When you move to a new country, finding everyday items can be difficult. This guide explains where to buy furniture, electronics, groceries, and household goods in Madrid.
You should learn the local shop names to save time during your first weeks.
Where to buy furniture
You must choose between budget flatpack furniture and mid-range design options.
Budget and flatpack furniture
IKEA is the easiest option for affordable furniture.
They operate two large warehouses on the outskirts of the city. These are in Alcorcón and Vallecas.
They also have smaller planning studios in the city center. These are on Calle de Goya and Calle de Serrano.
You can design your rooms at these studios and order home delivery.
Mid-range and designer furniture
For more unique pieces, visit Spanish design shops.
Kave Home is a popular Spanish brand with stylish online and offline selections.
Maisons du Monde is a French retail chain with multiple stores in Madrid.
They offer a wide range of furniture and decorative items.
Where to buy household goods and kitchenware
You will need kitchen tools, bedding, and basic hardware when setting up your new apartment.
Department stores and chains
El Corte Inglés is a giant department store that sells everything.
Their home department has sheets, towels, and kitchen appliances.
For trendy and affordable home decor, visit Zara Home or Muy Mucho.
They have multiple shops in central shopping districts.
Neighborhood hardware stores (Ferreterías)
You should visit a local hardware store for basic home supplies.
These small shops are called ferreterías.
They sell tools, lightbulbs, cleaning products, and kitchen pots.
The staff can offer helpful advice and cut duplicate keys.
Where to buy electronics and appliances
If you need a new phone, computer, or large home appliance, visit these electronic retailers.
Large retail chains
MediaMarkt is a massive German electronics chain.
They have large stores in the city, including a central branch on Calle de Alcalá.
They sell laptops, televisions, and kitchen appliances.
Fnac is a French retail chain located near Sol. They specialize in books, gaming consoles, and personal electronics.
Official brand stores
Madrid has multiple official Apple stores.
The most famous branch is located directly in Plaza del Sol.
You can also find official stores for brands like Samsung and Xiaomi in major shopping malls.
Where to buy groceries and toiletries
Madrid has many supermarket chains. You must choose the chain that fits your budget.
Supermarket chains
Mercadona is the most popular Spanish supermarket chain.
They are known for their affordable house brand called Hacendado.
Carrefour, Lidl, and Dia are other common chains with many locations in the city center.
Pharmacy and cosmetics items
You cannot buy medicine in Spanish supermarkets.
You must buy all pharmaceuticals, including painkillers, at a pharmacy (farmacia).
For cheap toiletries, shampoo, and makeup, visit discount chains like Primor or Druni.
Where to buy clothing and fashion
Spain is the home of several global fashion brands. You can find clothing for any budget in the city center.
High street fashion
Spanish retail giant Inditex operates major brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Pull&Bear.
You can find their flagship stores on Gran Vía and Calle de Fuencarral.
Mango is another popular Spanish brand offering stylish clothing.
Budget clothing
For very cheap clothing and basic items, visit Primark.
They operate a massive multi-story flagship store on Gran Vía.
Expect long queues at the checkouts on weekends.
High-end and luxury fashion
If you are looking for luxury brands, visit the Salamanca neighborhood.
Streets like Calle de Serrano are known as the Golden Mile (Milla de Oro).
They host flagship boutiques for brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Loewe.
Checklist of what to look for when shopping
Spanish retail has specific rules that might surprise newcomers.
Shopping rules checklist
Follow these guidelines when buying items in Madrid:
- Shopping bags : Bring your own bags. Supermarkets charge up to €0.15 for plastic or paper bags.
- VAT (IVA) : Check the price tags. By law, retail prices shown to consumers must include the 21% VAT.
- Returns policy : Keep your receipt (ticket de compra). Most clothing shops allow returns within 30 days.
- Opening hours : Check the schedule. Small neighborhood shops often close for lunch from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Questions and answers
What is a Ferretería?
A local hardware store. These shops are common in Spain. You should visit them to buy nails, lightbulbs, tools, adapters, and kitchen utensils.
Does Spain have an equivalent to Amazon?
Yes. Amazon Spain is very active in Madrid. They offer fast shipping, often delivering packages on the same day if you have a Prime account.
Where can I buy cheap office and school supplies?
At a stationery shop. These shops are called papelerías. You can also buy cheap notebooks, pens, and folders at Chinese-run discount stores called bazares.
Can I buy aspirin or paracetamol in a supermarket?
No. Under Spanish law, all medicines must be sold in registered pharmacies. Supermarkets do not sell any over-the-counter drugs.
Where can I buy sports gear and outdoor equipment?
At Decathlon. This is the most popular sports retailer in Spain. They sell cheap sports clothing, camping gear, and bicycles in several central locations.
Are prices shown with tax?
Yes. All prices displayed in retail shops and supermarkets include the national value-added tax (IVA). You do not need to calculate tax at the checkout.
Can tourists get a VAT refund?
Yes. Non-EU tourists can claim back the VAT paid on their shopping in Spain. Ask the shop for a digital tax-free form and validate it at the airport.
