San Lorenzo Market

The stalls cover all the daily staples: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, cheese and dairy, and freshly baked bread. It's a compact market where locals do their everyday shopping, and a good place to pick up quality produce before exploring the Royal Monastery and the town. Cash and mobile payments are accepted at the market.

Staying in the town centre puts you within easy walking distance of the market and the extraordinary Royal Monastery. Try the Hotel Victoria Palace or the Hotel Botánico for comfortable, well-located options right in the heart of things.

If you prefer something quieter, look for accommodation around El Escorial town centre, where you'll find smaller guesthouses and easy access to local restaurants after a morning at the market.

The market is at Calle Grimaldi 4, a short walk from the Royal Monastery in the historic centre. Take the C-8a Cercanías commuter train from Madrid Atocha or Chamartín to El Escorial station, then walk about 15 minutes into town or catch a local bus. By car, follow the M-600 from Madrid; street parking is available on surrounding streets. For more on the market and the town, see the San Lorenzo de El Escorial tourism site.