Home/

Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Piazza Santa Maria

The heart of Rome’s bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, Piazza Santa Maria fills by day with young families and tourists dining at sidewalk restaurants and sunbathing on the steps of the square’s central fountain. Come evening, students and revelers flock to the many trendy bars around the piazza, one of Rome’s favorite gathering spots.

The Basics

The piazza’s western flank is dominated by the ornate Santa Maria in Trastevere church. The octagonal raised fountain in the center of the square, restyled by baroque master architect Carlo Fontana in 1692, is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Lined with sidewalk restaurants and cafés, the square offers excellent people watching.

Piazza Santa Maria is closed to traffic, and many guided walking and cycling tours pass through this atmospheric square and neighborhood. Trastevere and the nearby Jewish Ghetto are famous for their excellent cuisine, so consider taking a street-food tour to discover the local specialties. Alternatively, tour by night to mix with young Romans out for an evening on the town.

Things to Know Before You Go

The nightlife in Trastevere centers around nearby Piazza Trilussa but spills over into the more staid Piazza Santa Maria late into the night.
The square is pedestrian only and generally filled with street musicians and artists, so a good stop if traveling with young children.
Trastevere is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for dining and wine tastings, and Piazza Santa Maria is home to excellent restaurants and wine bars.
Wide and flat, the square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

Piazza Santa Maria is in Trastevere, along the east bank of the Tiber River, south of Vatican City. Cross the Ponte Sisto on foot, or take tram 8 from the center of Rome across the Ponte Garibaldi, just north of Tiber Island.

When to Get There

To savor the authentic neighborhood feel of Piazza Santa Maria, stroll through the square or stop for a meal during the day. If Trastevere’s famous nightlife interests you, make an evening out of it and visit after dinner.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Founded around AD 350, the Romanesque Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome. The facade has a 16th-century portico designed by Carlo Fontana, and both the interior and exterior of the church are covered with golden 12th- and 13th-century mosaics.

Piazza Santa Maria, Trastevere, Rome, Lazio 00153, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza Farnese

The Piazza Farnese in the historic center of Rome is named for the huge Palazzo Farnese on one side of it, and is one of the nicest public spaces in this busy city. The Palazzo Farnese was begun in the early 16th century by a cardinal in the Farnese family who would eventually become Pope Paul III in 1534. No expense was spared – in fact, when he became the pope, the size of his still-under-construction palace actually grew. It remains the city's largest Renaissance palace, today serving as the French Embassy, and the dominant building on the eponymous piazza.

Other attractions on the Piazza Farnese include the Chiesa di Santa Brigida, a former house of the Swedish saint that was converted into a church upon her death in the 1370s, and two fountains that look like bathtubs – because they are. Each has as its base a bathtub from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

Practical Info

Piazza Farnese is located between the popular square Campo de Fiori and the Tiber River. If you leave the Campo di Fiori from its western corner and walk along the Via dei Baullari toward the river, you'll reach the Piazza Farnese.

Rome, Italy

From $ 24

Phong Nha Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Phong Nha Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park nestle beneath some of Asia's most spectacular karst rock formations. While some of the caves—such as Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave—are only available on expensive multi-day tours, others, such as Phong Nha, are easy to visit on a day trip.

The Basics

With new caves being discovered almost every year, the Phong Nha cave complex is ever-changing. Paradise Cave, a vast underground cathedral, is 19-miles (31-kilometers) long with stunning stalactites. A dragon boat ride through the eerie, watery world of the Phong Nha Cave is a must. Thrill-seekers love the zipline and mud bath combo at the appropriately named Dark Cave, not to mention their underground river playground.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s 8-mile (13-kilometer) jungle trek to Hang En cave, followed by camping beside an underground river, is unforgettable. A fair distance from major cities and tourist sites, the Phong Nha Caves are a popular stop on multi-day north-to-south or south-to-north tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

The caves can be cool, even during warmer times of year, so bring warm clothing—and a change of clothes.
There are guesthouses, restaurants, and stores in the area, if you wish to stay longer.
Unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War still litters the park: Do not stray from the trails.

How to Get There

The jumping-off point for the Phong Nha Caves is Dong Hoi, 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, although it’s also possible to spend the night in Phong Nha. Dong Hoi has an airport and regular trains headed both north and south. Some tours start from Hue, although the journey can take as long as four hours, so many choose to do the Phong Nha Caves as part of a full Vietnam tour.

When to Get There

The optimal Phong Nha trekking season is February to May. Between September and November, flooding can leave some caves impassable, while during the dry season (February to August), some streams can dry up. The weather can be extremely cold (by tropical standards) between December and February.

Around the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Besides the caves, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park itself rewards exploration. Stretches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which supplied the Vietnamese war effort, lie within the park. The Botanic Garden has easy self-directed trails. The Nuoc Mooc Springs Eco Trail is a natural spring with bridges, walkways, and more.

Vietnam

Varies

From $ 39

Piazza del Gesu

One of Naples' more interesting religious sites is the church of Gesù Nuovo in the city's historic center. Its spiky stone facade overlooks the wide open Piazza del Gesu, a popular spot for Neapolitans to meet, mingle and enjoy the fine Mediterranean weather.

The piazza used to be one of the main entrances to the city of Naples, while today it is notable for the two churches that face onto the square and the spire at its center. The 15th-century church of Gesù Nuovo, as mentioned, has an intimidating stone facade that belies its ornately decorated interior. The 14th-century church of Santa Chiara is a monastery and also houses an archaeological museum.

The center of the Piazza del Gesu is marked by an ornate statue called the “Guglia dell'Immacolata,” or Spire of the Immaculate Virgin. It was commissioned in the 17th century to ask the Virgin Mary to protect the city from the plague.

Practical Info

This piazza is great for people-watching during the day, but it really comes alive at night when many of the citizens of Naples use it as their personal drawing room after their typically late dinners.

Naples, Italy

From $ 29

Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is nestled in a valley within the Balwang Mountains, around two to three hours’ drive from Seoul. It’s a popular ski and snowboard resort in Korea, and boasts a whole host of hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants.

The resort features 12 pistes, served by eight lifts. As it often gets incredibly busy at Phoenix Park at the weekends, skiers and riders should expect to queue to get up the mountain. While the terrain here won’t provide much of a challenge for more advanced skiers, the resort itself has all the facilities and entertainment you could wish for from a popular ski resort.

Practical Info

It will take between two to three hours to drive to Phoenix Park from Seoul, but visitors should be aware that the traffic leading up to the area can get very congested, particularly at weekends.

174 Taegi-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

From $ 175

Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s many large public squares. This piazza is in the northern part of central Rome. The architect of the present-day piazza, built in the early 19th century, removed some existing structures to alter the shape from a trapezoid to a larger circular shape. While the piazza used to be a thoroughfare for cars, it is now a pedestrian-only zone.

The center of the Piazza del Popolo is marked by an Ancient Egyptian obelisk, and on one side of the piazza are two matching churches - Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto - one on each side of one of the streets leading from the piazza. The two churches are not exact copies of one another, but their features are so similar that they provide a symmetrical anchor to that end of the piazza.

A third church on the Piazza del Popolo is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and is one of the main tourist draws on the piazza. The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a 15th century church that is home to several works of art by masters - Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio among them.

Piazza del Poplo, Tome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 21

Piatra Craiului National Park

This vast national park is one of Romania’s most important protected land areas. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the Garofita Pietrei Craiului—a purple flower found only in Piatra Craiului—the open spaces, majestic mountains and towering trees here beckon travelers seeking refuge from city streets and urban centers.

A diverse network of well-kept trails means outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of places to wander. And landmarks like the Zarnesti Gorges, Dambovicioara Cave and the virgin forests offer spectacular access to some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders. An easy educational trail details the park’s most unique features, while the brown bear observatory and rock faces perfect for climbing offer opportunities for travelers going it with an expert guide.

Those in the know say the park’s northern and eastern valleys tend to get crowded on weekends. Those looking for a quiet retreat should stick to the areas between Podul Dambovitei and Static, near Lake Pecineagu, were fewer people gather on Saturday and Sunday.

Practical Info

The easiest way to access the park is through Zarnesti via Brasov. Buses are available from Barsov to Cumpulung or Pitesti and minibuses are also easy to find. Hiking trails are well marked and use color-coding to designate level of difficulty.

Romania

From $ 40

Piazza del Campidoglio

The first modern civic square in Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo in 1536. Perched at the top of the Capitoline Hill overlooking the Roman Forum, the space is lined by the monumental Cordonata staircase and three Renaissance palaces, now home to city hall and the Capitoline Museums.

The Basics

Piazza del Campidoglio was commissioned by Pope Paul III on the occasion of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V’s visit, and Michelangelo laid out the square to face St. Peter’s Basilica, turning its back on the Roman Forum. He also designed new facades for Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Senatorio and built Palazzo Nuovo to complement the older palaces. Today, Palazzo Senatorio houses city hall, and the other two palaces house the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), with vast collections of classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological artifacts. Michelangelo also designed the square’s sweeping Cordonata Steps, unique geometric paving, and setting for the central equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

Piazza del Campidoglio is a stop on many guided walking, bike, and Segway tours of Rome’s highlights. Guided city tours generally visit other top attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon and may include skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is no shade in the square, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen if visiting on foot or bike in the hot summer months.
The square is flat and well paved, easily navigable by wheelchair or with a stroller.
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the view from the square atop the Capitoline Hill.
There are no restaurants or cafés along the square, but the museum has a rooftop café overlooking Rome.

How to Get There

Piazza del Campidoglio is located behind the famous Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia, where a number of bus and tram lines stop. You can also take metro line B to the Colosseo stop and walk about 10 minutes to Piazza del Campidoglio.

When to Get There

With no shade, Piazza del Campidoglio can be very hot during the midday hours. Time your visit for early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the temperatures are milder and the light better for photographs.

Highlights of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums on Piazza del Campidoglio are home to a number of important works of art, including the Capitoline Wolf (Lupa capitolina), a bronze statue of Romulus and Remus suckling a she-wolf; and The Dying Gaul (Galata Morente), dating from ancient Rome. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Guercino.

Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza della Rotonda

One of the liveliest squares in the heart of Rome, Piazza della Rotonda is lined with bustling bars, historical cafés, and alfresco restaurant tables. The piazza was built around the Pantheon, one of the city’s most famous ancient monuments, which predates the square by about a thousand years.

The Basics

Piazza della Rotonda was created in the mid-15th century when Pope Eugenius IV decided to clear the mass of market stalls and urban hovels that were spoiling the view of the Pantheon. The fanciful marble fountain was built in 1575 by Giacomo della Porta, to which a baroque Egyptian-style obelisk was added in 1711.

Private or small-group tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks generally include a stop in Piazza della Rotonda, as do themed tours highlighting classical Roman or baroque sights. In addition to this important square, skip-the-line Rome highlights tours may include the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi). You can opt for a walking tour or see the piazza by luxury van, scooter, or golf cart. For a more romantic visit, join a tour at sunset or by night, when the Pantheon is dramatically lit and the square is particularly beautiful.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is pedestrian only and crowded with street performers, so a nice stop for families with young children.
If joining a tour of the historical center of Rome and Piazza della Rotonda on foot, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The public square is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones can make crossing a bit bumpy.
A number of Rome’s most beloved cafés and gelato shops are in or near the square, making this the perfect spot for a quick espresso or cone.

How to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is located in the historical city center of Rome, about halfway between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. To reach the square from the Termini train station, take one of several buses to the Argentina stop on Largo di Torre Argentina, a quick walk away.

When to Get There

Piazza della Rotonda is a lively spot to visit year-round. To get a comprehensive feel for the square, come during the day and again at night, when the Pantheon is lit. On summer evenings the space is crowded with buskers and street musicians, making it especially magical.

The Pantheon

The square is named for Santa Maria Rotonda, the official name of the Pantheon. This remarkable building dates from 27 BC, but was entirely reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the early second century AD. It is almost completely intact, and the interior is illuminated by a shaft of sunlight peeping through the round oculus in the dome. The building is the resting place of Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, as well as the artist Raphael.

Piazza della Rotonda, Sant’Eustachio, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy

From $ 37

Piazza Navona

One of the most famous and sumptuous squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is home to the Baroque Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphili, both overlooking Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. Bustling outdoor cafes and rowdy buskers lend a lively air to the otherwise stately square.

The Basics

With its ornate churches and palaces, lively restaurants, and riot of street vendors and performers, Piazza Navona is one of the most popular public spaces in Rome. Private and hop-on-hop-off tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks generally include a stop in Piazza Navona, as do themed tours of classical Roman or Baroque sights. In addition to this important square, skip-the-line Rome highlights tours may include the Colosseum, Vatican (and Sistine Chapel), and Trevi Fountain. You can opt for a walking or electric bike tour, or see the piazza as part of a food tour that also stops at the Campo de’ Fiori market and cafés and gelato shops.

Things to Know Before You Go

The pedestrian-only square is crowded with street performers, so it’s a nice break for families with young kids.
If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Navona, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
Piazza Navona is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.
There are plenty of cafés and gelato shops in or near the square, making it the perfect spot for a pick-me-up.

How to Get There

Piazza Navona is located in the historic city center of Rome between the Pantheon and the Tiber River. To reach the square by public transportation, take one of several buses that stop on Largo di Torre Argentina a short walk away.

When to Get There

Lively year-round, Piazza Navona is crowded with buskers and street musicians in summer, and is home to a charming Christmas market that lasts the entire month of December.

The Oval Square

The oblong-shaped Piazza Navona was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, where citizens of Rome would watch games and races in the 1st century AD. The stadium may be gone, but the unusual shape of the space remains today, marked by three Baroque fountains: Bernini’s central masterpiece flanked by two smaller fountains by Giacomo della Porta at each end.

Piazza Navona, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza Barberini

Sitting atop Rome’s Quirinal Hill, Piazza Barberini is home to two 17th-century fountains designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini: the ornately sculpted Triton Fountain near the entrance to Palazzo Barberini and the small yet delightful Fountain of Bees. A stop at this bustling square is a must for lovers of baroque art.

The Basics

Piazza Barberini is one of the main transport hubs in central Rome, but look past the bustle of passing traffic and pedestrians to appreciate Bernini’s baroque masterpieces. The square is also home to the National Gallery of Ancient Art (Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica) in Palazzo Barberini, which contains one of the most important painting collections in Italy, including works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Guercino.

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours of Rome’s most famous landmarks stop at the square, as do city highlights tours, which may include sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. You can opt for a walking or golf-cart tour to explore the square and other top attractions, or see the piazza as part of a food tour with a gelato tasting. The square is especially lovely at night when Bernini’s famous fountains are dramatically lit, so opt for a sunset or twilight tour for unforgettable photos.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is pedestrian-only in the center, but busy with passing cars and buses around the periphery.
If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Piazza Barberini, wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
Piazza Barberini is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, though the cobblestones make the terrain a bit bumpy.
There are plenty of cafés around the square, perfect for a quick snack or drink.

How to Get There

Piazza Barberini is located in the historical city center of Rome at the bottom of Via Veneto and is one of the main bus and metro hubs in the city. A number of bus routes and metro line A have stops in the square.

When to Get There

Since the piazza can be busy with traffic during the day, the best time to visit is later in the evening when Bernini’s fountains are beautifully lit and the urban chaos somewhat limited.

Highlights of the National Gallery of Ancient Art

Piazza Barberini is named for Palazzo Barberini, once residence of the powerful Barberini family and now home to the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica. Don’t be fooled by the name, however, as the collection focuses on paintings from the 13th to the 18th century and not ancient Roman art. Some of the most beautiful paintings in Rome are gathered here, including Raphael's La Fornarina and a number of works by Filippo Lippi, Titian, and Caravaggio—including his striking Judith Beheading Holofernes (Giuditta e Oloferne).

Piazza Barberini, Rome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy

From $ 3

Piazza della Repubblica

Piazza della Repubblica is a square in Rome not far from Termini train station. The square was the original site of the Baths of Diocletian. It was known as Piazza Esedra until the 1950s, and many older locals still refer to it by its old name. In the center of the square is the large Fountain of the Naiads, or water nymphs. Figures of the four water nymphs adorn the sides of the fountain representing oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground water. When the fountain was unveiled in 1901, it was considered too provocative due to the nudity of the statues.

One of Rome's most well known streets, Via Nazionale, starts at Piazza della Repubblica. On this street and in the surrounding area you'll find upscale hotels, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Near the piazza is the Teatro Dell'Opera Di Roma, a lavish 19th century opera house. There are also several churches and ornate buildings in the area.

Practical Info

Piazza della Repubblica is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. To get there take metro line A to the Repubblica – Teatro Opera station.

Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Lazio 00185, Italy

From $ 31

Piazza del Plebiscito

In a city that can be as overwhelming as Naples, it’s nice to have the expanse of a public square like the enormous Piazza del Plebiscito. This is one of the biggest public piazzas in Naples, and it sits right next to the bay on the edge of the city’s historic center.

The Piazza del Plebiscito and the church of San Francesco di Paola, which borders the square to the west, were both planned in the early 19th century as monuments in honor of then-emperor Napoleon - his brother-in-law being the King of Naples at the time. Construction of both the piazza and the church were completed in 1816, after Napoleon had been exiled.

On the opposite side of the Piazza del Plebiscito, you’ll find the Royal Palace of Naples, a former residence of the Bourbon Kings who ruled in the 18th-19th centuries. The side of the palace that faces the piazza contains niches where the statues of major rulers over the Kingdom of Naples are displayed. One of the statues is of Gioacchino Murat, Napoleon’s brother-in-law who first began the planning and construction for the piazza over which his statue now looks.

Today, the Piazza del Plebiscito is used for everything from outdoor concerts protest gatherings to to impromptu soccer games among children. The wide, colonnaded arms that emanate from either side of San Francesco di Paola are reminiscent of the arms encircling St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, while the broad dome of the church itself reminds you of Rome’s Pantheon. The scene at the heart of the Piazza del Plebiscito, however, is entirely Naples.

Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples, Italy

From $ 27

Piazza Tasso

Sitting astride the steep gorge that once divided the cliff-top center of Sorrento, Piazza Tasso is the pulsating heart of one of Italy’s most popular seaside resort towns. This bustling, café-lined main square is where locals and visitors alike come to see and be seen, and to admire the square’s baroque church and 18th-century palace.

The Basics

Two of Sorrento’s main shopping streets lead from Piazza Tasso: Corso Italia, a busy thoroughfare lined with elegant restaurants and boutiques; and pedestrian-only Via San Cesareo, a narrow lane of shops overflowing with an array of products made with local Sorrentine lemons and other artisan goods. The square is named after Torquato Tasso (a statue dedicated to the Renaissance poet stands in one corner of the piazza), and its main attractions include the baroque Santuario della Madonna del Carmine and Palazzo Correale, an 18th-century palace built around a home owned by the aristocratic Correale family. Be sure not to miss the dramatic scenic overlook from Piazza Tasso, with views over the gorge below and Mediterranean sea beyond.

Most small-group walking tours and shore excursions to the city center begin in Piazza Tasso before moving on to explore the maze of tiny back streets in the historic district or heading down to Marina Grande, the sleepy fishing village on the water’s edge below town. Sorrento is just over an hour from Mt. Vesuvius and the Pompeii and Herculaneum archaeological sites, making it the perfect base for a private day trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is flat and easily accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
The cafés in the piazza are perfect for an aperitivo cocktail before dinner.
The square is open to vehicles during the day, but at night the traffic is limited and pedestrians reclaim the space for evening strolls.

How to Get There

Sorrento is located along the southern Campania coast, halfway between Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Below the city’s historic center, the Marina Piccola port is a hub for ferries to and from other destinations along the coast, including Capri and Positano. The train station is just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tasso, with trains to Naples that connect with routes to Rome and other cities across Italy.

When to Get There

Sorrento is most crowded during summer; unlike other towns along the coast, however, businesses do not close during the winter season, so you can find Sorrento hotels and restaurants open year-round.

Limoncello in Sorrento

Limoni di Sorrento, or Sorrentine lemons, are Sorrento’s most famous local product and the main ingredient in many traditional recipes. You can sample the best artisanal limoncello—a tangy liqueur made from lemon peel—along with other excellent coastal specialties by joining a small-group food tour in Sorrento.

Corso Italia, Sorrento, Campania 80067, Italy

From $ 57

Piazza San Cosimato

Near the main square in the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, is the Piazza San Cosimato, where a local outdoor food market takes place six mornings a week.

The market at Piazza San Cosimato has been there since the early 20th century, and although it’s smaller than some of the other popular outdoor markets in the city, it has a dedicated following. Some of the vendor families have occupied a stall at the market since its early days, with stalls and locations handed down through generations.

Along with the usual stalls offering fresh local produce, fresh fish and meat, and locally-made cheeses and cured meats, there is a used book seller at the market.

Take a food tour of the Trastevere district in the morning to see the market in full swing. It’s the perfect place to stock up on food for the pantry if you’re renting an apartment in the area.

Practical Info

Take a peek in the Church of San Cosimato, for which the square is named, or walk to the nearby Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere to visit one of the oldest churches in Rome.

Piazza San Cosimato, Rome 00153, Italy

Mon-Sat 6am-1:30pm

From $ 80

Piazza Trieste e Trento

Piazza Trieste e Trento is the square to see and be seen in Naples. It’s where the most fashionable Neapolitans and visitors linger over an espresso in the landmark Caffé Gambrinus after perusing the stores along Via Toledo and Via Chiaia, two of the city's main shopping thoroughfares that end in this bustling piazza.

The Basics

To one side of Piazza Trieste e Trento stretches the vast Piazza del Plebiscito, one of Italy's most famous public spaces, lined by an elegant sweep of Doric columns, the glorious Palazzo Reale—formerly the royal residence and now a museum—and the domed Church of San Francesco di Paola. To the other side of the square, along Via San Carlo, is the historic Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest continuously active opera house in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits directly across from the 19th-century Galleria Umberto I shopping gallery and virtually next door to the imposing medieval Castel Nuovo. Visit Piazza Trieste e Trento and nearby attractions by joining a Naples history walk, or opt for a Vespa tour or a day of Naples sightseeing by vintage Fiat for a unique private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

In addition to shops and boutiques, the neighborhood around Piazza Trieste e Trento is thick with excellent traditional Neapolitan restaurants.
The adjacent Via Chiaia is pedestrian only, so it’s easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
The square is one of the most important intersections in Naples, where three of the city's main thoroughfares converge around the central Fontana del Carciofo.

How to Get There

The N1 and N3 buses both stop directly in Piazza Trieste e Trento, and the metro line 1 stops at Piazza del Municipio, a 5-minute walk away. Naples is the largest city in the region of Campania, and a hub for trains and ferries from the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and Pompeii.

When to Get There

Naples is a popular destination, and its attractions can be very hot and crowded in the high-season summer months. Visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds, and the late evening to relax with a cocktail during the cooler hours of the day.

The Church of San Ferdinando

The 17th-century Chiesa di San Ferdinando faces onto Piazza Trieste e Trento and is known for its baroque fresco cycle by Paolo de Matteis dating from the late 1600s.

Piazza Trieste e Trento, Naples, 80132, Italy

Free

From $ 185

Photography History Museum

Welcome to Poland’s only photography museum! Although modest in size, the Photography History Museum will captivate shutterbugs of both amateur and professional levels, with its fascinating exhibitions that relate the development and evolution of the eight art. It features several compact rooms filled with ancient cameras (over 500, to be exact), various antique pieces of equipment, historical photographs of Krakow, and even an old darkroom. It also boasts an extensive collection of rare photographs, some dating as far back as the turn of the century. As the only one of its kind in the country, the museum is famous for housing temporary exhibits by famous photographers from around the world.

Practical Info

The Photography History Museum in Krakow is located at Józefitów 16 just northwest of the historical city center, reachable in a 10-minute walk from Rynek Glowny, or by tram via lines 4, 8, 13, 24, and 38. It is open from 11am to 6pm Wednesday through Friday and from 10am to 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The site is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing. Admission is 8 złoty per adult and 5 złoty per child. Entry is free of charge on Sundays.

Józefitów 16, Kraków, Poland

Wed-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3:30pm

Adult 8 złoty, Child 5 złoty

From $ 29

Piazza della Bocca della Verita

By far the most famous attraction in this square set between the Forum Boarium and the Tiber River is the Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità), located beneath the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday, this massive ancient marble mask is one of Rome’s top attractions.

The Basics

Legend holds that the Bocca della Verità, probably originally a 1st-century drain cover from the nearby Temple of Hercules Victor, will bite off the hand of anyone who dares speak an untruth while inserting a hand in the mask’s open mouth. Audiences were charmed by Audrey Hepburn’s reaction when Gregory Peck feigned having his hand devoured in their iconic romantic comedy, and today visitors in Rome line up in droves to put the legend to the test.

The Bocca della Verità is one of the most beloved and whimsical attractions in Rome, and Piazza della Bocca della Verità is included in many walking, bike, and Vespa tours of the city’s highlights. Visit the legendary sculpted mask as part of a classic Fiat 500 tour of the Eternal City, or combine a visit with skip-the-line tickets for the nearby Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can view the mask from outside the church gates, but to take a picture with your hand in the Mouth of Truth, you’ll have to wait in line to access the enclosed portico.
Visitors are urged to snap their pictures quickly to keep the long line moving along, so have your camera ready.
This is a fun stop for kids, but remember that you only have a few seconds to pose them with their hands in the mask’s mouth.
The church portico and Bocca della Verità is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Piazza della Bocca della Verità is along the Tiber River just across the Ponte Palatino bridge from the Trastevere neighborhood. A number of city buses from the Termini train station and across the city stop in or near the square.

When to Get There

The marble mask is only accessible when the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is open, as it is located under the portico behind the church gates. Plan to get there first thing in the morning when the portico opens to avoid the long lines that form later in the day.

Other Sights in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

After your snapshot of the Bocca della Verità, take a few minutes to visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin, one of the most important medieval churches in Rome. The church has the tallest medieval bell tower in the city and beautiful Cosmatesque floors, and is home to what many believe to be the skull of Saint Valentine.

Piazza della Bocca della Verita, Rome, Province of Rome, Italy

From $ 25

Phra Sumen Fort

Built in 1783 by King Rama I to help defend against naval invasions, Phra Sumen Fort sits on the banks of a river within Santi Chai Prakan park. The white, octagonal brick-and-stucco tower is one of only two of Bangkok’s original 14 city watchtowers still standing. The fort was named after Mt. Meru (Phra Sumen in Thai) from Hindu-Buddhist mythology.

Locals and visitors alike come to the park to enjoy cool breezes, river views and even the occasional riverside aerobics class in the early evening.

Practical Info

The entrance to the fort itself is blocked, but it’s possible to view the structure from the outside and enjoy the surrounding park.

Phra Athit Road, Bangkok, Thailand

5am-9pm

From $ 74

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome's best-known meeting places, thanks to a stunning statue, the iconic Fontana della Barcaccia and an attractive square that lies at the foot of the famed Spanish Steps. The landmark's central location grants travelers easy access to top attractions like nearby Trinita dei Monti, Keats-Shelley Memorial House and the Column of the Immaculate Conception.

Piazza di Spagna is also a prime destination for people-watching, thanks to the large number of visitors and locals who gather in the public garden and scenic space to celebrate sunshine when there's warmer weather.

Practical Info

Piazza di Spagna is easily accessible from the Spagna metro stop.

Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy

From $ 22