Madrid is a great city for souvenir shopping because there is so much more to bring home than the typical magnets and t-shirts. From Spanish food and beautiful ceramics to shoes, football gear and locally made art, there are plenty of Madrid souvenirs that you will actually want to keep.
I always prefer souvenirs that remind me of something we did on a trip or that I can actually use once I get home. Food is another favourite because it does not have to find a permanent home on a shelf!
If you are wondering what to buy in Madrid, here are some of the best souvenirs to keep an eye out for while exploring the Spanish capital.
Top Madrid Souvenirs to Keep Your Eye Out For!
Spanish Ceramics
Colourful Spanish ceramics are one of the prettiest souvenirs you can bring home from Madrid. You will find everything from small bowls and serving dishes to tiles, spoon rests and decorative pieces. If you are short on suitcase space, look for something small that you can easily wrap in your clothing for the trip home.
Espadrilles
If you want a souvenir you can actually wear, look for a pair of traditional Spanish espadrilles.
These lightweight shoes have been worn in Spain for generations and come in everything from simple flats to wedges and more modern styles. Madrid has several shops specializing in espadrilles, giving you plenty of options beyond the inexpensive versions you might see in tourist stores.
Spanish Olive Oil
Spain is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil, so a good bottle of Spanish extra virgin olive oil makes an easy souvenir for anyone who loves to cook. Visit a specialty food shop or market and look for smaller bottles if you are worried about luggage space. You can also find beautifully packaged olive oils that make great gifts.
Real Madrid Souvenirs
For football fans, it is pretty hard to visit Madrid without noticing Real Madrid.
If you are visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the official shop is an obvious place to look for a souvenir. Jerseys are the big purchase, but you can also find scarves, hats and plenty of smaller items if you do not want to spend quite as much.
If you are traveling to Madrid with tweens or teens who love sports, this might end up being the souvenir they are most excited about bringing home.
Spanish Food and Sweets
Some of my favourite souvenirs are the ones we can eat when we get home, and Madrid has plenty to choose from.
Look for Spanish saffron, tinned seafood, chocolates and other packaged Spanish specialties. Turrón, a traditional Spanish nougat, is another popular choice, especially around Christmas.
Food markets and grocery stores are worth browsing rather than buying everything from a souvenir shop. You can often find products that locals actually buy, and grocery shopping in another country is part of the fun of traveling anyway.
Local Art and Prints
If you want something that reminds you specifically of Madrid rather than Spain in general, look for artwork from a local artist.
You will find prints and illustrations featuring Madrid landmarks such as the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía and the city’s distinctive streets and buildings.
Small prints are one of my favourite souvenirs because they are lightweight and easy to pack. Look around markets, independent shops and galleries rather than sticking exclusively to traditional souvenir stores.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Madrid
One of the best ways to get your bearings before you start shopping is to spend some time exploring the city. Taking a walking tour with Babylon Tours in Madrid can introduce you to some of the city’s most famous sights and neighbourhoods, while giving you a better idea of where you might want to return to shop, eat and explore on your own.
You will have no trouble finding souvenir shops around Madrid’s major attractions, particularly near Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. These are convenient for inexpensive gifts, but I would not do all of my shopping there.
Markets and independent shops are much more interesting if you want locally made products. Mercado de San Miguel is worth wandering through for Spanish food, although it is very popular with visitors.
For clothing, shoes and locally designed products, spend some time exploring Madrid’s different neighbourhoods and smaller boutiques. And do not overlook grocery stores if you are looking for edible souvenirs such as olive oil, sweets and other Spanish food products.
Madrid Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
I would skip most of the generic “Madrid” merchandise that you could find in practically any European souvenir shop with a different city name printed across it.
I would also be careful with anything marketed as traditionally Spanish without checking where it was actually made. If you are spending more on ceramics, leather goods, espadrilles or another traditional product, take a minute to look at the label or ask where it comes from.
And while a giant ceramic serving platter might look beautiful in a Madrid shop, remember that you still have to get it home! Smaller pieces, food, clothing and art prints are much easier to fit into your suitcase and can be just as meaningful.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.