Common Tourist Scams in La Latina, Madrid (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-29 · Part of the La Latina, Madrid safety guide

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.

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.