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What is the Peace Market?
06/16/2022
The Mercado de la Paz is renowned as one of Madrid’s most historic and authentic municipal markets.
Opened in the late 19th century, in 1882 to be precise, it now attracts countless visitors every day who come here either to buy food or services, enjoy a dining experience, or simply stroll through its arcades and snap a few photos.
Amidst its corners steeped in unforgettable stories, you’ll find a wide and varied range of shops, ensuring you have everything you want and need without having to leave the market. Among these establishments, you’ll find up to 32 fresh food shops, 13 service stalls (hardware shops, dry cleaners, a shoe shop, a florist…) and 9 dining spots, perfect for satisfying your taste buds in a unique way. Tapas bars, pinchos, Asian food, Italian cuisine, fish and chips, a Venezuelan restaurant, spicy food, sweets… You’ll want for nothing!
Where is the Mercado de la Paz?
The Mercado de la Paz is located at 28 Calle Ayala, right in the heart of the Salamanca district. It has three entrances: the main entrance on Calle Ayala itself; a second on Calle Lagasca; and a third on Calle Claudio Coello, home to the iconic five-star luxury hotel, the Hotel Único Madrid.
Opening hours of the Mercado de la Paz
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
- Saturdays: 9am to 2.30pm
- Sundays: closed
A market steeped in history
This area perfectly illustrates the vitality that a market can bring to a community. Around 1860, the Castro Plan was approved, marking the establishment of the Marqués de Salamanca neighbourhood. The land in this area belonged to private entities and individuals, and it fell to them to provide the necessary public services, such as markets.
The neighbourhood was not only designed as a residential hub within the city, but was also intended to be a place of tradition, leisure and vibrant activity. It featured links to the city centre, leisure venues such as theatres, shops and public buildings. It had everything—except for one key element that was essential for a community that loved to spend time on the streets and socialise: the Salamanca Neighbourhood Market.
Following a number of proposals and a sustained campaign by business leaders, bankers and architects such as Verdú, who had been calling for the construction of a market to serve tens of thousands of residents, the Mercado de la Paz—built from iron—was officially opened on 4 October 1882.
The project was led by the architect Antonio Ruiz de Salces (it had 120 stalls). In the 20th century, it witnessed the Civil War, underwent several changes of ownership and was subject to major refurbishments (the last of which took place in 1985–86, when the market was modernised whilst retaining its iron structure).
Today, it is one of Madrid’s most iconic markets, offering products of exceptional quality and a bold, authentic selection of Spanish and international cuisine. What’s more, it is the only market in the world that sells and distributes its products via Amazon Prime Now.
How do I get to the Mercado de la Paz?
- Metro: Line 4 (Velázquez or Serrano); Line 5 (Rubén Darío or Núñez de Balboa); and Line 9 (Príncipe de Vergara)
- Buses: Routes 2, 9, 19, 51 and 74 (Velázquez-Ayala)
- If you're staying at Hotel Único Madrid, you can walk to the market in just two minutes.
Where to park if you’re coming by car
If, for any reason, you prefer to drive to the Mercado de la Paz, there are two 24-hour public car parks just 300 metres away (a 3-minute walk). The first is at 39 Calle Serrano and the second at 50 Calle Velázquez.
To round off your visit to the Mercado de la Paz, check out our blog for ideas on what to see and do in Madrid, where you’ll find cultural activities, culinary experiences and much more.
Experience the true spirit and essence of a city brimming with places and experiences just waiting to be discovered. Stay at a luxury hotel right in the heart of the Salamanca district by booking your room, and enjoy Madrid like never before. We look forward to welcoming you!
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