12 Stores That Make Madrid a Top Shopping Destination
Updated July 2024
Madrid is known for many things: world-renowned museums, architecture, the metro, el Rastro, and the ability to see many of these for free.
However, one thing that isn’t often mentioned is shopping, fashionable Spanish brands, and street style.
It’s so effortless, chic, stylish, and comfortable!
While living in Spain as an English teacher, I confess that I thought I had some ~style.
However, when I first started stepping into Madrid’s streets, I realized how differently, effortlessly stylish people were dressing.
Needless to say, the more I was in Spain, the more I appreciated people watching, stepping into the shops, and seeing what kind of style is in and how people carry themselves while wearing their style.
A lot of the time, I got inspired, too. It’s infectious, to say the least, and really made me see Madrid as a top shopping destination, in my humble opinion.
In today’s post, I’ll share my top favorite (mostly) Spanish brands/stores that you should check out the next time you’re in Madrid. I personally love shopping at these stores, and I think you should keep an eye on them when you go to Madrid.
Let’s jump in!
Also, I include a little freebie at the bottom of this post that I created to help you know exactly which places in Madrid to go to get the best shopping. So read on and enjoy!
12 Stores That Make Madrid a Top Shopping Destination
1. Sfera
€€€
This store is probably one of the ones I miss the most.
They are a brand that originated in Spain, namely a branch from the already popular department store El Corte Ingles (more on that later).
They provide their clients with trendy and staple clothing items and other basic essentials for everyday wear.
Although the style they sell is very much what’s on trend, they still make their pieces “wearable” to the point that the trendy clothing purchased here can even become a staple piece to use over and over.
Many of their garments are effortless and stylish. This store sells clothes for everyone: women, men, and kids. Everything in there will attract you, make you feel that you can pull it off, and even inspire you to try new pieces.
I don’t know if it’s the idea that when we are out traveling, we have the “why not” mentality and are, therefore, willing to try new things, including style.
This store will somehow make you want to try and get almost everything. Even if it’s not what you usually go for, trust me, you will once you’re there. See for yourself.
Unfortunately, they have not expanded into the U.S. for the time being, and you cannot purchase and ship to the U.S. either.
Therefore, you will have to actually visit Spain (oh darn!) to visit Sfera. Or if you’re in the States, the closest country you can visit a Sfera in is México, so there’s that!
>> Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Madrid for Free
2. Zara
€€€€
Zara is a Spanish brand that is definitely one of the most famous brands in Spain and anywhere in the world. However, it’s still worth mentioning because it is everywhere.
Many times, the items found at Zara in Spain are pieces you don’t see at your local Zara, along with larger perfume, makeup, and shoe sections, so that’s something to keep in mind.
Did you know that Madrid has the biggest Zara in the world?
Along with having the biggest Primark in the world (more on that later), Madrid is also home to the 65,000-square-foot, beautiful, shiny, all-glass building smacked dab in the middle of Madrid’s financial center (Paseo de la Castellana).
3. Bershka
€€€
A store similar to Sfera and Zara, Bershka is a brand that also originated in Spain.
In my opinion, Bershka gives off a younger Zara-esque style, as it is more like what you would see being worn by younger guys and girls on the streets.
However, this store is great for when you’re looking for basics and staple accessories.
Bershka, along with a few other stores on this list, actually belongs to a group called the Spanish Inditex Group, which means that stores within this group belong to this multinational clothing company headquartered in Spain.
So, if you have started to notice, many of these stores mentioned so far belong to this group and, therefore, have a definitive look.
Chic, European, trendy, but comfortable.
Madrid is the runway, and the cafe shops and metro stations are the places to people watch and grab inspiration.
Bershka is one of those stores that ship to the U.S., so make sure to get inspired by checking out their store here. Rebajas (sales) season typically occurs right after Christmas and summer—it’s like Spain’s Black Friday.
4. Pull and Bear
€€€
Another brand that probably belongs to the brat pack of Spanish brands.
In comparison to the other brands, this one also falls in a similar category as Bershka. However, they have some great pieces for both men and women that you must see for yourself.
Pull and Bear definitely draws inspiration from 90s and 80s fashion. However, they also offer different style options, from trendy to basic styles.
It’s a good mix of casual and daring styles.
Pull and Bear is another store where you can shop online from the U.S., so again, click here to check out some serious rebaja sales! Over $70, you can get free shipping and free returns, so win!
5. Kiabi
€€
Definitely on the less expensive side, and a brand that is not from Spain is this one.
Kiabi is a brand that originated in France, and it gave way to a simple, non-expensive alternative to the other stores mentioned above.
The shoes here are some of the best I’ve found in terms of style and functionality, so I’d definitely recommend that you check this place out for that, as well as other accessories and clothes, of course.
This store offers styles for men, women, and kids. Definitely give this place a try!
I know there are fewer locations of this store in Madrid’s city center; however, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, head to Xanadu Mall, less than a 30-minute bus ride from Madrid city center.
This store currently does not offer shipping to the U.S., so you’ll have to wait until you visit Spain or France.
6. Primark
€€
Primark is the quintessential inexpensive clothing mecca of Europe,
Although, to my knowledge, this brand is Irish, Primark has its biggest physical store open in Madrid!
I was living in Madrid when they first opened it on Gran Via, and it was complete chaos, and for good reason: there are so many things to shop in there.
If you’ve never shopped or heard of Primark, I’d consider it basically the equivalent of Forever 21 in the States.
This store, like the big Zara, is very on-trend and accessible price-wise. It’s a place to check out!
They sell everything from women’s, men’s, and children’s/baby clothing to home decor, bedding, makeup, hair accessories, luggage, and shoes—everything. Especially this one on Gran Vía.
Primark quickly expanded into the U.S. market a few years ago, so you can order and ship to the U.S. or visit one of the physical stores, including 2 in Illinois — Chicago and Schaumburg.
7. Stradivarius
€€€€
This is another store that best exemplifies Spanish style, I think. It is also very trendy but very casual and comfortable.
Very much like Sfera, this is probably one of my favorite shops to visit when I’m in Spain (or Europe, really) because its style is just the right amount of stylish but not super trendy.
It’s a good balance, and you should check it out. Also, yes, this brand is also from Spain, and they offer styles only for women.
You can check out their online shop on ASOS and buy directly from their online store (which ships to the U.S.) here!
8. El Corte Inglés
€€€€
The queen of queens when it comes to Spanish brands!
El Corte Inglés is probably the only clothing department store in Spain right now, and it’s pretty much like a Macy’s and Nordstrom back in the States combined with a little bit of a Home Depot and grocery store – yup!
Many locations across Spain have a grocery store, hardware store, or electronics and furniture store within the department store, which makes it very interesting to walk around and see what each department store has and what people buy.
When it comes to clothes, the department store carries brands like Sfera and others that I haven’t mentioned here. They also carry other items, including men’s and kids’ clothing, electronics, books, luggage, bedding, designer makeup, and perfume (everything you would find at a department store).
It’s so complete and something you should check out! Like Zara, this store is everywhere. The one on Calle Serrano, though, is really nice.
Also, this store doesn’t ship to the U.S. or outside of Spain, so make sure to check it out while you’re visiting Spain!
9. Parfois
€€€€
Parfoi is the store that has the cutest, most stylish, minimal, functional handbags, wallets, backpacks, scarves, and other accessories. It. Is. The. Best.
This is a Portuguese brand, and though some items can be a little pricey, I would say they are worth it.
They have a certain style that I have yet to find here in the States, and if I do, it’s extremely overpriced.
The majority of compliments I receive are on my backpacks and bags from here, so don’t just take my word for it. You will really like them.
Parfois used to ship to the U.S. not that long ago, but since the pandemic, they have cut out the possibility of shopping on their online store to all; therefore, you’re just going to have to add this store to the growing list of stores to check out while in Madrid.
10. Zara Home
Zara is already a pretty chic store with stylish pieces to wear, so you can imagine how beautiful the home styles are when it comes to bedding, glass-wear, and PJ’s!
I am putting Zara Home on this list because of their home wear, which I want all of.
If you haven’t checked out their selection of silk PJs, ethereal white sleeping nighties, dresses, and other pieces to make you feel all the good vibes as you tuck in for sleep, then go here to see it all in its stylish splendor.
Zara Home ships to the U.S., and I have purchased from here. The shipping takes a standard amount of time (it’s not a super long delay), and their returns are free and easy.
I recommend!
11. Mango
€€€€
This Barcelona-born brand is also a good one to check out.
Though I don’t know about any of you, I have not been able to find a storefront outside of tStatestes, mostly just in Europe and Madrid when I was there.
However, this brand is more on the classy, trendy side, and although it is a little pricey, it’s for a reason.
Sometimes they have really good sales going on, and those I would say are worth it.
If you happen to be in Madrid around rebajas season, definitely check out the sales.
If you’re not in Madrid during that time, check out Mango Outlet stores all over Madrid and find some really good deals all year round!
Mango is a store that ships to the U.S., offering free shipping over $50 and free returns—nice!
12. Mulaya
€€
Though I have seen only a few Mulaya stores in the city center of Madrid, this store is located at Xanadu Mall. Honestly, if you go to that mall, you will hit a few birds with one stone because half of these stores mentioned here are at that mall.
Mulaya is an extremely inexpensive brand, along with Primark. I’ve gotten a few tops for 4-8 euros each, so it’s not bad and definitely worth a trip!
They always have something or other that will catch your eye, along with the price tag. This store mostly has clothing for women.
Mulaya currently only ships within Spain, so add this one to your list of places to visit in Madrid!
The Wrap-Up: 12 Stores That Make Madrid a Top Shopping Destination
I hope this post helped give you ideas as to what stores to stop by when you visit Madrid.
I don’t know about you, but before visiting Spain, I hadn’t heard of the city and its abundant fashion options, but after living there for some time, I was truly missing out!
Now, you may be thinking, wow, this is great, but what if I’ve never been to Madrid or I just don’t know where to even begin!?
No worries, I got you!
I created a list compiling the best neighborhoods and shopping districts to visit while you’re in Madrid!
The benefit of shopping in Madrid is not only the number of clothing stores to choose from but also the amazing and well-connected metro system that will literally take you all over the city.
If you’re worried about how to navigate that, I wrote a beginners’ guide to navigating the Madrid transportation system post, so go check it out next!
Have you been to any of these stores in the past?
Which one is your favorite?
What do you think of Spanish style and European style in general? Too much or not enough?
To more fashionable travel moments like this,
I love all of these brands! About 1/2 of my closet is Stradivarius it’s my fave store their jeans fit like a glove!!! I also shop at Sfera, Bershka, love me some Mango and Pull & Bear is my urban Abercrombie & Fitch!!! We don’t have any in the states but I Travel to Mexico City a lot for my day job and I hardly ever take a full packed suitcase I take an extra empty duffel bag!!!
Right?? That’s so cool that you get to travel often to CDMX! I was there for the first time last year and to my amazement found a Sfera and almost did a backflip haha so I can see taking that extra duffel bag definitely coming in handy! These stores are just ??