Athens, Greece: Central Market

It's not a bad idea to start a day in Athens with a visit to its Central Market. It's a great way to overwhelm your senses before they even have a chance to warm up. 

The market's beginnings began in 1876, as vendors set up shop in the open air. A benefactor came along a few years later, and a covered market was opened for business by 1884. A roof and basement arrived a couple of years later. 

An entrance into the building is distinctive, and it starts with the smell of fish. About five to 10 tons of fish arrive each day, mostly delivered from a variety of places around the islands of the country. All types are represented, including some delicacies from foreign countries. 

But fish isn't the only item on the menu. The meat market is huge too, and there are areas for coffee and spices. 

There are some sections of the market that admittedly aren't for the faint of heart (think the heads of pigs hanging on walls), so keep that in mind when making decisions on whether to drop in. But there's no doubting the authenticity of the place.