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Plaza Nueva
As Granada’s oldest city square, Plaza Nueva has long been at the center of local life and its strategic location at the foot of the Alhambra palace means many tourists will pass through on their way to the city’s top attraction. Laid out in the early Christian era, the square was built over the Darro River and once served as an arena for sporting tournaments and bullfights, as well as public executions.
Today, the bustling plaza is best known for its abundance of stylish bars and tapas restaurants, coming alive in the evening hours when both locals and tourists congregate on the lamp-lit terraces. There’s more to Plaza Nueva than its nightlife though and the elegant square is also home to a number of striking landmarks, including the 16th-century Royal Chancellery and Mudejar-style Church of Santa Ana, both the work of Renaissance architect Diego de Siloé, and the House of Pisa, which now houses the Juan de Dios Museum.
Today, the bustling plaza is best known for its abundance of stylish bars and tapas restaurants, coming alive in the evening hours when both locals and tourists congregate on the lamp-lit terraces. There’s more to Plaza Nueva than its nightlife though and the elegant square is also home to a number of striking landmarks, including the 16th-century Royal Chancellery and Mudejar-style Church of Santa Ana, both the work of Renaissance architect Diego de Siloé, and the House of Pisa, which now houses the Juan de Dios Museum.
Address: Plaza Nueva, Granada, Spain
From $ 38
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas
Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is one of Madrid’s largest public squares, dominated by the iconic Las Ventas bullfighting arena—the largest in the world and one of the city’s top attractions. Even those with no interest in bullfights can learn about the history and heritage of this deeply Spanish tradition.
The Basics
While the bullring here still hosts bullfighting during the season, the impressive Moorish-revival facade of the stadium alone is worth a visit, even in the off-season. Entrance to the stadium and bullfighting museum includes an audio guide that digs deeper into both the architecture of Las Ventas and the history of bullfighting. As one of the Spanish capital’s most notable landmarks, the bullring features on most city sightseeing tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Las Ventas tour is a must for architecture lovers and history buffs.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- The audio tour of the bullring lasts about 45 minutes.
- Parts of the bullring, including some seating areas, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Plaza de Toros de las Ventas is located in the Salamanca district of Madrid, northeast of the city center. To reach the plaza, take the Madrid metro to Ventas station (Estación Ventas). Several public buses stop at the plaza as well.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the bullring depends largely on how interested you are in seeing a bullfight. The season extends from mid-May to September, with the biggest festival taking place in May. For tours of the facilities, it’s best to avoid days when fights are scheduled.
San Isidro Fair
Each May, Madrid throws a celebration in honor of San Isidro, the city’s patron saint. At the heart of the festivities are two weeks of bullfights, both traditional and on horseback, that draw some of the best bullfighters from around the world. Outside the bullring, the festival features live music, street entertainment, processions, and block parties throughout Madrid.
Address: Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas, Calle de Alcala, 237, 28028 Madrid, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Podskali Custom House
Podskali Custom House showcases the history of the now-extinct Podskali fishing and woodcutters settlement in Prague. This 16th-century structure is a final remnant of the settlement, which arose in the 12th century and was the site of the largest and richest wood market in the city, until Prague’s expansion led to its demolition in the 19th century.
The Basics
The custom house now holds a small museum on the second floor with photographs and models illustrating the history of the Podskali people and their methods of transportation along the river. Built in a Gothic style, the house features a plastered ground floor and a second floor that resembles a log cabin. You can visit for free with the Prague Welcome Card, which includes admission to other museums and monuments.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Podskali Custom House is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Without the Welcome Card, there is an admission fee.
- There is a traditional Czech restaurant on the first floor.
- The building is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The nearest tram station, Vyton, is a minute’s walk from the building and is served by tram nos. 3, 7, 17, and 52. The nearest metro station is Karlovo Namesti, a 15-minute walk away. From Prague’s Old Town, it’s a 30-minute walk south to the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round, Tuesday through Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
Remnants of the Settlement
Next to the custom house you’ll find the only other remnant of the Podskali settlement, the baroque parish church of St. Cosmos and Damian. The church dates from the 17th century, when it replaced the original Roman-style church. Outside, on the east wall, a memorial plaque notes the building’s history.
Address: Rašínovo nábřeží 30, Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Podsreda Castle
Built in the first half of the 12th Century Podsreda Castle is a classic example of traditional Romanesque architecture. Though this iconic hillside structure fell into disrepair during World War II, exhaustive renovations have since taken place in an effort to restore Podsreda to its original splendor.
Travelers can tour the grounds, which are tucked into a rustic mountain slope that overlooks the quiet, picturesque township that shares the same name. Well-kept gardens, towering white columns, impressive double windows and decrepit remains of original interior paintings are just some of the highlights of a visit to this whimsical destination. Travelers who tour the grounds during summer months are likely to stumble upon wedding ceremonies, too, since the castle serves as a popular romantic backdrop to exchanging vows.
Practical Info
The Castle is located in the Savinjska region in Kozjanski Park. It is open year-round and travelers can tour the place with expert guides or on their own.
Address: Podsreda, Slovenia
Hours: Open year round.
From $ 115
Plaza de Oriente
One of the last great monumental squares of Imperial Madrid, the Plaza de Oriente boasts an enviably grand location, flanked by the magnificent Royal Palace to the west and the Teatro Real opera house to the east. Although originally planned by Joseph Bonaparte, the plaza wasn’t finished until 1844 under the reign of Isabel II, opening to the public in 1850.
Laid out by architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer, the plaza features a set of beautifully landscaped gardens, punctuated by a series of 44 statues depicting prominent Spanish monarchs. Most famous is the 17th-century bronze equestrian statue of Felipe IV, designed in 1640 by Italian sculptor Pedro Tacca. The iconic figure shows the King’s stallion rearing up on its hind legs – a striking sight which towers 12 meters high over the central walkway.
A popular location for state occasions and public addresses, the tranquil oasis makes a scenic location for a stroll, especially at night when the palace and gardens are dramatically lit up. A number of cafés also line the square, offering great views of the formal gardens, most famously the Café de Oriente, with its terrace viewing area proving a big hit with tourists.
Laid out by architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer, the plaza features a set of beautifully landscaped gardens, punctuated by a series of 44 statues depicting prominent Spanish monarchs. Most famous is the 17th-century bronze equestrian statue of Felipe IV, designed in 1640 by Italian sculptor Pedro Tacca. The iconic figure shows the King’s stallion rearing up on its hind legs – a striking sight which towers 12 meters high over the central walkway.
A popular location for state occasions and public addresses, the tranquil oasis makes a scenic location for a stroll, especially at night when the palace and gardens are dramatically lit up. A number of cafés also line the square, offering great views of the formal gardens, most famously the Café de Oriente, with its terrace viewing area proving a big hit with tourists.
Address: Calle Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
From $ 6
Plaza de la Villa
Those hoping for a taste of 16th-century Madrid will find just what they’re looking for at the tranquil Plaza de la Villa, or Town Hall Square. An easy stroll from the lively Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa is a world away from the bustle of Madrid’s modern center – a small medieval square lined with some of Madrid’s oldest buildings.
The centerpiece of the ancient square is the Casa de la Villa, used until recently as Madrid’s Town Hall and once housing a 17th-century prison. Built in 1664 by architects Juan Gumez de Mora and Teodoro Adremans, the real highlights are hidden in the interiors – a series of 17th century frescoes by Antonio Palomino, a dramatic Goya painting and exquisite stained glass ceilings, showcased on guided tours of the building.
Strolling the square and its surrounding cobblestone lanes unearths a number of other significant buildings. The Casa de Cisneros is a gothic castle built in 1537 for Cardinal Cisneros’ nephew, now used as the primary residence of the Mayor of Madrid and the red brick Mudejar-style Torre de los Lujanes, is the oldest building in the plaza, used to imprison King Francis I of France in 1525. In the center of the plaza stands a statue of Don Alvaro de Bazan, the Spanish Admiral who planned the Spanish Armada attempt on England, perched on a platform of white marble.
The centerpiece of the ancient square is the Casa de la Villa, used until recently as Madrid’s Town Hall and once housing a 17th-century prison. Built in 1664 by architects Juan Gumez de Mora and Teodoro Adremans, the real highlights are hidden in the interiors – a series of 17th century frescoes by Antonio Palomino, a dramatic Goya painting and exquisite stained glass ceilings, showcased on guided tours of the building.
Strolling the square and its surrounding cobblestone lanes unearths a number of other significant buildings. The Casa de Cisneros is a gothic castle built in 1537 for Cardinal Cisneros’ nephew, now used as the primary residence of the Mayor of Madrid and the red brick Mudejar-style Torre de los Lujanes, is the oldest building in the plaza, used to imprison King Francis I of France in 1525. In the center of the plaza stands a statue of Don Alvaro de Bazan, the Spanish Admiral who planned the Spanish Armada attempt on England, perched on a platform of white marble.
Address: Plaza de la Villa, Madrid, Spain
From $ 16
Plovdiv Old Town
As the sixth oldest city in the world, Plovdiv, Bulgaria can trace its history back to 5,000 B.C. Visitors exploring Plovdiv’s Old Town will be able to experience some of that history for themselves, from the remains of the 2nd century Roman stadium that sit underneath the pedestrian mall in the town center to the 14th century Dzhumaya Mosque, the second oldest in Europe, to the rows of Bulgarian Revival houses that line the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
The highlight for many will be the 2nd century Plovdiv Roman Theater that sits on a hill on the edge of the Old Town and is still used for concerts and other performances. Other noteworthy sites include the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa, the Church of St. Constantine and Elena, the State Gallery of Fine Arts, the Zlatyu Boyadjiev House, the Icon Gallery and the Ethnographical Museum, with more than 40,000 displays about life and culture in Plovdiv.
Practical Info
The Old Town in Plovdiv is easily walkable and within walking distance of many popular tourist hotels. A tourist information booth can be found in the central square and a variety of walking tours are available to learn more about the town’s long history. Plovdiv is almost two hours from the capital of Sofia by car and can be reached by train or bus as well.
Address: Old Town, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
From $ 35
Podgorze
Podgorze is a district of Krakow on the southern bank of the Vistula River and at the base of Lasota Hill. It was originally a separate city, but in 1915, as the Austro-Hungarian Empire was beginning to collapse, the town was combined with Krakow. The neighborhood was home to a large Jewish population, and thousands of its residents were sent to concentration camps during World War II. Several signs of the neighborhood's past can still be found here. One significant memorial is Plac Bohaterow Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square), a monument using large metal chairs that commemorates the heroes of the ghetto and the victims of the Holocaust. This is where many waited to board trains that took them to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.
There are several other memorials including Eagle Pharmacy and Plaszow Camp Memorial. Schindler's Factory, which is now a museum, is also located in this district. This is the factory the movie Schindler's List was based on. There are also several museums, galleries, parks and squares in this neighborhood.
Practical Info
Podgorze is easy to reach from the city center. Take tram 3, 8, 10 to the “Korona” stop, or take tram 9, 13, 19, 24, 50 to the ‘Plac Bohaterów Getta’ or “Powstańców Śląskich” stop.
Address: Krakow, Poland
From $ 10
Pointe du Hoc
Being the highest point between Omaha and Utah Beaches, the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc was an important location in the Atlantic Wall strategy of defense against the Allies. So on D-Day, it was an equally important target to overtake so that the liberation of France could proceed.
In what can only be described as old-school warfare, the the American Second Ranger Battalion climbed the 100-foot-high cliff to seize the weapons that could take out approaching Allied boats. It was an epic battle, but the Americans ultimately emerged victorious – albeit with significant loss of life.
Today, the cliffside of Pointe du Hoc is the location of a monument to this battle, which was built by the French directly on top of the German bunker that was seized by the Americans. Unlike many of the WWII battle sites that have memorials or museums, this location has remained largely untouched since the battle that occurred here; visitors can still see the scars on the ground and it's easy to see why this was such an important stronghold.
The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is about a half-hour from Bayeux on the way to the American Cemetery and Memorial, and should be a stop during any WWII battle sites tour in Normandy. Although the monument does have an inscription, it's best to visit with a tour guide to put the location as well as the battle fought here into context.
Address: Pointe du Hoc, France
From $ 69
Po River
The longest river in Italy, the Po flows down from the Alps near the French border for more than 400 miles (644 kilometers), winding its way east through Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara and connecting to Milan via a network of canals before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The Po Valley is one of Italy’s most fertile and lush regions.
The Basics
The Po River has been an important waterway for thousands of years. The vast Po Valley lining the river has rich soil due to the Po’s frequent flooding, making the valley one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Italy. In addition, the river powers a number of hydroelectric plants, so the valley is a critical industrial hub.
The most beautiful stretch of the Po is its final delta, just south of Venice and straddling the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regional border. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and regional park, the Po Delta covers wetlands and wooded areas, and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. You can visit the Po River as part of a walking tour of Turin or another city along the river’s path, or by joining a guided nature tour of the Po Delta Park on the Adriatic coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- City walking tours and nature tours of the Po River are outdoors and require significant time on your feet, so choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- A city river walk or a visit to Po Delta Regional Park can be fun for kids who need a break from museums and churches.
- A number of park visitor centers and paths are accessible to wheelchairs; contact Po Delta Regional Park for detailed accessibility information.
- The park is especially popular for birdwatching, due to the many and varied bird species that migrate and nest in the delta.
How to Get There
The Po runs through several cities in northern Italy, and can be visited via scenic bridges and river walks along the water’s edge in Turin, Piacenza, and Ferrara. Po Delta Regional Park is located on Highway 309 on the Adriatic Coast, along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Veneto; there is no public transportation to the park, so the best way to visit is to join a guided tour that includes transport.
When to Get There
The Po is particularly beautiful and enjoyable in the mild months of spring and fall. During the hottest summer months, it’s best to visit the Po Delta park in the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday sun.
The Overflowing Po
One of the main agricultural crops grown in the Po Valley is rice, thanks to the river's frequent flooding into the surrounding plains. Dams and dykes help control the overflow, but the plains are still at risk for floods during heavy rains that bring both damage and rich sediment to the area.
Address: Turin, Italy
From $ 32
Plitvice Lakes National Park
With its emerald-green lakes, rocky caves, and cascading waterfalls framed by soaring dolomite cliffs, ancient woodlands, and fields of wild orchids, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the natural playground of Croatia. The UNESCO World Heritage site has over 73,000 acres (20,500 hectares) of unspoiled landscapes, boasting 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls linked by a network of hiking and biking trails.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park on a day trip. Tours run from a number of Croatian cities, including Zadar (the closest), Split, Zagreb, Trogir, Rijeka, and even Dubrovnik. A Plitvice Lakes tour typically takes in the best viewpoints and boardwalks, while an entrance ticket includes an electric boat ride around the lakes and a ride on the park’s panoramic train. It’s possible to take in the highlights in two hours, but for a more comprehensive visit, book a full-day tour.
How to Get There
The closest airports to Plitvice are in Zadar, 80 miles (130 km) southwest, and in Zagreb, 85 miles (140 km) northeast. Buses run regularly from both cities to the national park in summer, but it’s far more convenient to visit with your own vehicle or as part of a group or private tour. Most day tours include round-trip transport, while those coming from further afield often offer the chance to end your trip in a second destination—for example, being picked up from Split and dropped off in Zagreb.
When to Get There
Plitvice is open year round, and while summer is the most popular (and busiest) time to visit, each season brings its own highlights. Spring and autumn are ideal for photographers with fewer crowds, colorful foliage, and high water levels, while the frozen landscapes of winter are unforgettable—although boat trips won’t be possible. To avoid the crowds, plan for an early arrival or stay until sunset.
How to Photograph the Plitvice Lakes
The natural beauty of Plitvice National Park is undeniably photogenic, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. Follow the boardwalks between the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera), then climb up to the most dramatic viewpoint—a lookout over the limestone canyon of Veliki Slap, meaning ‘big waterfall.’
The Basics
Most visitors opt to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park on a day trip. Tours run from a number of Croatian cities, including Zadar (the closest), Split, Zagreb, Trogir, Rijeka, and even Dubrovnik. A Plitvice Lakes tour typically takes in the best viewpoints and boardwalks, while an entrance ticket includes an electric boat ride around the lakes and a ride on the park’s panoramic train. It’s possible to take in the highlights in two hours, but for a more comprehensive visit, book a full-day tour.
- Restaurants, snack bars, and restrooms are located near the park visitor center.
- Regular shuttle buses run between the park’s main attractions.
- Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (in the summer months), and plenty of water.
- Park buses accommodate wheelchairs, but due to uneven terrain, some of the lakes and park attractions are inaccessible for wheelchair users.
- Ticket lines can take over an hour in peak season—book in advance to save time.
How to Get There
The closest airports to Plitvice are in Zadar, 80 miles (130 km) southwest, and in Zagreb, 85 miles (140 km) northeast. Buses run regularly from both cities to the national park in summer, but it’s far more convenient to visit with your own vehicle or as part of a group or private tour. Most day tours include round-trip transport, while those coming from further afield often offer the chance to end your trip in a second destination—for example, being picked up from Split and dropped off in Zagreb.
When to Get There
Plitvice is open year round, and while summer is the most popular (and busiest) time to visit, each season brings its own highlights. Spring and autumn are ideal for photographers with fewer crowds, colorful foliage, and high water levels, while the frozen landscapes of winter are unforgettable—although boat trips won’t be possible. To avoid the crowds, plan for an early arrival or stay until sunset.
How to Photograph the Plitvice Lakes
The natural beauty of Plitvice National Park is undeniably photogenic, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. Follow the boardwalks between the Upper Lakes (Gornja jezera) and the Lower Lakes (Donja jezera), then climb up to the most dramatic viewpoint—a lookout over the limestone canyon of Veliki Slap, meaning ‘big waterfall.’
Address: Croatia
Hours: Open daily.
Admission: $15.00-21.00
From $ 9
Plaza de Zocodover
Your first proper stop in Toledo may very well be the city’s main plaza, Plaza de Zocodover, as it receives visitors not far from the northern entrance to the city. The plaza has served as Toledo’s main square for pretty much all of the city’s history, and has been the site of bullfights, executions, and an important market for which the plaza was named.
Indeed, the word Zocodover has Arabic origins, meaning mercado de las bestias de carga, or, loosely, livestock market. That’s because, during those times, the plaza was home to a regular market that sold animals such as horses and donkeys. These days, apart from being one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions, the plaza also hosts concerts and events, thus continuing to be the center of local life.
Practical Info
The plaza is just steps away from the city’s biggest sights, including the cathedral, and the Alcazar along with the Military Museum that resides within it. Note that there’s a tourism office in Plaza Zocodover, where you can get a map to plot out your Toledo visit.
Address: Plaza de Zocodover, Toledo, Castilla La Mancha 45001, Spain
From $ 13
Plaza de la Merced
Picasso’s birthplace is located on the elegant Plaza de la Merced barely 200 yards (180 m) from the awesome Museo Picasso Malaga, which holds over 150 of his artworks. Standing at the end of Calle Alcazabilla, the sweeping square is dominated by an obelisk honoring General Torrijos, an aristocratic revolutionary who fought against French invasion of Spain and was publically executed here for his pains in 1831.
This bourgeois, tree-fringed piazza was once site of Málaga’s main produce market and is today lined with smart, shuttered and balconied townhouses, cafés and top-end restaurants. It lies at the very heart of the city and each night locals gather here to promenade and chat in the tapas bars. The last Sunday of the month sees Málaga’s main craft market held in the square, where local delicacies such as Serrano ham and tortilla are also on sale.
Perhaps surprisingly there is only a rather low-key statue dedicated to the world’s most famous artist in one corner of the square, but Picasso’s house is given over to the Museo Casa Natal (Picasso Birthplace Museum), which has three rooms on the first floor given over to his ceramics and drawings. The five-story mansion is also headquarters to the Fundación Picasso, which holds thousands of paintings, sculptures and drawings by Picasso and his contemporaries.
This bourgeois, tree-fringed piazza was once site of Málaga’s main produce market and is today lined with smart, shuttered and balconied townhouses, cafés and top-end restaurants. It lies at the very heart of the city and each night locals gather here to promenade and chat in the tapas bars. The last Sunday of the month sees Málaga’s main craft market held in the square, where local delicacies such as Serrano ham and tortilla are also on sale.
Perhaps surprisingly there is only a rather low-key statue dedicated to the world’s most famous artist in one corner of the square, but Picasso’s house is given over to the Museo Casa Natal (Picasso Birthplace Museum), which has three rooms on the first floor given over to his ceramics and drawings. The five-story mansion is also headquarters to the Fundación Picasso, which holds thousands of paintings, sculptures and drawings by Picasso and his contemporaries.
Practical Info
Placa de la Merced has many bars and tapas restaurants and is a few minutes’ walk from the Museo Picasso. The Foundation Pablo Ruiz Picasso and the Museo Casa Natal are open daily and there is an entrance fee.
Address: Plaza de la Merced, Malaga, Spain
From $ 53
Poenari Castle
Sitting on a mountain cliff overlooking the Arges River, the Poenari Castle is best known for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, said to be the inspiration for the fictional Dracula. Now partially in ruins, the castle was first built in the 13th century and came under Vlad the Impaler’s control in the 15th century. Legend has it that Vlad’s first wife committed suicide rather than be taken hostage by the Ottoman Turks. She allegedly threw herself off one of the castle walls into the river below, turning the water red. The river is now referred to as the Lady’s River.
The castle was eventually abandoned and an earthquake in the 19th century destroyed the northern section. It sat in ruins until 1970, when the Romanian government decided to open it to tourists, building more than 1400 steps into the rock of the mountain to allow visitors to climb up to the castle. Walkways and handrails have also been installed to allow for easier movement throughout the ruins.
Practical Info
Poenari Castle is located about 150 kilometers from Bucharest, near the town of Curtea de Arges. Tour buses travel directly to the castle from Bucharest, but you can make the trip independently by traveling first to Curtea de Arges and then catching a mini bus in the direction of Arefu. Tell the driver you are going to the castle and they will drop you as close as possible. No guides are available at the castle, but signs provide information in Romanian and English. Allow at least two hours for a visit, including time to
climb the steps up to the castle.
Address: Arefu, Romania
Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 5 lei (less than 1 Euro)
From $ 58
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is widely known for being Bulgaria’s second-largest city, but few realize it’s also the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, with recorded residents dating back over 8,000 years. As such, a visit to this lively town offers travelers a truly unique taste of Bulgarian history and an epic look into the nation’s past.
Old Town, which is closed to cars, is home to some of the city’s oldest architecture, roads and churches. The neighborhood’s art galleries, bars, and even an open-air roman opera house, add to the charm of this truly unique part of the city. Travelers say wandering the surrounding hillsides, which offer incredible sunset views, is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Plovdiv, and the city’s close proximity to the Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress make it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding sites, too.
Practical Info
Plovdiv is home to two tourist information centers that provide maps, schedules and accommodation options—as well as expert advice to visitors. One is located near the post office in the city center and the other is in the old city on Main Street. Both are great first stops for travelers looking to make the most of their time in Plovdiv (and Bulgaria in general). The information center offers a free city tour every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
Address: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
From $ 40
Pocitelj
With worn steps straggling up a steep and rocky cliff side on the left banks of the Neretva River, Počitelj is a warren-like, stone-built and fortified village with its origins in the late 14th century. Over the following centuries it expanded under Turkish occupation and is now UNESCO World-Heritage listed for its enchanting combination of medieval and Ottoman architecture. Počitelj is wrapped in fortified walls and entry is through a gate topped by a 16-meter (10-foot) clock tower; the soft stone townhouses and winding alleyways are overshadowed by the tumbledown medieval fortress and octagonal watchtower standing guard on the hill behind the village. The ornate minarets of the domed Hajji Alija mosque were built in 1562, destroyed during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s and subsequently restored along with the madrasa (school) and hamam (baths); from the mosque’s terrace there are unparalleled views across the rocky landscape and down the Neretva river valley.
Počitelj was at its most powerful during Ottoman occupation of the Balkans but slowly lost importance following the advent of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1878. By the late 20th century, the picturesque village was a haven for poets, writers and painters but it was virtually abandoned during the heavy bombing of 1993. Thanks to investment from the EU, an artistic community is slowly resettling there and bringing the cobbled alleyways back to life.
Practical Info
Best reached by the M17 road from Mostar, which is 30 km (18.75 miles) north of Počitelj.
Address: Počitelj, Čapljina municipality 53205, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From $ 75
Plaza de la Reina
Plaza de la Reina isn’t particularly old: it dates back to only 1878, when a triangular block of buildings was destroyed to make room for a large main square. Now the plaza – considered the city’s Kilometer 0 -- fills with cars, flower beds and pedestrians, and is lined by a host of cafes and outdoor terrazas (seating areas). In fact, this is where you’ll find one of the city’s oldest restaurants, Horchatería Santa Catalina, the ideal place to try Valencia’s signature beverage, the nutty-flavored and refreshing horchata.
Perhaps more intriguing than the actual plaza itself are the sites that surround it, most notable of which is surely the Valencia Cathedral. Built on the site of a former mosque, the 13th-century church is a mixture of architectural styles, but predominantly Gothic. What makes the basilica particularly special, though, is that many believe it to be the most plausible home of the Holy Grail.
A few other sites also skirt Plaza de la Reina, including the neighboring Plaza de Santa Catalina and its small church of the same name. Then, just a few steps farther away, you’ll find the Plaza Redonda, a circular-shaped plaza that usually fills with kiosks, and even a Sunday market.
Practical Info
Plaza de la Reina sits just east of the Old Quarter’s center, making it accessible from pretty much anywhere in this historic part of the city. A stop for many bus lines, the square is also home to a Valencia tourism office, making it an ideal starting point before tackling the rest of town.
Address: Valencia, Spain
From $ 20
Plaza Mayor
Today this central square is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals, but Plaza Mayor’s history goes back to the early 17th century during King Felipe III's reign. The central statue is a nod to the king’s role in overseeing the project's completion. Forming the outer walls are a series of 3-story buildings with balconies overlooking the center.
The Basics
Plaza Mayor has played host to a variety of festivities throughout history, including bull fights, executions during the Spanish Inquisition, and soccer matches. The most prominent of the buildings in the plaza is the Casa de la Panadería, or House of the Baker's Guild, which today serves municipal and cultural functions. There are also shops and eateries that occupy the ground level and provide refreshments for hungry and thirsty travelers admiring the square. The plaza is included on most Madrid city tours—including walking tours, biking tours, Segway tours, and food tours—alongside other popular attractions such as the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente, and Plaza de España.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Plaza Mayor is a major landmark in Madrid and a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Visit the plaza as part of a small group or private city tour for a deeper understanding of its history.
- When exploring the area, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Plaza Mayor on your own is to take the metro (Line 2) to Sol station.
When to Get There
While Plaza Mayor can get crowded, especially during peak summer season, the festive atmosphere is part of its appeal. The plaza is an excellent place to stop for a coffee or a drink in the afternoon, or for an al fresco dinner in the evening.
The Calamari Sandwich
Both Madrid and the restaurants surrounding Plaza Mayor are famous for calamari sandwiches: French bread stuffed with battered and golden-fried squid rings, often served with aioli and a wedge of lemon. Try it with “una caña” a small, ice-cold draft beer.
Address: Madrid, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Poiana Brasov
Set in the Carpathian Mountains in the heart of Transylvania, Poiana Brasov is one of the most popular ski resorts in Romania, as well as the largest and most luxurious – although still quite affordable. Completely modernized in the past five years, it offers snow cover from the middle of November to mid-March and features more than 24 kilometers of ski runs, with an emphasis on easy to intermediate runs. Transport up the mountain includes two aerial tramways, two chairlfits, five ski lifts, one gondola and one magic carpet. Lights on the lower slopes allow for skiing well into the evening.
Poiana Brasov is 14 kilometers from the center of medieval Brasov and tends to feel more like a small town than a ski resort. Several hotels and restaurants feature traditional Romanian cuisine and folk music. Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, cross country skiing and paragliding, as well as day trips to nearby attractions like Dracula’s Castle and Rasnov Fortress are great options.
Practical Info
To get to Poiana Brasov, first take the train from Bucharest to Brasov. Then, buses 20 and 100 run regularly between Brasov and Poiana Brasov. Once in town, nearly everything is within walking distance, though minibuses are also available to shuttle visitors from their hotels to the base of the ski runs.
Address: Poiana Brasov, Transylvania, Romania
Hours: Lifts operate daily 9am-7pm
Admission: Ski pass prices vary
From $ 31
Plaza de Las Tendillas
Cordoba’s Plaza de Tendillas sits in the very heart of Cordoba and at the crossroads between the older part of town and the relatively newer modern one. Its construction dates back to the 1920s, when it was built to be used as a central meeting place in the big southern city.
Nowadays, the almost entirely pedestrian-only square is home to various events, including protests, markets and celebrations. Arguably its biggest celebration is New Year’s Eve, which is marked by the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes in sync with the midnight strikes of the clock — which, here in Cordoba, are always marked by the musical strums of a flamenco guitarist rather than the sound of bells. Come to the plaza to check out the famous El Gran Capitan statue (erected in honor of the famous military commander Gonzalo de Cordoba), to people watch while having a drink al fresco, and, during summertime, to cool off in the geyser-like fountains especially loved by the kids.
Practical Info
Given Plaza de las Tendillas’s central location, it also happens to be a hub of city transport. As such, while here, take advantage of the public bus lines, or enjoy Cordoba more easily by joining a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which makes a stop in the plaza. Note that there is also a tourism office in the square.
Address: Plaza de las Tendillas, Cordoba, Andalucia 14002, Spain
From $ 29