San Fernando Market

"Two weeks ago when Madrid first entered its lockdown, Pattem took to Mercado San Fernando, one of Madrid’s oldest mercados, one morning. She was surprised to find herself strolling alone throughout the mercado in search of some fresh vegetables, save for the security guards and the stall vendors. The mercado was well-stocked and enabled her to get in and out swiftly."

"Home to Madrid's premier natural wine bar (Bendito Vinos y Vinilos), sole purchase-by-the-pound bookstore (La Casquería), and a ramen counter that could hold its own in Tokyo (Yan Ken Pon), Mercado de San Fernando is as gritty and multicultural as the surrounding neighborhood of Lavapiés. Interspersed with the traditional stalls—snap up Spanish culinary souvenirs like canned fish, cheeses, sausages at La Sal—there are Mexican taco stands, hippie-dippie crafts purveyors, expert empanada makers, and every type of tapa. Get lost and follow your nose; you won't regret it." - Benjamin Kemper