EI Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. It is held every Sunday and public holiday of the year, from 9 am to 3 pm. Everyone should spend Sunday morning on El Rastro at least once, it is very huge: stalls and antiques shops everywhere.

A maximum of 3500 stalls cover the area from the Plaza de Cascorro, with its statue dedicated to Eloy Gonzalo, You can find anything here, there are literally hundreds of little booths that sell clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, hardware supplies and anything else you can think of.

If you're into flea markets, then you should certainly visit Madrid's, and it is supposed to be one of the top ten attractions in the city. Even if you do not buy anything on that crowded flea market, still it's fun to watch and stroll the streets, especially on a sunny day. Especially the neighbourhood of Calle Santa Ana is really nice. A perfect way to end a weekend in Madrid.

El Rastro's promotional page advises those wanting a "tourist experience" to go to el Rastro at 11am, as this when the market is busiest. Those wishing to haggle for a bargain in the stalls should be at the market a little earlier, between 9 and 10am. The crowds usually begin to thin around midday, as people head for the bars at the edges of the market and around La Plaza de Cascorro for a drink and some tapas. The stalls gradually shut and by 3 or 4 pm (depending if it is winter or summer).