Mercado de San Miguel

Sol (El Centro), Madrid –

A massive covered market that’s been doling out fabulously fresh fare since 1916, the Mercado de San Miguel attracts a wide variety of Madrileños and tourists daily, from local homemakers hunting sliced ham to statuesque Spanish ladies relaxing over oysters and champagne.

Built almost entirely of exposed iron beams and glass – and restored to its original glory in 2003 – the venue is home to thirty-three shops that include everything from local produce to a bookshop, with wares ranging from fresh goat cheese to bottles of pricey Zaragozan wine.

Wide-eyed students pick through massive bowls of olives as feisty grandmas battle over the best tomatoes, while anyone in need of a prepared meal can easily pop into one of three small restaurants that also are on site.

Natural light shining through the glass walls bathes the venue in the Mediterranean sun, which could easily turn the space into a monstrous greenhouse were it not for innovative – and eco-friendly – water jets throughout the building that sprinkle patrons in a fine mist every few minutes.

As diverse as its visitors, the Mercado de San Miguel is the perfect spot for posh jet-setters and laid-back travelers to cool off with some frozen yogurt, grab an early beer, or flirt over drinks and tapas before hitting the discotecas of Sol or the more chill bars of La Latina.