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Madrid has multiple places where you can find cheap versions of designer bags, watches, sneakers, perfumes, and even electronics. These items are called “replicas” or “first copies”. They look very close to the real thing but are much cheaper.
Fake markets in Madrid are usually not permanent stores. You will see vendors on the streets, at flea markets, or outside busy shopping areas. Some operate in broad daylight while others pop up only at certain times, quickly setting up and packing away their goods.
If you are thinking about visiting one of these markets, here are some places to get you started and what to expect.
El Rastro is Madrid’s most famous flea market. It stretches through many streets and is always packed with customers and vendors. It’s not officially a fake market, but among the antiques, clothes, and souvenirs, you will also see knock-off sunglasses, bags, shoes, and watches.
Some sellers set up small stalls, while others just lay out a blanket with their goods. It is always loud and crowded with music playing, people chatting, and vendors calling out their prices, but the energy is amazing. Because it is busy and packed, you need to watch your belongings carefully. Pickpockets here are common.
Gran Vía is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in Madrid, full of brand stores, restaurants, and theatres. However, just outside these fancy shops, you will often see street vendors, also called “manteros”, selling all types of goods, including fake luxury goods.
These sellers are quick, always ready to wrap everything up and run if the police come. The bags often look like Chanel, Prada, or Dior. You can also find sunglasses, watches, and sneakers that copy famous labels.
Usera, often known as Madrid’s Chinatown, is filled with Asian supermarkets, bubble tea shops, and multiple shopping centres. It is also one of the best places to find replica products, especially clothes, electronics, and shoes.
There are small malls and underground shopping galleries here where you might find sneakers that look like Yeezys, earbuds that copy Apple AirPods, and shirts with international brand logos, sold at very cheap prices.
It is also less touristy and more local, so you are more likely to get better deals than in the city centre. Note that not everything is fake, but most products are “inspired by” and look exactly like global brands.
“Top Manta” is a term used in Spain to describe the street vendors who sell counterfeit goods on mats or sheets. These vendors are found all over Madrid, especially in tourist-heavy spots. They often carry large white sheets with their items neatly displayed on top. The corners of the sheet have ropes so the seller can grab and run quickly if police arrive.
Madrid’s fake markets might not be listed in travel guides, but they are right there, on the streets, in the neighbourhoods, and among the people. Of course, buying fake goods comes with its downsides. The quality won’t match the real thing, and there is always a risk when it comes to electronics or cosmetics. Some products may not last long, and others could be harmful. There is also the legal issue. You won’t get in trouble for buying one or two items for personal use, but large-scale buying or reselling is a different story.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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