Where to go depending on what you want
| Place | What you find | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Calle de Serrano, Salamanca | Major houses, leather goods, jewellery, Spanish designers | Window shopping and luxury purchases |
| Canalejas gallery | Fashion, jewellery and restaurants in seven renovated historic buildings | Luxury near Sol, in rainy weather |
| Gran Vía | Loewe boutique and major brands | A stop between two visits |
| Chueca and Salesas | Independent designers and small boutiques | Lesser-known pieces |
| Las Rozas Village | Discounted luxury brands, outside the city | Bargain hunters |
The streets are free to walk; only purchases cost money.
Calle de Serrano and the Golden Mile
This is the heart of Madrid luxury, in the Salamanca district. Among the addresses named by esMadrid: Manolo Blahnik (Serrano 58) for shoes, Lladró (Serrano 68) for porcelain, Aristocrazy (Serrano 46) for jewellery, and Yusty (Serrano 56), a tailor active since 1914. Balenciaga is named on calle de Lagasca 75 and Ailanto on calle de Orellana 14. Loewe, a house founded in Madrid, has a shop on Serrano, one on the Gran Vía and its headquarters on calle de Goya; Casa Loewe displays its art collection on the Golden Mile. Walk from Serrano towards Goya, Lagasca and Jorge Juan rather than covering everything: the area is large.
The Canalejas gallery
The Canalejas Madrid centre brings together seven renovated historic buildings near Puerta del Sol. It combines fashion, jewellery and restaurants over three levels, and brings part of the "Golden Mile" back towards the centre. It is the simplest option if you have only an hour and are already at Sol.
Designers and local brands to look for
For less expected purchases, leave the main avenues: Chueca and Salesas hold small boutiques and independent designers, described in our guide to Salesas. Spanish products that relate to a trip include Loewe's leather goods, Manolo Blahnik's shoes, and Lladró's figurines and porcelain. Compare with souvenirs from Madrid if your budget is tighter.
Getting your VAT back
If your habitual residence is outside the European Union, you can claim a VAT refund. The seller checks your identity and residence at the time of sale: keep your passport and the invoice. When leaving from the mainland, the form (DER) is validated electronically at a customs kiosk, and the goods must leave the EU in your luggage. The Spanish tax agency page gives no minimum amount: ask the shop. Allow time at the airport. More details in our guide to shopping centres and outlets.
Where to stay for shopping
If your stay revolves around boutiques, sleep in Salamanca or near Sol: see our guides to hotels in Salamanca and luxury hotels in Madrid.
