A market has existed on this site since 1604, and the elegant Victorian red brick and glass structure you see today is the culmination of a £4.3m renovation project. Inside, the cavernous space has a vibe that's unique to the city. Locals mingle with tourists as live music plays and traders display their tantalising wares.

Regarded as one of the UK's finest food markets, every Saturday and Sunday around 250 stalls sell an eclectic range of local and international produce from fresh fish and smelly cheeses to paella and artisan chocs, as well as lots of hand-made and one-off gifts and collectibles.

On Fridays, the Variety Market is crammed with all manner of antiques, bric-a-brac, clothes and curios. Sift carefully and you might uncover a thing of rare beauty and value. This is where the real locals shop, and a visit gives you an insight into the retail habits of some of the city's most colourful characters.

The Market has also become a cool venue for music and fashion shows, so check if anything's cooking when you visit.