A Day’s Shopping
Morning
Leave Serrano metro
station, heading south and limber up with a spot of window shopping on
Salamanca’s main fashion drag. Turn left into Calle Columela – try not
to pay too much attention to
Mallorca’s
mouthwatering displays of cakes
and pastries then left again into Calle Claudio Coello, a delightful
street lined with private art galleries, antique shops and boutiques.
Don’t miss Capa Sculptures (No. 19) and Monasterio Antígüedades (No.
21). Look left at Calle de Goya for the entrance to the shopping mall,
El Jardín de Serrano
. Cross Goya, then continue along Calle de Claudio Coello to Calle de Hermosilla
As many Spanish shops
still take an extended lunch break and siesta from 2pm to 5pm, this is
the perfect moment to stop for lunch. Choices abound, but leading
contenders include Teatríz for more formal eating, thetapas bar at
Estay
or the reasonably priced pizza and pasta joint,
Gino’s
.
Afternoon
Give Calle de Hermosilla the once over, then resume your walk on Calle Claudio Coello, which boasts designer names such as Roberto Verino, Antonio Pernas and
Cristina Castañer
. At Calle de Ayala turn left to return to Calle de Serrano, where you can either ogle over the designer goods and dream, or blow your budget on a beautiful handbag or pair of shoes.
General Shops
El Corte Inglés
This
branch of Madrid’s best known department store also has a beauty
parlour, restaurant and supermarket as well as the usual individual
departments.
El Jardín de Serrano
One
of Madrid’s most exclusive shopping malls. It has the top names in
fashion, accessories and jewellery as well as a branch of the Mallorca
cafeteria and delicatessen chain.
Galería ABC Serrano
Salamanca’s other main shopping centre also has a good selection of boutiques (including a branch of the Spanish chain, Zara).
Centro de Anticuarios Lagasca
Antiques
lovers can save time traipsing the streets for individual shops by
visiting this gallery which brings together a number of Madrid’s most
reputable dealers.
Santa
If
you’re a chocolate lover, look no further than this tiny outlet on
Serrano which also sells gift wrapped sweets. The speciality here is leña vieja (chocolates that are cast to resemble tree trunks).
Santa
Mercado de la Paz
Salamanca’s
best known food market is hidden away on this side street and is worth
tracking down for its Spanish delicacies and a good range of
international cheese selections.
Vázquez Fruits
Only
small but this famous fruiter vendor includes, it is said, Queen Sofía
among its patrons. The selection of tropical fruits in particular will
stir the taste buds.
Mallorca
This
reputable delicatessen chain offers a mouthwatering selection of
cheeses, hams, pastries, filled rolls, cakes and ice creams. There’s a
small bar if you can’t tear yourself away.
Álvarez Gómez
This
firm has been in the perfume business for more than a century, selling
its own line of eau de cologne. Also top brand names like Chanel and
Estée Lauder and Bulgari jewellery.
Zara Home
Part
of the Inditex Emporium group, which also includes the clothing brand
of the same name, Zara Home stocks a great range of stylish and
affordable house-hold goods. You can shop online too.
