If you move to Madrid from another European country, you might expect shops to close on Sundays. However, Madrid has some of the most liberal shopping hours regulations in Europe.
This guide explains what remains open on Sundays, from supermarkets to cultural attractions.
Madrid Sunday shopping laws
In 2012, the regional government passed a landmark commercial deregulation law.
This law is called the Ley de Dinamización de la Actividad Comercial.
The regulation allows business owners in the Community of Madrid to choose their own opening hours.
This means shops can legally open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all Sundays.
Supermarkets open on Sundays
While shops can legally open on Sundays, individual supermarket chains follow their own corporate policies.
Some supermarkets choose to close, while others operate with reduced hours.
Mercadona (Closed)
Mercadona is the largest supermarket chain in Spain.
They follow a strict policy of closing all stores on Sundays and public holidays.
You should plan your weekly grocery shopping around this rule.
Carrefour (Open)
Most Carrefour locations in Madrid open on Sundays.
The large hypermarkets and Carrefour Market stores usually open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Smaller Carrefour Express convenience stores are open all day on Sundays. Many operate 24 hours a day.
Lidl and Aldi (Open)
German discount chains Lidl and Aldi open many of their Madrid stores on Sundays.
However, they usually operate with reduced Sunday hours.
They typically open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Department stores and shopping malls
Almost all major retail centers and department stores in Madrid open on Sundays.
El Corte Inglés
The massive Spanish department store chain El Corte Inglés opens all its locations on Sundays.
They typically operate from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.
This includes their clothing departments, electronics, and in-store supermarkets (Supercor).
Shopping malls (Centros Comerciales)
Major shopping centers inside the city open on Sundays for shopping and dining.
Here are the most popular central malls:
- Príncipe Pío : Located in a historic train station, open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- La Vaguada : A large mall in the north of the city, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Plaza Río 2 : Located next to the river, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Pharmacies open on Sundays
Standard neighborhood pharmacies (farmacias) are usually closed on Sundays.
However, Spain uses a system of duty pharmacies to ensure continuous access to medicine.
These are called farmacias de guardia.
Finding a duty pharmacy
Every closed pharmacy must display a sign on its window listing the nearest open duty pharmacies.
You can also look up the daily roster on the official COFM website.
24-hour pharmacies
Madrid has several permanent 24-hour pharmacies (farmacias 24 horas).
These stores are open every day of the year, including Sundays and holidays, without changing shifts.
Cultural attractions and museums
Sundays are a popular day for cultural activities in Madrid. Almost all major museums and galleries are open.
The Golden Triangle of Art
The three world-famous art museums in Madrid open on Sundays:
- Prado Museum : Open on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Reina Sofía Museum : Open on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum : Open on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Free entry hours
Many museums offer free admission during specific hours on Sunday afternoons.
Example: The Prado Museum is free for all visitors on Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Reina Sofía Museum offers free entry on Sundays from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Ensure you arrive early, as the queues for free entry can be very long.
El Rastro flea market
The most famous Sunday activity in Madrid is visiting the outdoor flea market.
This market is called El Rastro.
It takes place every Sunday and public holiday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The market stalls are set up along Calle de Ribera de Curtidores and surrounding streets in the La Latina neighborhood.
You can buy second-hand clothes, antiques, books, and local souvenirs.
Questions and answers
Can I buy alcohol on Sundays in Madrid?
Yes, but not late at night. You can buy alcohol in supermarkets during their standard opening hours. However, Madrid law bans the sale of alcohol in shops after 10:00 PM.
Is public transport fully active on Sundays?
Yes. The Metro, EMT buses, and Cercanías trains operate on Sundays. However, service frequencies are lower than on weekdays, especially early in the morning.
How to use public transit in Madrid (Metro, EMT, Cercanías)
Is street parking free in Madrid on Sundays?
Yes. The regulated parking zones (SER) do not operate on Sundays. You can park in blue and green zones for free without a resident permit or ticket.
Parking rules and fines in Madrid
Are banks open on Sundays?
No. All banks are closed on weekends in Spain. You must use ATMs for basic transactions or wait until Monday morning.
Do small local shops open on Sundays?
Yes. Small grocery shops often run by independent owners remain open on Sundays. They sell fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and basic household items.
Do pharmacies charge extra on Sundays?
No. Duty pharmacies charge the same regulated prices for medicine on Sundays as they do on weekdays. There are no surcharges for emergency service.
