The market of Chamartín is one of the biggest markets of Madrid.
Address: Bolivia 9, Chamartín Metro: Colombia 
La Paz - In La Paz you will find quality foods of nearly every type. They offer a big range of delicacies and specialities.
Address: Ayala 28, Salamanca Metro: Velázquez
Los Mostenses - The market of Los Mostenses offers a bit of everything, you can find oriental products, chinese and japanese food and also goods from South America for reasonable prices.
Address: Pza. de los Mostenses, Gran Via  Metro: Plaza España /Noviciado
Maravillas - This market is said to be the biggest of Madrid and has the cheapest prices.
Address: Bravo Murillo 122, Cuatro Caminos Metro: Alvarado / Cuatro Caminos
San Miguel - Situated in the barrio of La Latina this little market is always worth a visit.
Address: Pza. San Miguel, (next to Pza. Mayor), Sol / La Latina Metro: Opera/Sol
San Antón - Located in a very trendy area of Madrid, the market San Antón offers a huge variety of fine foods and specialities of a very good quality.
Address: Augusto Figueroa 24, Chueca Metro: Chueca
Tip: The market “La Paz” is situated very near our school in Calle Ayala 28, near the metro Velázquez. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through its stalls after class and get some fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and typical Spanish dishes.
In general you will find many shops along the Gran Via and also around the city centre in Sol.
Tip: In the Calle Fuencarral you can find more independent stores supplying a variety of fashion designs.
You will find many souvenir shops around Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía. The majority of these shops have generic souvenirs. If you are looking for something a bit different you should take a look around La Latina where you will find shops which sell hand made things such as paintings. If you are interested in Art, you could also look in the gift shops of the art museums.
The souvenir shops sell small ornaments of the monuments in Madrid, e.g. the bear and strawberry tree monument in Sol, the fountain in Plaza Cibeles etc. Another typical souvenir is the Real Madrid and Athletico Madrid merchandise which can be found in most souvenir shops. You will also find souvenirs which are symbolic of bullfighting e.g. t-shirts, key rings etc. And don´t forget about the most typical Spanish souvenir - the fan!
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