We popped into Mercado de San Miguel for cava and were surprised this market was entirely food stalls (unlike València and Málaga, which were focused on fresh groceries).

I especially loved the wall art with subtle gay-themed stop signs to mimic the actual stop signs throughout Madrid.

The exterior of Mercado de San Miguel, a historic iron-and-glass market building with ornate architectural details, large glass panels, and decorative wrought-iron signage. The reflections on the glass showcase the surrounding plaza, while a crowd of people gather outside—some sitting on the low railing, others walking or entering through the central doorway.Close-up of a glass display case filled with colorful skewers of marinated olives, cheese, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and cured meats. The skewers are arranged in neat pyramids, with glossy textures and vibrant colors that highlight their freshness and variety. Jars of green and stuffed olives add to the visual appeal, and the reflection of customers adds a dynamic sense of movement.Bustling interior of the market with a crowd of visitors navigating food stalls beneath a vaulted ceiling with exposed iron trusses and terracotta tiles. The warm ambient light and wooden stall facades create a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. Hanging signage and black pendant lamps help define each vendor space, with people lining up for tapas and drinks.A wall mural made of glossy ceramic tiles featuring a loosely sketched illustration of a red-haired woman in a tank top, holding her hand to her head. The scene includes minimalistic figures and stylized street signs, with reflections of the market’s interior and a view of the building across the street visible through the adjacent window.Street scene in Madrid showing a pedestrian traffic light with a green signal featuring two figures holding hands, commonly used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion. The surrounding area includes modern and historic buildings, various street signs, and several pedestrians walking or waiting.Urban intersection with a green pedestrian signal showing two red figures holding hands. The scene includes a mix of modern and traditional buildings, a digital parking sign, and a busy sidewalk with people crossing or walking in different directions.