Very large and colorful market.We stayed there for 3 hours,and we didn't cover it all.For the first time we saw people changing between them all sorts of card and other items at a big plaza near the market.Really enjoyed it!
I was impressed by the sheer size of the Rastro Market. However, the products that were being sold were unimpressive and just seemed like touristy cheap clothing, purses, belts made from China or India. It's extremely crowded and you feel like you are in a herd of cows. It is worth walking a block of it just to experience it, but in my opinion, you only need less than 5 minutes there.
If in Madrid on a Sunday morning this is worth a quick look but there was not a great deal of interest. Certainly doubt that you would find any bargains. Surprised that there was no street food that you normally get at this type of venue.
Cut your Saturday night a little short and wake up to the Rastro on a Sunday. Maybe you won't find any amazing items on sale on these crowded sloped streets-- but you will get a sense of life in Madrid and a living tradition.
Nothing is more Madrid than the Rastro, Tostas at the Rastro and then wine (vino) or beer (cañas) and tapas on a Sunday morning afterwards.
The Rastro in its heyday was the most amazing flea market. It had many Spanish goods with some quality and you learned the art of bargaining. This place has morphed into a real junk market. It is an interesting place to browse for a half hour and maybe some piece of corny junk will catch your eye. I bought some old Spanish CDs but no bargaining was happening. You must also watch out for pickpockets.
I would suggest the you grab some churros con chocolate at San Gines, walk to the Rastro and then leisurely walk back to the Plaza Mayor which is hustling and bustling on Sunday. Then you can grab some tapas at Mercado San Miguel.
