Places to Socialize

The best places to see European architecture and lovely cathedrals and churches are main squares in town centers or plazas. All of them offer bars, cafes, and restaurants to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Stortoget

Sortoget or The Great Square is located in the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden. It is the oldest square in the city dating back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by townhouses with impressive facades and distinct crow-stepped gables.

The square is a vibrant venue near the narrow winding streets of Gamla Stan.

Ratslaukums

This square is also known as Town Hall Square and found in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia.

There is the impressive House of Blackheads with Gothic architecture. It was originally built in the 14th century for the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants. The building was reconstructed in the 1990s.

In the center is a stone statue of a knight with a sword and shield. Roland was a military leader under the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne.

There is a lot of impressive Art Noveau architecture.

Place de la Concorde

This is the biggest square in Paris, France which was once dedicated to Louis XV, but the people reclaimed it during the French Revolution and gave it its present name. The square is also to place where King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed. Today it is known for being the finish line for the Tour de France.

At the center are the two Fountains de la Concorde in iron and bronze. They celebrate the rivers and seas of France.

Between them is an ancient Egyptian obelisk.

The square is located adjacent to the Avenue des Champs-Elysees.

Grand Place

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium is surrounded by impressive and intricately decorated buildings in various architectural styles.

The Town Hall stands with its iconic tower as the centerpiece of the square.

Marienplatz

This square in Munich, Germany is among the most beautiful squares in Germany. Its name translates to Mary's Square in honor of the iconic Marian column found in the center of the square.

St. Mary's Column was erected as an emblem of the city's gratitude to the Swedes for not destroying the city during the Thirty Year War from 1618 to 1648.

Among other impressive buildings there is the New Town Hall (Pictured above) with its Gothic Revival facade.

The Glockenspiel on the New Town Hall is a major attraction with charming figure displays and musical performance.

The Old Town Hall with its distinctive tower.

Old Town Square

In Prague, Czech Republic the Old Town Square is simply charming. There are buildings of all shapes and colors.

See the Church of Our Lady Before Tyne.

St. Nicholas Church with its Baroque details.

At the center is the iconic Astronomical Clock giving an hourly show with its figures

Rynek Glowny

In Krakow, Poland is among the finest and largest medieval squares in Europe.

There are the impressive twin towers of St. Mary's Basilica hovering over the skyline with Gothic splendor.

The square is bordered by quaint townhouses. It is home to the majestic Cloth Hall, a symbol of Krakow's commercial and artistic legacy. Today you'll find stalls inside selling many different things.

Stary Rynek

Located in Poznan, Poland it is quite a colorful place referred to as Old Market Square. There is the row of slender merchant houses in many colors.

The Town Hall stands at the center with impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It features a towering clock tower and the facade is decorated with statues and intricate carvings.

Sibiu Grand Square

This square is located in the heart of Transylvania. It is surrounded by pastel-colored, Baroque buildings and cobblestone streets. This is a UNESCO listed square.

Trinity Square

Located in Budapest, Hungary it is among the best squares in Europe. It marks one of the highest points on Buda Hill offering great views of the Danube and Pest Rivers.

It is home to the Holy Trinity Column at the center. It was built in gratitude for surviving the 1691 plague.

Buda Castle

The Fishermen's Bastion

Piazza San Marco

In Venice, Italy is also known as St. Marks Square.

St. Mark's Basilica has impressive domes, marble facades, and ornate mosaics.

Piazza del Duomo

It might not be the main square in Florence, Italy but it does have a certain charm.

There is the most visited Florence Cathedral or II Duomo with its majestic dome, white and green marble, and impressive bronze doors.

Plaza de Espana

Located in Seville, Spain it is a charming town square with a mix of Renaissance Revival and Moorish architectural styles. Strolling along you get to see the colorful ceramic tiles covering the square. There are horse drawn carriages, street musicians, and street performers.

There is also the beautiful Seville Cathedral.

Plaza de la Virgen

This plaza is located in Valencia, Spain. It is surrounded by impressive landmarks. In the center you'll find the lovely Fountain of Turia. Featuring a bronze statue of Neptune, the Roman god of sea and water.

There is the impressive Valencia Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its bell tower is known as El Miguelete offering views of the city.

There is also the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados dedicated to a patron saint of the city.

Praco Do Comercio

This is a squre located in Lisbon, Portugal. Here you'll find many monuments. It is surrounded on three sides by canary yellow Pombaline style buildings. The southern side overlooks the lovely Targus River. At the center is a statue dedicated to King Joseph I.

At the northern end is the famous Rua Augusta Arch that was built fo commemorate the reconstruction of the city after the 1755 earthquake.