This weekend, my friends and I visited the Palacio de Hielo shopping center located in the Hortaleza district, and I’d like to share our experience for those interested.
This mall isn’t particularly new, but it has recently undergone renovations that have significantly improved the overall environment. It’s located near the Canillas station on Metro Line 8, about 25 minutes from the city center’s Sol station. The parking garage has three levels, and finding a spot on weekends requires some patience, so I’d recommend arriving early or simply taking the metro.
The mall has a comprehensive selection of brands, including fast fashion staples like Zara, H&M, and Mango, as well as Fnac for electronics and Decathlon for sporting goods. What I found particularly useful was the Mercadona supermarket on the ground floor, where prices are more affordable than in the city center, making it convenient for everyday purchases. The third floor features a Cines Yelmo cinema, with weekday tickets costing around €6, cheaper than those on Gran Vía.
Dining Area
The dining options are quite diverse, with the top-floor food court hosting over a dozen restaurants, ranging from Burger King and McDonald’s to Japanese and Chinese cuisine. We tried a Spanish chain restaurant called Vips, where a meal for two cost €25 with generous portions and decent flavor. Worth mentioning is a small tapas place that’s more affordable than those in the city center—definitely worth trying.
Below is a comparison of this mall with several nearby shopping centers to help you choose:
| Shopping Center | Distance from City Center | Parking Fee | Number of Brands | Special Features |
|---|
| Palacio de Hielo | 25 min by metro | First 2 hours free | 150+ | Ice rink, cinema |
| La Vaguada | 20 min by metro | First 90 min free | 200+ | More brands Madrid shopping malls |
| Plenilunio | 30 min by metro | Free all day | 100+ | Less crowded, quieter |
Overall, if you live in northern Madrid or want to avoid the city center crowds, this mall is an excellent choice. For those interested in exploring Madrid shopping streets, this provides a more relaxed alternative. The only downside might be that the dining area has Madrid jersey shopping somewhat long queues on weekends, though visiting on weekdays should be much better. Additionally, the mall offers free WiFi with decent signal strength, so you can find a café to relax when you need a break. Feel free to share your experiences if you’ve been there!
