Shopping in sunny Madrid! Recommended souvenirs

Shopping in sunny Madrid! Recommended souvenirs

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a lively city known for its cheerful people and warm climate. There are department stores and shops in the city where you can buy souvenirs from all over Spain, but this time, I’d like to introduce items that are unique to Madrid. Use this article as a guide to find that perfect special souvenir!

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Shopping in sunny Madrid! Recommended souvenirs

1. Prado Museum Goods

The Prado Museum, known as one of the “Three Great Museums of the World,” is a must-see spot when visiting Madrid. Even those who aren’t particularly interested in art should absolutely go—it’s that impressive. You can admire a superb collection, especially the works of Velázquez and Goya, which are must-sees.

Although the museum shop isn’t very large, it’s well stocked with items like catalogs, postcards, stationery, and small accessories. Notebooks and postcards featuring quotes from Picasso, or simple off-white eco bags with “Museo del Prado” written on them, make excellent souvenirs.

When visiting the Prado Museum, don’t forget to stop by the shop!

2. Real Madrid Goods

Madrid is home to two soccer teams: Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Both are popular locally, but for some international fans, Real Madrid is especially famous. There’s an official shop in the city center at Puerta del Sol, but the largest one is at their home stadium, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

A stadium tour is also highly recommended. It takes about an hour and a half, during which you can explore the club room, museum, locker rooms, and even get right up close to the pitch—well worth it. The official shop offers everything imaginable: uniforms, postcards, stationery, slippers, playing cards, stuffed toys, baby goods, and more.

3. Violet Candy

Since ancient times, Madrid’s mountainous region has been known for violets, and in spring, the city used to be filled with girls selling them. Spotting the opportunity, “La Violeta” began making candies using violet extract.

Founded in 1915, the shop quickly gained popularity—King Alfonso XIII himself was said to visit in secret to buy them. It’s even said that he used to gift these candies to his mistress, a famous story in Madrid.

While candied violet petals can be found in France and Italy, this particular candy is an original creation of this shop. The natural fragrance of violet flowers spreads luxuriously in your mouth. Why not present it in its violet-colored box as a gift for someone special?

4. Toothpicks

This might be the cheapest souvenir you can buy in Madrid. However, make sure the recipient is either a fan of Spanish food or Spain itself!

Speaking of Spain, you can’t forget the “bar.” A bar here is a café, a pub, and a social hub for locals. The most popular bars are always bustling with customers.
And what’s always found in these bars? Toothpicks! In stylish bars, bite-sized snacks called “pinchos” are served with toothpicks, and you can freely take and eat them—then pay based on the number of toothpicks left on your plate.

Spanish toothpicks are thin, double-ended, and slightly thicker in the middle. If you place small pieces of bread topped with salami or olives and stick one of these toothpicks through, you can easily recreate the bar experience at home!
The brand “BETIK,” with a crocodile logo on the box, is highly recommended.

◎ Summary

Madrid, the capital city, offers every kind of shop imaginable, so you’ll never have trouble finding souvenirs. While I’ve introduced some unique items, Spanish wine, cheese, and olive oil also make great choices.

For food items, visit the department stores or supermarkets located throughout the city—you’ll find everything you need there. Ham and sausages like chorizo are also famous.

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