Madrid is a buzzing city, no matter the month you’re visiting. The sizzling high notes, the deep bass, the spiced up tempo, they have it all. Just imagine you only have one hour to spend on lunch, where will you be? Here’s our tip: Mercado de San Miguel.

The most talked about foodie market in town (psst, that’s true, but the hip Mercado San Antón in Chueca is also worth mentioning), Mercado de San Miguel ticks all the boxes: fresh seafood, finger licking tapas, chorizo, smoked ibérico ham, oysters, delicate cheese, you name it.

Both loved by tourists and locals, this market is actually the only remaining iron market in the country and one of the oldest in town. They’ve done a pretty good job with the renovation in 2006 (the early 20th century glass windows got high points on our list), and foodies have been flocking there for a full taste experience ever since. In their own words, the focus on “quality, freshness and seasonal products” visible across all food stands, is probably the reason behind it and the motto that makes this place worth your time and money.

This place does not require reservations, but be prepared to spend most of the time standing at the food stalls, and occasionally cozying up with the neighbouring foodies due to lack of space.