Rastro (El), Madrid

The capital's best known street market fills up with people to the saturation point after noon, so if you want to wander around all the fascinating stalls in peace, you should arrive by 10a. You can stop for a drink or a bite to eat in neighboring cafes and then head for the Plaza de Cascorro, featuring the statue of Eloy Gonzalo, a Spanish soldier who challenged the Cubans in their war of Independence with just a tin of gasoline. Everything from clothes and furniture to house wares can be bought at this all encompassing market. No admission fee.