Madrid is fast catching up with other European cities as a shopper's paradise, with a feast of designer clothing, antiques, leather goods and ceramics.

The main shopping areas are divided over three districts. Large department stores such as El Corte Inglés can be found around the Puerta del Sol. Northwest of here, following the Paseo de la Castellana, is the Salamanca district.

An elegant district, it is home to the very best of designer shops, such as Prada and Armani, plus homegrown talent like Sybilla, Purificación García, Antonio Miró and Adolfo Dominguez. The quirkier, independent labels have found their home in the vicinity of the Chueca metro stop, a few minutes Northeast of the Plaza de Cibeles.

On a Sunday morning, head over to the Calle de Ribera de Curtidores and surrounding streets for one of the most colourful flea markets in Europe, El Rastro. Here you will discover a multitude of marvels, both old and new with antique furniture and collectibles nestling alongside bric-a-brac.