Common Tourist Scams in La Latina, Madrid (and How to Avoid Them)
El Rastro Sunday market — the major pickpocket spike
- The market: Europe's largest open-air flea market, Sundays 09:00-15:00, running from Plaza de Cascorro down Calle Ribera de Curtidores.
- The crowd: 300,000+ on a busy Sunday; tourist and local mix.
- The pickpocket pattern: one of Madrid's highest single-day pickpocket spikes; organised teams work the crowd-crush. Front pocket, bag in front, hands on zips.
- The fake-merchandise issue: many stalls sell counterfeit goods; consumer caution rather than safety concern.
- The after-market vermut: the famous La Latina Sunday lunch tradition follows the market — Cava Baja and Plaza de la Paja bars fill from 13:00.
- Defence: leave passport and most cash in hotel; only bring what you need; expect to be jostled.
Live La Latina, Madrid safety score (updates daily) →