6 Best Places to Shop in Sol, Madrid

Established in 1823, Casa de Diego manufactures fans, umbrellas, and classic Spanish walking sticks with ornamented silver handles and also sells traditional Spanish ornamental combs, mantillas, and castanets. The British royal family buys autograph fans here for signing on special occasions.

Seseña is the oldest cape tailor in the world and one of Madrid's most emblematic shops. Since 1901, this family-run business has outfitted the likes of Picasso, Hemingway, and Michael Jackson in traditional merino wool and velvet capes, some lined with red satin.

You'll find an impressive collection of English-language books here, including translated Spanish classics. Note to analog travelers: this is your spot to score excellent printed maps.

Founded in 1894, Casa Yustas has headgear ranging from the three-corner hats of the Guardia Civil to Basque berets to Andalusian sombreros de mayoral. Designed as hands-free umbrellas for the rainy Cantabrian coast, Basque berets (sourced from legendary hatter Elosegui) are much wider than those worn by the French and make excellent gifts.

This company has sold guitars since 1882, and its store includes a museum of antique instruments. Prices for new handmade models start at around €1,500, though some of the top concert models easily break the €10,000 mark.

You can watch the artisans at work at this inviting atelier-boutique hybrid situated steps from Plaza Mayor. Regardless of what catches your eye—a leather cardholder, handbag, or perhaps a hand-bound notebook—you'll be pleasantly surprised by the prices.