Rocio Osborne

Before this year, if you ever walked down the fashionable street of Fuencarral on a busy night, you might’ve felt as if you were going to be trampled by fellow pedestrians, pushed against a wall, or even run over by a car. This trendy street in downtown Madrid had the most narrow sidewalks I’d ever seen! But this summer, it all changed when the street became one wide pedestrian sidewalk.

Fuencarral "Mall"

Calle Fuencarral is very well known for being one of the most modern, and hip places to shop in Madrid. But 12 years ago, you would have found nothing but shops for older people, crime, and antiquated cafés. The street underwent a radical change with the opening of the innovative and alternative Mercado de Fuencarral, in 1998, which became known as “a shopping centre, for those who hate shopping centres,” with stores for every taste from hippies, to goths, ravers, bohemians, indies and even preppies.

Shop Window on Fuencarral Street

If you come to Madrid, don’t miss a stroll down this very vibrant street. It is definitely a hub for young people to share their fashion points of views, and have fun. And if you don’t want to shop, it’s ok, you can enjoy the most interesting bars, art galleries, deco shops, and even tattoo parlours!

-Rocio