• Brief description: If it's Sunday or a holiday, don't miss paying a visit to the Rastro, an open-air market where you can buy all sorts of things at good prices. Open since the 19th century, it is said that its name comes from the trail of blood left by the animals brought to the market from the slaughterhouse on the banks of the Manzanares River. It is very popular with locals from all social classes. 
•  Length of visit: 1-2 hours.
• Hours: the market is open from 9:00 to 15:00. If you want to haggle freely, it's better to come between 9:00 and 10:00. Peak hours in terms of number of people are between 11:00 and 13:00. Stands begin closing around 14:00.
• How to get there: The market begins near Plaza del Cascorro and extends to Calles Ribera de Curtidores, Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo. You can reach it easily on foot from Plaza Mayor taking Calle Toledo, or you can ride the metro and get off at La Latina (L5), Puerta de Toledo (L5) or Embajadores (L3).