Spanish Style: Shopping in Madrid

For a sartorial adventure like no other, I recommend packing a large and mostly empty suitcase and heading to Madrid. If I had to choose one word to describe Europe's third largest city, it would be 'polished.' Set in Central Spain, this cosmopolitan cultural center boasts one of the world's most vibrant nightlife scenes, as well as the pulse of traditional Spanish culture. It's always a joy to visit the art museums, lavish botanical gardens and the stately palatial buildings of Madrid with the speed and comfortable ease of a rental car. The long-standing cultural commitment to elegance is reflected in the many opportunities for shopping in Madrid.

Shopping in Madrid 101

Madrid Style:
Madrid is renowned for its unique style. This is partially due to the incredible classic beauty of the city. Set among the gorgeous forests, with more than 1,100 years of history, which have birthed stately architecture throughout, it would be impossible to live among the environmental artistry and not feel compelled to reflect it! Among Madrid street fashion, you'll see the bohemian intermingling playfully with the posh. Everyone has a 'look' in Madrid, and shopping is a greatly beloved city pastime.

Madrid has hundreds of boutiques. Some of them are world-brand oriented, and feature some of our favorite names, ranging from Hermes to Swarovski to Nike, but you'll be able to find much more than the typical mainstays of many large global cities. This presents many unique, independent stores with specialty items that can't be procured elsewhere. Touring Madrid by rental car will unveil adorable streets and neighborhoods to roam and enjoy at your leisure. You can prepare for your travels to Spain with our helpful driving guide.

Three Great Streets:
Gran Via is occasionally likened to New York City's Broadway, but with its abundant greenery and relaxed atmosphere, I think it offers a flavor that's all it's own. To characterize any trip to Madrid, one should take a stroll down Gran Via. Along this wide boulevard resides many stylish flagships for luxurious Spanish clothing brands, such as Zara and Stradivarius, which are starting to make their way throughout Europe. Along the way, you'll find a plethora of eateries, hotels and movie theaters.

Fuencarral and Hotralza are located just off Gran Via. This trendy section of town draws the young and hip, and is a good place to find more bohemian and avant-garde styles, as well as many independently owned clothing start-ups. Fuencarral market is a must-see, a playful multi-story art enclave in which there are more chic little shops, and an atrium in which there is often a live DJ. Street artists and nightclubs abound youthful, fun, and occasionally outrageous district.

The star-struck traveler and luxury shopper should head to the Salamanca District. Along Calle de Serrano, an exclusive avenue favored by Madrid's most glamorous visitors and residents, you will find some of the most high-end names in the world. And if you are able to tear yourself away from the Manolo Blahnik and Cartier displays, you will also savor Michelin-starred dining opportunities and wine bars aplenty. While the recent addition of a bicycle lane enables one to get a little exercise as they tour this opulent avenue, it is always a pleasure to cruise through in a luxury rental car, like the BMW 650 Convertible, as well. Lucky for you Auto Europe offers a range of affordable BMW rental car options as well as convertibles of every size, shape, make and model.

With so many opportunities and so much inspiration, shopping in Madrid can help you define a style as unique as you are. We make sure that your trip is just as easy to customize by operating through numerous convenient locations and providing a huge fleet selection to our clients. When you rent a car through Auto Europe, you not only receive the benefit of the best rates available for a quality rental car, but our award-winning customer service, as well. You can book a rental car online at any time, or call our 24/7 toll-free line at 1-888-223-5555 to speak with our friendly travel experts.