The best concept stores in Madrid

Curation by Bastiaan Ellen, words by Jessica Benavides Canepa

Concept stores in Madrid have evolved from one-stop shopping breaks to a favoured adventure for those possessing a particular sensibility; unique item seekers inspired by a creative lifestyle. Indeed, from artisan housewares to edgy duds to curated treasures, these designer spaces are not your typical mom and pop convenience stores. In the Spanish capital, these fashionable shops are found in droves, in all themes and sizes, perfect for the stylish gent looking for that rare objet d’art or inventive image metamorphosis.

El Moderno Madrid Salt and Pepper shakers

El Moderno | Photo: Bastiaan Ellen

The airy store sells everything from artisan knick-knacks to jewellery provide offbeat conversation pieces for your next soiree

El Moderno

The secret to the style-centric Malasaña district’s undeniable charm is the winning combo of modern shops and venues alongside long-standing hipster hangouts. Enter one of the newest concept stores in Madrid, El Moderno; a white-bricked home décor space uniting the two worlds in an ah-ha moment of kismet. The ample space, featuring concrete floors, original columns and natural wood display stands, pays homage to its grocery store origins by displaying original, centuries-old item menus on the exposed front door rafters. The airy store sells everything from artisan knick-knacks to jewellery, but specialises in unique decorations and details that compliment your home or at the very least, provide offbeat conversation pieces for your next soiree. Standout designers include lamps by Nordic co. Schneid, paper décor from the Japanese Traveler’s Company and handmade ceramics from Barcelona’s Working in the Woods.

Do Design | Photo: Bastiaan Ellen

Rughara

Another Malasaña notable, this time at its beating heart, is one of the most popular concept stores in Madrid. Rughara specialises in truly unique fashions, accessories, furnishings, decorations and vinyl records – all showcasing local talent in a mishmash of aesthetics from minimalist to vintage punk. On Wednesday eves and Saturday mornings the space, with items haphazardly displayed on vintage tables, racks and on the stark walls, transforms into a music venue for underground artists or less frequently, an art gallery featuring the work of scouted painters, photographers and illustrators. Fashion brands include offbeat garbs from Revolution, Batabasta and Bow Hand Made, bizarre baubles from Blancharme, Komono and Kuraga and wacky décor created by Arte Marakame, Dooc and Marre Moerel among many others.

Rughara | Photo: Bastiaan Ellen

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Do Design

Located on the chic shopping street Fernando VI in the hip Las Salesas district, Do Design is one of the most stylish concept stores in Madrid, and feels more like an inviting home than the artisan goods concept store it is. All of the products on offer are handmade; often limited editions carefully curated by the crafty owner, local fashion designer Lucia Ruiz Rivas. Visitors will find inspiration through a fine selection of items ranging from quirky clothing from Danish designer Henrik Vibskov to the industrial furnishings of Madrid-born Juan Ruiz Rivas to minimalist tea sets from Japanese company, Kinto. The space also features an art gallery with a line-up of works from contempo photographers and mixed media artists adjacent a casual café beckoning you with chill music and an unspoken invitation to linger.

Do Design | Photo: Bastiaan Ellen

Best buys include featured supplier Freitag unisex bags and accessories

Despacio

Situated in Chueca, Despacio is a clean-lined, family-owned concept store inaugurated in 2014. Items on sale include the usual lot, clothing and décor, but also a fine selection of fashion-forward trainers and gadgets mostly created by a string of local designers. The space itself mimics a modern art gallery with its aged, natural walls and speckled floors, which provides the perfect backdrop for the eye-catching offerings. Best buys include featured supplier Freitag unisex bags and accessories, ODS Wesc trainers, Loreak Mendian quality jumpers and the shop’s very own namesake illustrated tees. If you can’t make it to the shop, don’t sweat it, most of the merchandise is available for purchase online.

Where to stay in Madrid

Nestled on the prestigious Paseo de la Castellana, in the heart of Madrid’s upscale Salamanca district, Rosewood Villa Magna is a fusion of modern luxury and historical elegance. The hotel’s recent refurbishment enhances its contemporary aesthetic while honouring its 19th-century heritage. Guests can indulge in meticulously designed rooms that evoke the feeling of a refined Spanish villa, complete with bespoke furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The hotel’s private gardens offer a peaceful retreat amid the bustle of the city, while the Michelin-starred Amós restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Located just steps from Madrid’s high-end shopping on Calle Serrano, and within easy reach of independent boutiques in Chueca and Malasaña, this hotel combines elegance with convenience for discerning travellers.

Tucked away in a quieter corner of the Salamanca neighbourhood, Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel offers an intimate and sophisticated stay. This boutique gem blends Belle Époque charm with modern amenities, perfect for travellers who value elegance and a personalised experience. Rooms are adorned with luxurious materials and thoughtful details, creating a timeless atmosphere. The hotel is also home to a celebrated restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef, delivering exquisite Spanish cuisine in a stylish setting. Situated close to the shopping streets of Serrano and Castellana, and a short distance from the vibrant Chueca district, this is the ideal base for those looking to explore the city’s high-end fashion and cultural offerings.

If you’re looking for a more modern, trend-forward experience, Thompson Madrid in the dynamic heart of the city should be at the top of your list. Located between the fashionable Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods, this hotel exudes a contemporary cool aesthetic, blending mid-century modern design with a vibrant urban vibe. Known for its stunning rooftop pool and panoramic views, Thompson Madrid offers a luxurious, yet laid-back atmosphere. Its proximity to indie boutiques in Malasaña and the LGBTQ+ friendly Chueca makes it the perfect location for those who want to explore the city’s cutting-edge style and lively nightlife.

Each of these hotels offers a distinctive style and atmosphere while placing you right in the heart of Madrid’s most coveted shopping and cultural districts. Whether you’re drawn to historical elegance, boutique charm, or contemporary cool, Madrid’s luxury hospitality scene will not disappoint.

Rosewood Villa Magna

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