Shopping: Conde Duque

Sprawling around the military barracks that’s lent its name (and character) to the area, Conde Duque is a lively and bohemian neighbourhood, brimming with newly-established, vintage-style shops. A quiet area, it stands in sharp contrast to the boisterous Gran Vía, Plaza de España and Calle Princesa, which mark the end of this district to the south.

In Conde Duque you won’t find department stores or retail chains, as this neighbourhood seems to favour independent shops instead – carefully decorated small boutiques with a cosy atmosphere and a character of their own.

Clothes are one of the things you can by in the area, which features shops by emerging designers and non-mainstream brands: Mini Shop Madrid, an exquisite shop offering exclusive, British-style outfits; La Compañía Polar, a reference in men’s wear; or Maggie, specialising in women’s wear. In Conde Duque, the classic and the modern rub shoulders: you can buy the clothes and accessories for a mod revival or the next-gen sportswear on the same block.

There is also the store of designer Ernesto Naranjo (San Bernardo, 72) which produces all his collections in the south of Spain, where he works with specialised artisans and dressmakers with the idea of rescuing traditional craftsmanship and projecting it into the future.

Alongside clothes, in Conde Duque you can get a wide range of other items: valuable vinyl records, rare books and first editions, handmade bags, second-hand guitars or bicycles, original toys…

For collecting enthusiasts, Atlántica Pop! & Harry Potter Store can be found in Calle del Limón, which stocks Funko Pop figures, replicas, Living Dead Dolls, Q-Posket and everything imaginable related to the magical world of Harry Potter.

If you’re a foodie in Conde Duque, take a look at Quesería Cultivo or Los Mostenses Food Market for an interesting international culinary offer, or Panic for bread and pastry. Those with a sweet tooth can visit Sweet Studio, a cake shop devoted to Asian and French confectionery with an international touch. And for those who fancy an authentic American brunch, check out Roll Madrid, a restaurant that serves urban American food made with quality ingredients.

Book lovers should head over to El Arte del Cómic, an exhibition space that sells the original drawings published in the most popular and cult comics around the world; or how about Ecobook, a bookshop specialising in economics founded in 1998 that has everything you need to be an economist.