Shopping centres in Madrid have become genuine temples to shopping and leisure. People love visiting these spaces to enjoy a relaxed afternoon, discover the latest fashion trends, eat in a restaurant, go to the cinema or simply browse the shops. They are social hotspots with long opening times, often opening from breakfast-time until the early hours of the morning. Fancy having fun in a shopping centre? Below we list 10 of the most popular ones in Madrid:
Centro Comercial La Vaguada
Located in the north of Madrid in the heart of the Pilar neighbourhood, the Centro Comercial La Vaguada was one of the capital’s first major shopping centres. It opened in 1983 and the spectacular design of this three-storey centre was the work of Canary Islands artist César Manrique. In addition to 180 shops of every kind, it has a large leisure zone with cinema screens and restaurants. The car park alone has 3,600 spaces but even so, sometimes the “full” sign has to be put to use. No fewer than 25 million people visit this shopping centre each year.
Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 36.
Plaza Río 2
Also known as the Centro Comercial Madrid Río, this shopping centre sits on the bank of the Manzanares river, very close to Matadero Madrid. It has a surface area of 130,000 square metres, 40,000 of which are brimming with 160 fashion, accessories and food stores. Plaza Río 2 is one of the most advanced shopping centres in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. Its spectacular terrace has numerous restaurants with stunning views of Madrid Río park and the Matadero Madrid cultural complex. This is thought to be the largest restaurant terrace area in Madrid.
Avenida del Manzanares, 210.
Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío
This shopping centre is literally inside the old Trenes del Norte train station, better known as Príncipe Pío, a building that dates back to the nineteenth century. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Palace and Plaza de España. You can spend a wonderful day shopping here because the centre has over 120 stores spread over three floors. The Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío also has a large leisure zone with 9 cinema screens and several restaurants.
Paseo de la Florida, no number.
El Corte Inglés
The most iconic shopping centre in Spain. Every Spanish citizen has visited this chain of department stores at some point, no matter their wallet size, because every imaginable type of item is for sale from household appliances to the leading fashion brands, food and even DIY goods. The most popular El Corte Inglés stores in Madrid are located in Calle Preciados and Calle Princesa, the busiest streets in the city.
Madrid Xanadú
This is, without a doubt, the biggest shopping centre in the Madrid Autonomous Region. It’s 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre and visitors can enjoy a hugely varied range of experiences because Xanadú has over 200 stores (including numerous international fashion brands), restaurants and leisure options. Its facilities also include a totally unique attraction: an indoor artificial ski slope where you can even go skiing in summer. And that’s not all, Madrid Xanadú has a full go-karting track, one of the few mini-golf courses in the city and a spectacular bowling alley. What’s more, the shopping centre opens all year round.
A-5 motorway, exit 22. Arroyomolinos.
Plenilunio
This shopping centre stands out for its wide range of leisure attractions, including 13 cinema screens with 3,500 seats, a 32-lane professional bowling alley and a 4,500-square-metre wellness centre that Madrid residents consider to be the benchmark for health and well-being in the city. Naturally, the Centro Comercial Plenilunio also has numerous stores where you can find the latest fashion trends and accessories.
Calle Aracne, no number.
La Gavia
One of the most recent additions that expands the fantastic range of shopping options in Madrid. Located in Vallecas, a new residential area, La Gavia invites visitors to relax and enjoy 170 stores spread over two floors. It has 5,000 parking spaces and popular selection of leisure activities and dining options. Several hypermarkets are also nearby.
Calle Adolfo Bioy Casares, 2.
ABC Serrano
One of the most central shopping centres in Madrid with a long history. It’s located right in the heart of the Salamanca neighbourhood and its architecture has artistic touches wherever you look. The monumental building has protected status and was originally the home of the ABC newspaper, hence its name. The ABC Serrano has 50 highly exclusive stores spread across four floors plus a fitness centre and several restaurants and supermarkets. This is where famous chef Pedro Larumbe has set up his headquarters, regaling diners with his imaginative creations. The ABC Sky terrace can also be enjoyed during fine weather.
Calle Serrano, 61.
Plaza Norte 2
With over 200,000 square metres, this is one of the largest shopping centres in Madrid. Its architecture is truly impressive and you’ll find small ponds, dining areas and extensive parking outside the building. Despite having no fewer than 220 stores, Plaza Norte 2 is a delightful, exclusive shopping centre where you can happily shop in comfort.
A-1 motorway, exit 19. San Sebastián de los Reyes.
Las Rozas Village
If you want to go shopping and come home with the leading brands at bargain prices, then this is the shopping centre for you. Las Rozas Village is a luxury brand outlet that is home to the most prestigious names in fashion and accessories with items on sale at up to 60% off their original price. It’s certainly worth a visit because the 40 stores at Las Rozas Village are set along an imitation outdoor pedestrian street that makes it a highly enjoyable shopping experience.
Calle Pablo Neruda, no number. Las Rozas.
