Visiting the capital and not sure what to buy in Madrid? Between all the shop windows, souvenir stalls and tourist products, finding a lovely gift that doesn't end up forgotten in a drawer can be quite a challenge.
A good souvenir of Spain should take you straight back to the trip, but it should also be practical, original and easy to fit in a suitcase. So we've gathered 10 original Spanish souvenirs worth giving — or keeping for yourself — full of art, colour and an irresistible flamenco touch.
Where to look before you decide
If you have a free morning, it's worth walking El Rastro before buying anything. It runs on Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 3pm around the Plaza de Cascorro and the Ribera de Curtidores, and it's the best place in the city to get a sense of what gets sold as a «souvenir of Spain» and what doesn't. The city council's tourism portal explains the route and the streets it covers, and the council publishes the times and road closures for each Sunday.
One useful warning: during the week the neighbourhood is still open — antique dealers, galleries and shops — but there are no street stalls. Turn up on a Tuesday expecting the market and you'll be disappointed.
1. An insulated bottle with a flamenco design
An insulated bottle is one of those souvenirs you can use every day. It carries water, coffee or your drink of choice to work, to the gym, on a day out or while you're sightseeing around Madrid.
Flamenco designs turn a practical object into a keepsake with real personality. It's also an excellent choice when you want an original Spanish gift that's useful and doesn't take up much room in the case.
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2. A bag with flamenco artwork
Fabric bags are a far more practical alternative to traditional tourist souvenirs. You can use them for shopping, carrying your things to work, going out for a walk or holding everything you need on a day of sightseeing.
A bag with an illustrated flamenca keeps the cheerful, colourful spirit of Spain without looking like the usual souvenir. It's a particularly good choice for someone who enjoys original accessories with character. And if you're heading to El Rastro, you'll be glad you brought an empty one.
See flamenco bags at illustrArte.es
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3. An original pouch that's easy to carry
The pouch is one of the best souvenirs for anyone who values small, functional gifts. It takes up hardly any luggage space and can hold make-up, toiletries, accessories, cables or small personal items.
Choosing one with a flamenco illustration lets you take a small piece of Spain home without giving up usefulness. It's also ideal when you need to buy several presents without filling your case with bulky things.
See flamenco pouches at illustrArte.es
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4. A mug to brighten every breakfast
A mug is a classic among gifts, but a special design can turn it into a keepsake that gets used and enjoyed every morning. It's a good choice for family, friends, teachers or colleagues.
Mugs with flamenco illustrations bring colour and plenty of character to any kitchen. Every coffee becomes a small invitation to remember Spain and the good moments of the trip.
See flamenco mugs and gifts at illustrArte.es
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5. A notebook with Spanish inspiration
A lovely notebook can become a travel diary, an ideas book, an improvised planner or a work companion. It's a light, inexpensive souvenir and very easy to carry.
You can even start using it during your stay in Madrid, noting down places, restaurants, phrases or special moments. When you get home you'll have not just the notebook, but everything you lived during the trip.
See notebooks and stationery at illustrArte.es
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6. An apron with plenty of art
For anyone who enjoys cooking, an apron is a different, practical gift with all sorts of uses. It suits lovers of Spanish food, stylish hosts, or people who enjoy cooking for family and friends.
A flamenco design turns this everyday item into something fun and full of character. Because cooking with a bit of art always tastes better.
See aprons and kitchenware at illustrArte.es
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7. A silk scarf
A scarf is one of the most elegant souvenirs and one of the easiest to pack. It can be worn at the neck, in the hair, tied to a bag, or used as an accessory to lift any outfit.
Flamenco-inspired scarves bring together tradition, art and fashion in one versatile accessory. They're a particularly lovely option when you want a refined, different Spanish gift.
See flamenco scarves and gifts at illustrArte.es
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8. A t-shirt with character
T-shirts are easy souvenirs to wear, to give and to match with other things. The trick is choosing a design you'll still wear after the trip, rather than something so touristy it ends up forgotten in the wardrobe.
A t-shirt with an original flamenco illustration lets you carry Spanish art in a cheerful, modern, relaxed way. It works for adults and for girls who love dance and flamenco culture alike.
See flamenco t-shirts at illustrArte.es
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9. A personalised towel
A personalised towel is a practical, different souvenir, especially suited to the beach, the pool, the gym or dance classes. Adding a name makes the gift even more special and personal.
It's a very good idea for girls, dancers, friends or family. As well as remembering the trip, they'll have something made especially for them and easy to spot.
See towels at illustrArte.es
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10. A flamenco gift pack
When you can't settle on a single souvenir, a pack of coordinated products is the perfect answer. You can combine an insulated bottle with a bag, a pouch or other accessories sharing the same design.
Packs work especially well for birthdays, hen parties, thank-yous or presents for someone important. Presented together, the gift reads as more complete, more considered and more special.
See gift packs at illustrArte.es
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How to choose a good Madrid souvenir
Before buying, think about the person receiving the gift and how they'll use it. The best souvenirs don't have to be the biggest or the most expensive: they're the ones that connect with the person, tell a story and carry on being part of their life after the trip.
It's also worth considering size, weight and how easy it is to transport. Textile accessories, bottles, pouches, notebooks and scarves are especially easy to carry in luggage.
A souvenir of Spain with art and real character
Madrid offers thousands of options for buying gifts, but you don't have to settle for the usual magnet or keyring. A useful object with an original illustration can hold the memory of the trip for many years.
At illustrArte we turn flamenco art into cheerful, practical products made to be part of your daily life. Because the best souvenirs aren't kept in a drawer: they're carried, enjoyed and shared.
Still travelling around Spain? We have similar guides to what to buy in Barcelona and what to buy in Málaga.
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