Madrid El Rastro (Flea Market)

If you're in town on a Sunday, don't miss El Rastro, the biggest and most frantic flea market in Madrid. Beginning at Pl. Cascorro off C. Toledo and ending at the bottom of C. Ribera de Cortidores, rows of vendors in makeshift stalls set up outside permanent shops to pawn off their goods. From modern art and handmade trinkets to international clothing and knock-off jewelry and fragrance, Let ‘s Go imagines you can pretty much buy anything your heart desires at this Spanish bazaar. Locals and tourists swarm this market, so come in the early hours to beat the heat and avoid the crowds from 9am-3pm. Buyers beware: this market is notorious for pickpockets. Stay alert, don't bring anything flashy, and guard your valuables. Always keep your hand on your bag while walking. After haggling for that used paella recipe book, drift to the Plaza Mayor for lunch and more shopping or the Plaza de Tirso de Molina for cheerful flower stands and fountains.

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.