Humana in Madrid: An Honest Review from an Expat
Since moving to Madrid over six months ago, thrifting has become one of my favorite ways to explore the city. Of course, Spain has a strong fashion culture, and second-hand shopping here is on a totally different level compared to what I was used to back in Canada. One store I keep coming back to again and again is Humana, or “Umana,” as a lot of people casually call it here, and as its pronounced in Spanish.
This Humana vintage in Madrid review is based on real experience, not just one quick visit… and trust me, I’ve spent some solid quality time in Humana’s across Madrid. I love browsing thrift shops, digging through racks, and finding those unexpectedly good pieces (and prices!), and Humana has become one of my regular thrifting stops. Whether I’m walking through Malasaña, near Gran Vía, or heading toward another neighborhood, there always seems to be a Humana within walking distance.
What I like the most about the Humana brand is how accessible it is. The stores are easy to pop into, the prices are usually reasonable, and if you’re patient, you can find great everyday clothes, including lots of well-known brands you actually want to wear.
In this post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on what Humana is really like, what you can expect when shopping there, and why it’s become one of my go-to thrift stores in Madrid as someone living here, not just visiting.
Humana in Spain
Humana, officially known as Humana Fundación, was founded back in 1987 in Barcelona. While the organization was established in Spain in the late 80s, its actually traced back to the 1970s in Northern Europe, where early initiatives around clothing reuse and donation first began.
From the beginning, Humana’s purpose has always gone beyond fashion – the foundation was created to promote second-hand clothing, reduce textile waste, and support social and development projects through the reuse of donated clothes.
Over time, Humana grew into one of the largest second-hand clothing organizations operating in Spain. Today, it runs hundreds of donation containers across the country and dozens of physical thrift stores, including many locations throughout Madrid.
The clothes that don’t end up in Humana stores are either recycled or exported for reuse in other markets, making the system part of a much larger circular-fashion model rather than just a thrift shop chain.
What stands out to me is how integrated Humana is into everyday life here in Spain. This isn’t a trendy pop-up or a niche vintage store, it’s a long-standing organization that locals actually use.
Whether you’re donating clothes, browsing racks, or shopping on discount days, Humana has become a familiar part of Madrid’s shopping culture, which is probably why you’ll see so many locations scattered throughout the city.
What You Can Expect When Shopping at Humana (My Honest Review)
After shopping at Humana so many times since living in Madrid, I’ve come to know what to expect pretty quickly when I walk into one. Most Humana stores are laid out on a single floor, which makes them easy to browse if you’re just popping in while walking around the city.
Some locations are larger and have a basement level as well, and in those cases the men’s section is often downstairs.
The stores themselves are pretty straightforward. They’re not curated in the way high-end vintage shops often are, and they’re not meant to be. This is more of a dig-and-discover type of place. You have to be willing to spend some time flipping through racks, but that’s actually part of the fun for me.
As for prices, Humana is one of the more affordable thrift options in Madrid. On average, most pieces fall somewhere between €4 and €14, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back. You can walk out with a whole outfit for the price of one item from a regular store like Zara or Oysho.
Humana also has separate “Humana Vintage” stores, although overall there are less Humana Vintage stores than normal Humana’s. These pieces are usually priced higher, often about 20–40% more than the regular store items. I don’t always buy from the vintage racks, but I still check them every time because you never know what you’ll find.
One of the best things about Humana is their discount days, which happen every couple of months. Sometimes everything in the store is 50% off, and other times everything is priced at €5, €3, or another flat rate. These days can get busy, but if you’re strategic and go early, you can find some good picks.
Brand-wise, I find a lot of Zara at Humana, and not just the older, worn-down pieces. I’ve come across many Zara items that are still in great condition, including basics, jackets, dresses, and bags. Since Zara is a Spanish brand and everywhere here, it makes sense that it shows up so often, which is a big plus for us avid Humana shoppers.
Overall, it comes down to this: Humana isn’t a perfectly curated boutique, but it’s reliable, affordable, and easy to shop. If you’re patient and enjoy the thrill of the search, it’s one of the best places in Madrid to thrift regularly without overspending.
Why Humana Is So Popular in Spain
After spending months shopping at Humana since moving to Madrid, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular across Spain. It’s affordable, accessible, and doesn’t feel intimidating, even if you’re new to thrift shopping.
Most of the shoppers I notice are women, though there are men’s sections in many stores, especially in larger locations or those with a basement level. The men’s selection can be hit or miss depending on the store, but it is there, and I’ve seen plenty of guys browsing, just fewer overall compared to women. For women, though, Humana feels like easy, low-effort thrifting.
What really makes Humana stand out in Spain is that it’s part of everyday life. It’s not marketed as a “cool” or exclusive vintage spot… it’s practical, repeatable, and normal. That’s why, when people ask me about second-hand shopping here, I often recommend it first. This Humana in Madrid guide comes from real experience, and it shows why so many locals keep going back to this beloved thrift shop chain across Spain. It’s easy, affordable, and woven into how people shop here.
FAQ – Humana in Madrid: An Honest Review from an Expat
Humana is primarily a thrift store, not a curated vintage shop. That said, some locations have a Humana Vintage section or separate store with older or more unique pieces that are priced higher.
I see a wide mix every time I’m in Humana, from students, young professionals, expats, and older women.
Yes, especially Zara, which I see almost every time I go. Since Zara is a Spanish brand and everywhere here, it shows up constantly at Humana, often in good condition.
If you enjoy second-hand shopping at all, I’d say yes — especially since many locations are central and easy to pop into while exploring. You don’t need hours; even a quick browse can be fun.
