Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Place Dauphine
Place Dauphine is an iconic public square wedged between lavish townhouses on the western tip of Ile de la Cité in Paris. The square was the second project of the “royal squares program” instigated by Henri IV – the first one being what is now known as Place des Vosges – and was named after his son, soon-to-be Dauphin of France Louis XIII. To this day, it remains one of the most prestigious areas in the city.
The square’s – which is actually triangular in shape – westernmost corner connects to Pont Neuf, linking the right and left banks of the Seine River. Although the houses surrounding Place Dauphine were built in the early 1600s, only two have preserved their original features, i.e., the two located on either side of the narrow entrance leading to Pont Neuf. Nowadays, the oddly three-sided square is popular with both locals enjoying apéro and photographers searching for a quintessential Paris atmosphere.
Practical Info
Place Dauphine is located on Ile de la Cité in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. It can be reached on foot from Pont Neuf and Cité metro stations (serviced by lines 4 and 7), just a few hundred meters from Notre-Dame-de-Paris Cathedral. It is not advised to get to Place Dauphine by car as parking is scarce and complicated.
Address: Place Dauphine, Paris, Ile-de-France 75001, France
From $ 34
Place Bellecour
At the heart of Lyon is Place Bellecour, an enormous, unbroken brick expanse (the third largest square in France) sprawled between the Saône and the Rhône Rivers. These are echoed by two sculptures, named for the waterways, that flank a famed statue of Louis the X1V, on horseback.
The Sun King, in 1708, took this former vineyard, army barracks, and private gardens, and developed it into a public square. His architects framed the space with elegant facades, and it has since hosted public events and, more recently, an iconic Ferris wheel.
The shadeless plaza is surrounded by excellent eateries and cool cafés - Lyon is, after all, the Gastronomic Capital of France - w here you'll find respite on steamy summer afternoons.
Practical Info
Place Bellecour is the "Beautiful Heart" of Lyon, and marks kilometer 0, from which all distances are measured. It is served by Metro Lines A and D, which cross at the Bellecour stop.
Address: Lyon, France
Admission: Free
From $ 24
Pisa Duomo
Visitors flock to Pisa’s famous leaning tower, which is part of a magnificent cathedral complex centered around the 17th-century Duomo and adjacent baptistery. A splendid example of Pisan Romanesque architecture, the Duomo’s original and renovated elements include a splendid apse mosaic, ornate pulpit, golden coffered ceiling, and more.
The Basics
The Piazza del Duomo, more commonly known as the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), houses Pisa’s Duomo complex, one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original church was built in the 11th century, but a fire in 1595 destroyed most of the medieval art and architecture—though the rendering of St. John’s face by Cimabue in the apse mosaic and the ornately carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano survived. A series of renovations over the subsequent centuries added the Latin-cross floor plan, galleried exterior topped with a small dome, bronze doors from the Giambologna school, rounded apse, and five interior naves with a forest of massive pillars rising to the gilded ceiling.
The walled Piazza dei Miracoli is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany and can be very crowded during the summer months. Booking a skip-the-line Pisa tour ahead of time is essential to avoid a long wait at the ticket office and ensure a time slot to visit the cathedral of Pisa along with the campanile and battistero (baptistry) before closing time. Consider a small-group tour of this stunning complex, or a Leaning Tower family tour if traveling with kids. If you have time for a full-day tour, you can easily combine a Pisa visit with nearby Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, or other towns in Tuscany’s Chianti region.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ticketed visitors can use the Opera della Primaziale Pisana building’s restrooms and store bags and luggage in the cloakroom for free.
- There are a number of restaurants and cafés located around the perimeter of the square.
- The Duomo is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Piazza dei Miracoli is about one mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the Pisa train station across the River Arno. Trains run daily from Rome, Florence, and Venice. It is about a 20-minute walk through the historic center of Pisa to the Duomo, or you can take the No. 4 or No. 21 bus from the station.
When to Get There
The Duomo is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so try to arrive in the early morning to enjoy the square and its sights before the throngs of daily visitors arrive.
Other Sights in the Piazza dei Miracoli
In addition to the Duomo, visitors can tour the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) and Sinopie Museum, which displays preparatory sketches for the cathedral’s frescoes. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Duomo Opera Museum), founded in 1891, houses treasured works of art removed from the Duomo and baptistery for various reasons over the centuries.
Address: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa 56126, Italy
Hours: Open daily
From $ 18
Place Des Vosges
Paris has been around for millennia; but it wasn't until 1605, when King Henry IV built what was then-called Place Royale, that a public square was planned into the city's landscape. It's now known as the Place des Vosges, and to this day remains largely unchanged since its inauguration in 1612.
It's easy to call any public area in a major city an “oasis,” but Place des Vosges truly lives up to the description. It's in Le Marais, which is already a relatively quiet arrondissement; but once you step through the arches, the stately residences seem to absorb any city noise and the arcades that cover the sidewalks add to its hushed ambiance. It's a good place to go to take a load off after trekking around the city all day.
It's easy to call any public area in a major city an “oasis,” but Place des Vosges truly lives up to the description. It's in Le Marais, which is already a relatively quiet arrondissement; but once you step through the arches, the stately residences seem to absorb any city noise and the arcades that cover the sidewalks add to its hushed ambiance. It's a good place to go to take a load off after trekking around the city all day.
Practical Info
The border of the third and fourth arrondissements divide the Place des Vosges; take the M7 to Sully-Morand, then head down Rue Beautrellis, which ends at the exterior of the homes that surround Place des Vosges.
Address: 14 Place des Vosges, Paris 75004, France
From $ 29
Place de la R epublique
Nearly a dozen streets converge at Place de la Republique—a popular square in the heart of Paris. This historic town center may measure fewer than 10 acres but was once home to impressive military barracks. Though the grounds are relatively small, there are numerous points of interest including intricate fountains, monuments paying homage to the grand republic and artistic relief-panel depicting some of the city’s most impressive political feats.
Practical Info
Place de la Republique is located between the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements and is accessible via the Republique Metro station using the 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11 lines.
Address: Paris, France
From $ 37
Place du Grand Sablon
Located just a 10-minute walk from Brussel’s bustling Grand Place, Place du Grand Sablon is a historic square at the heart of the Sablon quarter. It feels a world away from the busy city center, with striking medieval townhouses, stylish restaurants, terrace cafés, and a lively antiques market.
The Basics
The Sablon District of Brussels is an ideal spot for dining, shopping, or enjoying a peaceful glass of Belgian beer after a day of sightseeing. Visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore the area’s maze of cobbled streets, or opt for a private city tour to learn about the square’s history and visit other Brussels highlights such as St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
While the star attraction is the weekend antiques market, the area around Place du Grand Sablon is also a popular stop on chocolate tours of Brussels, with Belgian chocolate shops such as Marcolini, Godiva, Neuhaus, Wittamer, and Leonidas located on and around the square. Place du Grand Sablon is also a good jumping-off point for visiting nearby attractions such as the Manneken Pis, the Mont des Arts gardens, and Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Place du Grand Sablon is a must-see for culture, food, and history lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobbled lanes of the Sablon District.
- The Place du Grand Sablon is wheelchair accessible, although if you’re attending the market it’s a good idea to arrive early to browse before crowds arrive.
How to Get to There
Place du Grand Sablon is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place in central Brussels. The closest metro station is Louise, and trams 92 and 93 also stop nearby.
When to Get There
Summer (especially July and August) is the most popular time to visit Place du Grand Sablon, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. Be sure to visit on a weekend to catch the famous antique and book markets, which are held all day Saturday and on Sunday mornings.
Exploring the Sablon District
The picturesque lanes of the Sablon District are ideal for strolling and the whole area is packed with art galleries, antique shops, and cafés. After browsing the market stalls on Place du Grand Sablon, make the short walk uphill to the Place du Petit Sablon, home to the beautiful late-Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. Close by, the Mont des Arts District is home to museums including the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Address: Place du Grand Sablon, Bruxelles 1000, Belgium
From $ 29
Plaça del Rei
The heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, Plaça del Rei is the city’s best preserved medieval square. The 14th-century Palau Reial Major (Royal Mayor Palace), which dominates the square was home to the counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon. The Plaça is now an unofficial open-air museum of fine gothic architecture.
The Basics
Any exploration of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Plaça del Rei. Historic walking tours through this atmospheric neighborhood of narrow streets almost always stop here, along with other points of interest like the Roman walls, Temple d’August, and the Palatine Chapel of Santa Agata. The plaza itself is free to enter, but some of the buildings surrounding it charge separate admissions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plaça del Rei is a must-see for history buffs, architecture aficionados, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes when exploring the neighborhood on foot; the streets surrounding the plaza are often cobbled or uneven.
- Plaça del Rei and many of its buildings, including the Palau Reial Major, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Plaça del Rei is centrally located and easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the Old City. To get there by public transportation, take the Barcelona metro to Jaume I station (Line 4).
When to Get There
It’s best to visit the plaza during the day when its surrounding historic structures are open to visitors. The neighborhood tends to get busy during the high season in July and August, so plan to visit during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons to enjoy the plaza and surrounding neighborhood without the crowds.
Plaça del Rei and Christopher Columbus
According to local lore, it was in this plaza in Barcelona that Christopher Columbus was received by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella when he returned from his first voyage to the New World. If the story is to be believed, Columbus greeted the Spanish royals on the steps at the corner of the square.
Address: Spain
From $ 6
Place du Forum
Located at the heart of historic Arles and once the site of a Roman Forum, the Place du Forum has served as the town’s political and social center since ancient times. Today, the public square remains an atmospheric spot, clustered with restaurants and cafés, and buzzing with life both day and night.
The Place du Forum has also earned a place in the limelight thanks to the iconic ‘Café la Nuit’, better known as ‘Café Van Gogh’, which stands on the square’s southeast corner. Famously immortalized in Van Gogh’s 1888 painting ‘Café Terrace at Night’, the café’s distinctive yellow façade and unmistakable lamp-lit terrace is an unmissable stop for art lovers following in the footsteps of Van Gogh.
Practical Info
Place du Forum is located in the historic center of Arles, Provence.
Address: Place du Forum, Arles, Provence, France
From $ 116
Pisa Baptistery (Battistero)
Pisa’s Leaning Tower may be more famous, but the nearby baptistery (battistero) is equally captivating. Clad in white marble with intricately carved rows of Romanesque and Gothic arches and a cupcake dome, the baptistery is one of the essential sights in the city’s UNESCO-listed cathedral (duomo) complex.
The Basics
An excellent example of Pisan Romanesque architecture, the Pisa’s Baptistery (Battistero) sits just outside the cathedral (duomo) on the Field of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). Inside, you can admire the beautifully carved pulpit by Nicola Pisano and ornate marble baptismal font, and then climb the stairs to the gallery for a bird’s-eye view. While on the gallery, try out the building’s remarkable acoustics by whispering sweet nothings beneath the dome.
The duomo complex is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany and can be very crowded in the summer. Booking a skip-the-line Pisa tour in advance is essential to avoid a long wait at the ticket office and ensure a time slot to visit the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower. Consider a small-group tour to see the highlights of Pisa, or a Leaning Tower family tour if you’re traveling with kids.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors with tickets can use the Opera della Primaziale Pisana building’s restrooms, and store bags and luggage in the cloakroom for free.
- There are a number of restaurants and cafés located around the perimeter of the square.
- The baptistery is accessible to wheelchair users.
- You must wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees to enter the church and baptistery.
How to Get There
The Piazza dei Miracoli is about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the Pisa train station, across the River Arno, and there are trains from Rome, Florence, and Venice each day. From the station, you can walk through the historic center of Pisa to the Field of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), or you can take a bus from the station.
When to Get There
The duomo complex is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so try to arrive in the early morning to enjoy the church, baptistery, and bell tower before the throngs of daily visitors arrive.
Other Sights in the Piazza dei Miracoli
In addition to seeing the baptistery, you can tour the cathedral, Leaning Tower, Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto Monumentale), and Sinopie Museum, which displays preparatory sketches for the cathedral’s frescoes. Visit the Duomo Opera Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) to see works of art removed from the cathedral and baptistery over the centuries.
Address: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa 56126, Italy
From $ 35
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti)
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) was built by Luca Pitti in the 1400s. A century later, Duchess of Florence Eleonora di Toledo purchased the Renaissance palazzo for her husband, Cosimo I de' Medici, and it remained the official residence of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany until the early 20th century. Today, Pitti Palace is Florence's largest museum complex.
The Basics
This massive stone palace was once home to the ruling Medici family, then to the Austrian House of Lorraine, and finally to the House of Savoy—until Victor Emmanuel III donated the palazzo and its contents to the nation of Italy in 1919. A full 140 rooms, housing a number of important museums and galleries, are open to the public. The Palatine Gallery, which holds an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by artists Raphael, Titian and Rubens, is the most famous. Visitors can also tour the sumptuous Royal Apartments, Silver Museum, Porcelain Museum, Carriage Museum, and Costume Gallery. The palazzo even houses a Modern Art Gallery, highlighting Italian painters from the 18th to early-20th centuries.
An array of private and group tours, often including skip-the-line access to Pitti Palace and other nearby attractions, are available. Consider joining a walking tour of Florence that visits a number of Renaissance monuments built during the reign of the Medici family.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pitti Palace is one of Florence's most important attractions, home to centuries of art and history. Booking a guided tour including skip-the-line tickets is strongly recommended.
- Due to the sheer scope of the palace and its collections, by far the best way to visit is with a tour guide who can lead you through the highlights.
- Large backpacks, bags, and umbrellas are not allowed inside; there is a free cloakroom at the entrance.
- The palazzo is completely wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Pitti Palace is on the southern bank of the Arno River in the Oltrarno neighborhood, reached via the Ponte Vecchio bridge near the Uffizi Gallery. Take the No. 11 bus to Piazza San Felice or the C3 or D buses to the Pitti stop.
When to Get There
The palazzo can be very crowded between May and October, and at midday. Consider an early-morning or late-afternoon tour to avoid the peak visiting hours. The museums are closed on Mondays and holidays.
Visiting the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
After visiting Pitti Palace, take a stroll around the adjacent Boboli Gardens, dotted with Renaissance statues, fountains, and grottoes.
Address: Piazza de' Pitti, Florence 50125, Italy
Hours: Open daily at 8:15am, closing times vary depending on the month. Closed Christmas and New Year's
Admission: Fees vary depending on gallery
From $ 9
Place de la Concorde
Situated on the right bank of the Seine River and flanked by the idyllic Tuileries Garden and the grand boulevard of Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. The infamous guillotines of the French Revolution were located here, but today the square is best known for striking monuments, elegant hotels, and elaborate fountains.
The Basics
Given its location between the Champs-Elysées and the Louvre, Place de la Concorde is included on many Paris tours. It’s a popular photo spot for open-top bus tours, with views of the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine River. A walking tour offers the best photo opportunities, and a bike or Segway tour is a leisurely way to explore the square. You can also admire Place de la Concorde from the water on a Seine cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are located on and around Place de la Concorde.
- The square is a must-see for those interested in revolutionary French history.
- Place de la Concorde is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located on the right bank of the Seine River in the heart of historic Paris, Place de la Concorde borders the Seine, the Jardin des Tuileries, and the Champs-Elysées. The most scenic way to arrive is on foot, either walking down the Champs-Elysées from the Arc de Triomphe, or strolling through the Tuileries Garden from the Louvre. Alternatively, the closest metro station is Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12).
When to Get There
Place de la Concorde is one of Paris’ busiest squares, a lively destination at all hours of the day and night. Head there on a sunny afternoon to make the most of the surrounding park, visit during the day to browse the shops along the Champs-Elysées, or pass through on a night tour to admire Paris’ nighttime skyline.
History of Place de la Concorde
Dating back to the mid-18th century, the Place de la Concorde was originally named Place Louis XV and featured an imposing equestrian statue of the French king. During the French Revolution, the square was known as Place de la Révolution and famously served as the execution site of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, it’s best known for the gigantic Egyptian obelisk—part of the ancient Ramses II temple of Thebes—towering over its central plaza and its two magnificent fountains: Fontaine des Mers and Elevation of the Maritime.
Address: Place de la Concorde, Paris 75008, France
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Pitti Palace Palatine Gallery
One of the grandest Renaissance buildings in Florence, the 15th-century Pitti Palace houses the Palatine Gallery, a collection of over 500 paintings dating from the 15th to the 17th century. The collection features works by Italian masters like Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Pietro da Cortona, and other European painters like Rubens and Velazquez.
The Basics
Palazzo Pitti was home to Florence’s Medici family for centuries, and today the palace’s rooms and halls form a sumptuous backdrop for the Renaissance and baroque paintings and frescoes in the Palatine Gallery (Galleria Palatina), formerly the private collection of the Grand Duke. Laid out according to the Grand Duke’s personal tastes rather than by painting school or chronological order, the gallery was opened to visitors in 1828 by Leopold I of Lorraine.
Though less well-known than Florence’s Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) or Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia), the Palatine Gallery matches both in importance and beauty, and is best visited with an expert tour guide who can concentrate on the most significant works from the hundreds on display. Most guided tours of Pitti Palace include a visit to the gallery along with the Royal Apartments, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Boboli Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Palatine Gallery is of special interest for art and history buffs.
- Pitti Palace is the largest museum complex in Florence and exploring requires quite a bit of time on your feet, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Traveling families can use the private nursery for feeding and changing infants.
- There is a café and bookshop in the courtyard of the Pitti Palace.
- The Palatine Gallery is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Palatine Gallery is located in the Oltrarno neighborhood on Piazza Pitti, about a 15-minute walk from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station across the famous Ponte Vecchio.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 8:15am to 6:50pm. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so its sights and museums can be very crowded in the summer. Schedule a visit to the Palatine Gallery in spring or fall, if possible, and avoid the first Sunday of the month, when the museum is free and particularly packed.
Other Museum Highlights in Florence
Art aficionados visiting Florence must also plan on visiting Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery and the masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery.
Address: Piazza Pitti 1, Firenze, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
Pisa Cemetery (Camposanto)
Italy is home to some of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, including the Monumental Cemetery of Pisa (Camposanto Monumentale). Part of the UNESCO-listed cathedral complex, this Gothic cloister features intricate marble arches encircling a central courtyard, 14th-century frescoes, chapels, and rows of Roman sarcophagi.
The Basics
The Monumental Cemetery of Pisa (Camposanto Monumentale) is one of the most beautiful sights on the Field of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), famous for being home to the Leaning Tower. The cemetery was built on sacred soil brought back to Pisa after the Third Crusade in the 12th century, and legend holds that this holy earth can reduce bodies to skeletons within a day of burial. In addition to its Pisan Romanesque architecture, the cemetery is worth visiting for what remains of its fresco cycle and Roman sarcophagi.
Piazza dei Miracoli is one of Tuscany’s most popular destinations and is often very crowded, so book a skip-the-line tour in advance to avoid a long wait at the ticket office. You can also combine a Pisa tour with day trips to Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, or other towns in nearby Chianti.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors with tickets can use restrooms and free cloakroom in the complex’s Opera della Primaziale Pisana building.
- The Piazza dei Miracoli square is lined with a number of restaurants and cafés.
- The Camposanto cemetery is accessible to wheelchair users.
- You must wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees to enter the cemetery chapels.
How to Get There
The Piazza dei Miracoli is about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the Pisa train station, with trains connecting daily to Rome, Florence, and Venice. From the station, walk through the historic center of Pisa or take a bus to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
When to Get There
The Piazza dei Miracoli is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so visit in the early morning to enjoy the Leaning Tower, cemetery, and other buildings before most other visitors arrive.
Other Sights in the Piazza dei Miracoli
In addition to the Camposanto Monumentale, Piazza dei Miracoli is home to the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) and baptistery, Leaning Tower, Sinopie Museum, and Duomo Opera Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), which houses a collection of artworks removed from the duomo and baptistery over the centuries.
Address: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa 56126, Italy
From $ 35
Placa Espanya
A large and significant square lined with trees and fountains, Placa Espanya is one of the busiest, most central hubs of activity in Barcelona. Many main roads intersect here, including Para•llel and Gran Via. As it is both a main metro and train stop, it is a common meeting point for travelers and locals alike. It is known for its beautiful architecture, statues, and nearby shopping as well.
The Placa Espanya ends on one side with the Font Magica, or Magic Fountain, a large fountain that becomes a light and sound show in the evenings. On the opposite end lies the Palau Nacional (National Palace,) with excellent city views from its steps. It is scenically set against the tall mountain Montjuic, with the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) located just inside. Two towers on the Avinguda Maria Cristina, reminiscent of those in Venice, stand tall over the square.
Practical Info
Placa Espanya is in the Sants-Montjuïc district of Barcelona. The L1, L3, and L8 lines all run to stops here. The Font Magica shows run nightly, and are free to enjoy. The center of Barcelona is a short ten minute metro ride, or about a 35 minute walk from the plaza.
Address: Sants-Montjuïc District, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 35
Place de la Com edie
The converging point of many of the city’s high streets, pedestrianized Place de la Comédie is an inevitable stop on any Bordeaux itinerary. This lively and elegant square dates back to Gallo-Roman times, back when it was still home to the busy forum of Burdigala, and visitors could be momentarily fooled into thinking they've actually traveled back in time thanks to the Grand Théâtre’s exceptional architecture. Designed in the neo-classical style, it features a 12-column Corinthian portico surmounted by statues that represent the nine muses and three goddesses. Nevertheless, it wasn't until the 18th century that Place de la Comédie gained its prestige.
Architect Victor Louis–who also conceived Paris’ Palais Royal and Théâtre Français–wanted Bordeaux to have a temple of the arts that would reflect the city’s newly found grandeur. Grand Théâtre would quickly become one of the most sumptuous theaters across Europe (it was, in fact, the inspiration behind Paris’ lavish Opéra Garnier), and eventually, one of the very few wooden frame opera houses not to have burnt or required extensive rebuilding.
The Grand Théâtre may be most famous for its exceptional interior, but its impressive façade gives Place de la Comédie an enviable allure, which is only enhanced by the presence of the five-star Regent hotel. It may not be Bordeaux’s largest square, but it surely is the most elegant and most romantic, especially after night fall.
Practical Info
Place de la Comédie is located just outside the historic center of Bordeaux, just south of Place des Quinconces. It is accessible on foot, by tram via Route B (stop Grand Théâtre) or by car. The nearest parking lot is Vinci Park Services on Place des Grands Hommes. Parking costs €2 per hour. The Grand Théâtre is closed on Sunday and Monday but is open for visits from Tuesday to Saturday between 1 and 6:30 p.m. Guided tours run every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Visits cost €5 but are free for those under 26 years old.
Address: Place de la Comédie, Bordeaux 33000, France
Hours: Tues-Sat 1-6:30 p.m.
Admission: €5
From $ 14
Place de la Bourse (Place Royale)
The Place de la Bourse (or Place Royale) faces onto the river Garonne. It was laid out in the 1700s by Louis XV's architect, Gabriel, to act as a dramatic frame for an equestrian statue of the monarch.
The Place de la Bourse is framed on one side by the Stock Exchange (the 'Bourse' that gives the square its name) and on the other side by a museum. In the center of the square is its chief beauty and attraction, the fountain of the Three Graces, built by Visconti in 1869. When it's lit at night it is highly photogenic.
Getting There
The Place de la Bourse is located on the Garonne, in the center of the city. Take tram line C to Place de la Bourse station.
Address: Garonne, Bordeaux 33000, France
From $ 14
Plaça Sant Felip Neri
It might seem next to impossible to find a quiet getaway in the big Barcelona city, but Plaça Sant Felip Neri offers you just the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle. This seemingly hidden square, with its trickling fountain and shade-offering trees, is located in Barcelona’s Gothic quarter and is enclosed by old-world buildings.
It’s more than just a tranquil respite, though, but also an important, albeit tragic part of Barcelona history. Indeed, this is where you’ll find the square’s namesake church, which was bombed during the Spanish Civil War in 1938, killing many people, most of whom were children. The church’s heavily bomb-pocked walls serve as a still-visible reminder of this sad event. Come here to contemplate the square’s somber past while you savor a moment of quiet and calm.
Practical Info
The almost completely wall-surrounded space is accessed via the tiny Carrer de Sant Felip Neri and the arched entrance of Carrer de Montjuic del Bisbe. Given that the square can be hard to find, and its proximity to other Gothic quarter destinations, you may wish to visit it and the neighborhood on a guided tour.
Address: Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 41
Plaça Sant Jaume
As the site of the former Roman Forum, Plaça Sant Jaume used to be the center of the old Roman city of Barcino. Originally quite a bit smaller, the large square, which is situated in the Gothic quarter, was partially filled by its namesake church along with its cemetery and other buildings. These days, however, the expansive, cobbled plaza is known as the political center of the city.
Indeed, on one side you’ll set your eyes on the headquarters of local government, City Hall, which features a grand façade that dates back to the late 1800s, and whose interior can be visited once a week on Sundays. Opposite City Hall is the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the seat of the Catalan government, and from where 100 presidents have governed. It too is open for visits, but only guided ones, which take place the second and fourth weekend of every month.
Practical Info
Plaça Sant Jaume is an easy-to-visit stop, as it is located in one of the tourist center’s most popular destinations, the Gothic quarter. While here, take note that there is a tourism office located on the ground floor of City Hall.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 24
Place des Lices Market
Place des Lices, in the heart of St-Tropez’s Old Town, is mostly famous for its open-air market every Tuesday and Saturday, from 8 am until 1 pm. The Square is then bursting with colorful stalls full of fresh local produce, flowers, spices, baked goods, olives, and hand-made preserves; it is consequently very popular with tourists and locals alike, as it offers an aromatic glimpse into the legendary southern French cuisine. It is advised to arrive early in order to beat the crowds and get a less overwhelming experience. Place des Lices is still busy even on non-market days with seven long lines of kiosks flanked by dozens of centennial plane trees, it probably feels and looks like it did two hundred years ago when it first came to life . This is the perfect opportunity for pétanque players to gather into small groups and play the iconic southern French sport all day. There are also many restaurants, cafés and bars nearby.
Practical Info
Getting to Place des Lices is very easy, as it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Old-Port via Rue Gambetta and Rue du Temple. It can also be reached by car from the Old-Port and other parts of town; there is a small outdoor parking named Parking du 15e Corps just a few meters further west on Rue du Temple.
Address: 5 Traverse des Lices, St-Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 83990, France
Hours: Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 am until 1 pm
From $ 161
Pirogovo Open-Air Museum
Officially known as the National Museum of Ukrainian Architecture and Culture, the Pirogovo Open Air Museum is the largest open air museum in Europe. Covering 1.3 million square meters, it reproduces the traditional ways of living in different regions of Ukraine and is a great way to understand the way Ukrainians lived a hundred years ago. The museum is located just south of Kiev, next to the Holosiyivskiy forest and near the village of Pirogovo. Founded in 1969, it includes examples from all of the historical ethnographical regions of the country, as well from throughout the 16th through 20th centuries. Buildings include windmills and watermills, a traditional sauna, village administration buildings, a church school, a priest’s mansion, cafes, huts and barns. Items on display include agricultural items, household articles, musical instruments, ceramics, clothing and icons.
The museum celebrates religious holidays in a traditional manner thanks to three orthodox churches on the grounds. Each weekend, visitors will find a variety of activities taking place, from markets to crafts classes to traditional Ukrainian singing and dancing.
Practical Info
The open air museum is located south of Kiev and is accessible by bus or trolleybus. Take bus 172 or 173 from the Druzhby Narodiv, Lybidska, Demiyivska, Holosiyivska, Vasylkivska, Vystavkovyi Centre metro stations or take bus 156 from Moskovska Square. You can also take trolleybus 11 from Vystavkovyi Centre. Once inside the museum, you can rent a bike or horse carriage to get around the grounds.
Address: Pyrohiv, Kiev, Ukraine
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
Admission: 30 hryvnas
From $ 23