Six of the best COVERED MARKETS

Elegant components of many European cities since the mid 1800s, the continent’s covered markets remain marvels of period architecture as well as retail, says Rhiannon Batten

- Rhiannon Batten

Budapest

The Hungarian capital is a must-visit if you want to shop like it's 1899. Home to several charmingly ornamental historic markets, the grande dame is the palace-like Great Market Hall. On the Pest side of the river, opposite Fovam Square, it was first opened in 1897 and restored 100 years later. Now as much a tourist destination as a commercial centre, there may be more affordable places in the city to pick up twists of paprika and bottles of Tokaj wine, but few are as architecturally striking; above the market's soaring arches, part of the roof is festooned with colourful Zsolnay tiles. piaconline.hu

Berlin