It’s Sunday morning; the hustle and bustle is beginning to fill the streets, with the sound of street music in the distance and the jingle of a bell announcing the sale of some traditional sweets. The heart of Madrid is buzzing with atmosphere and street stalls, and my adventure begins here.
The quintessential starting point is Plaza de Cascorro, and even whilst still waking up, my
adventure at Madrid’s Rastro. A Sunday tradition that brings together locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere well worth experiencing. In Plaza de Cascorro, you’ll find everything from stalls with tables heaped high with vintage clothes to rummage through and second-hand coats, to local handicrafts such as fans, brooches and handbags. On Calle de la Ruda, I stumbled upon Ruda Café,
where I stopped to recharge my batteries and fully wake myself up. This small
speciality coffee shop serves organic, ethical and sustainable coffee.
Once I’d regained my strength, I made my way to the antique lover’s paradise, Plaza Vara del
Rey, where you can buy everything from furniture, postcards and books to jewellery in the sort of style you’d find in a grandmother’s drawer. Following the flow of people, I bumped into a four-legged friend along the way, as well as several stalls selling analogue and digital cameras and vinyl records. In the distance, I spotted a queue of people, and as I passed by trays laden with delicacies, it all became clear why. El Capricho Extremeño is a family-run restaurant, managed by the owners themselves, who make you feel as though you’re standing at the kitchen counter in their own home. With such a wide variety of open sandwiches on offer, it’s hard to choose, but when I read ‘My mum’s ratatouille’ on the sign, I knew I couldn’t settle for anything else. With my open sandwich in hand, I set off again.
Old (Galerías Piquer) and new shopping arcades, both facing each other on
Ribera de Curtidores. In the former, you’ll find furniture, sculptures – a favourite haunt for
any antiques collector. In the New Galleries, you can find everything from
fashion items, art and handicrafts. Heading back up towards Cascorro, nothing says
a Sunday at the Rastro quite like enjoying a vermouth as an aperitif at Café Pavón, an
Art Deco-style building where, surrounded by history and art, you can relax whilst sitting on one of the stools at its zinc bar.
One last stroll around Cascorro to buy a lovely souvenir and a stop at Mamá Elba,
an ice-cream parlour serving organic and locally sourced products, before heading off in good company to my well-deserved rest. Walking down Santa Isabel and passing the Reina Sofía Museum, I arrive at my final destination: SLEEP’N Atocha, where comfort and sustainability come together to offer the best experience.

-by Connaisseur Mr Paco