The Mercado de San Miguel sits right next to Plaza Mayor, and you can't miss its striking iron and glass structure when you're wandering through Madrid's historic center. Built in 1916 by architect Alfonso Dubé y Díez, it's one of the few remaining examples of early 20th-century iron architecture in the city.

What makes this place interesting is how it has reinvented itself. For decades, it functioned as a traditional food market where locals bought their daily groceries. But after a major renovation completed in 2009, it transformed into something completely different – Spain's first gourmet food market. The change was dramatic, turning it from a neighborhood market into a tourist magnet.

The history goes back much further though. This spot has been a marketplace since medieval times, when merchants sold their goods from wooden boxes in the open air. There used to be a 13th-century church here called San Miguel de los Octoes, which gave the area its name. José Bonaparte ordered its demolition in 1809, and the space became an outdoor fish market before eventually getting the covered structure we see today.

Now the market houses over 30 vendors across its 1,200 square meters and two floors. You'll find everything from Iberian ham and artisanal cheeses to fresh oysters, wines, and elaborately prepared tapas. It's definitely geared toward tourists rather than locals doing their weekly shopping. The prices reflect this shift – you're paying for the experience and location rather than everyday groceries.

The atmosphere can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. The mix of languages you hear while navigating between the stalls shows how international the clientele has become. Some vendors offer tastings, and there are small standing areas where you can eat what you've bought, though finding a spot during busy times requires patience.

Discover all the secrets of Mercado de San Miguel with our complete Madrid audio guide as you explore this unique blend of historic architecture and modern gastronomy. The market represents how Madrid has adapted its traditional spaces for contemporary use, preserving the beautiful iron framework while completely changing what happens inside. Whether you're interested in the architectural heritage or just want to sample Spanish specialties, it offers both in a compact, centrally located package.