In one of Madrid’s historic neighborhoods, on Arganzuela street, a new hotspot has emerged for those nostalgic for the days before smartphones and the internet. Here, amid shelves lined with dolls, figurines, and board games, childhood memories come to life—back when every day was filled with imagination and simple joys.
The shop windows are bursting with familiar faces: Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Playmobil, and G.I. Joe. Nearby, you’ll find plush heroes from Barrio Sésamo, colorful dinosaurs, and miniature dollhouses. These aren’t just toys—they’re a slice of culture that shaped generations of Spanish children. Collectible cards, sticker albums, and even old coins for playing chapas can be found here.
Memories of the playground
For many customers, it’s the simple outdoor games that are most treasured. They remember evenings rushing to the empty lot after school to play canicas. The ground was soft enough to dig a “gua”—a small hole that became the site of fierce battles. Dusty hands, the thrill of competition, and the joy of victory all come flooding back the moment you hold a familiar glass marble.
The store is also home to other symbols of the era: Nancy dolls, miniature Barriguitas each representing a different country. Japanese girls in kimonos, Indian beauties in saris, African women in bright turbans, Mexican girls with braids—this collection stuns with its diversity. But of course, the most coveted for many was always Barbie, trying on dozens of professions, from flight attendant to singer.
Treasures on the shelves
Galaxy Saurio — that’s the name of this shop — is nothing like an ordinary toy store. Every corner is filled with details: cards featuring Rugrats characters, stickers of Piolín, Mickey Mouse and Snow White, board games like Creepy Crawlers and Little Big Horn, wallets with Las Supernenas, and erasers with Los Fruittis characters. Everything is neatly displayed on the shelves, and it’s hard to know where to look first with so many familiar treasures.
Polly Pocket and My Scene dolls hold a special place here. They appeared a bit later, in the early 2000s, but have already become part of many girls’ collections. Here, you can even find rare pieces that have vanished from ordinary stores.
How to get there
Galaxy Saurio is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta de Toledo metro station (line 5). For those who prefer the bus, EMT route 35 stops nearby at Toledo – Humilladero. Thanks to this, it’s easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
The store has become a true meeting place for collectors, parents wanting to show their children the toys of their own childhood, and anyone looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s not just about selling toys here — it’s about sharing memories, discussing favorite cartoons, and finding friends with similar interests.
