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Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

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

Plaza de Espana

Located at the end of one of Madrid's busiest streets, Plaza de España forms the western base of Gran Vía. Its borders are also delineated by two of the city's most famous and tallest skyscrapers: Torre de Madrid - Madrid Tower - and Edifico España - Spain Building.

Occupying the center of the plaza is a monument to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the famous Spanish playwright, poet and novelist. Surrounding the base of the monument are statues of characters from the writer's most famous work, Don Quixote de la Mancha. The protagonist and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, are accompanied by figures of Don Quixote's love, represented on one side by the peasant woman Aldonza Lorenzo and on the other as the imaginary Dulcinea de Toboso.

Day and night, the Plaza de España is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists often find themselves here to rest on the benches and snap a few photos.

Practical Info

The plaza is accessible via the Plaza de España metro stop, which also serves the nearby Palacio Real - Royal Palace.

Madrid, Spain

From $ 25

Plaza San Martin

Inaugurated in 1921 to celebrate a century of Peruvian independence, Plaza San Martin is named after the man who liberated Peru, Argentina and Chile from Spain, José de San Martín whose bronze likeness sits astride a bronze horse in the center of the plaza. Located within the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Lima and surrounded on three sides by neocolonial architecture, the plaza is considered one of the city’s most important public spaces.

The plaza becomes especially lively in the late afternoon and evening, when the buildings are lit up beautifully and locals gather to chit chat or, more often, argue politics beneath the trees. On the northwestern side of the plaza sits the Gran Hotel Bolivar, a perfect place to sip a pisco sour within the historic art deco building.

Practical Info

Plaza San Martin is connected with Plaza Major by a pedestrian street, making it convenient to visit both on the same day.

Lima, Peru

From $ 33

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.

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.’

Croatia

Open daily.

$15.00-21.00

From $ 9

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.

Valencia, Spain

From $ 20

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.

Plaza de la Villa, Madrid, Spain

From $ 16

Plaza Caicedo

A charming mix of old and new, Plaza Caicedo is a fitting showcase of modern Cali and as the central hub and main navigational landmark, most visitors will start their tour of the city from here.

Once the epicenter of the colonial city, Plaza Caicedo’s stately architecture lends the square an air of grandeur, with the snow-white facades of the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral looming over the south and east corners. But the square is also full of life, teeming with street artists, food carts and shoeshine boys, and making a popular picnic spot for locals, with its central gardens shaded by towering palm trees and linked by star-shaped walkways.

Practical Info

Plaza Caicedo is located at the center of downtown Cali, between Calle 11 and Calle 12.

Carrera 4 # 11-1, Cali, Valle Del Cauca, Colombia

From $ 35

Plaza Botero

You’ll see his art everywhere around Colombia: large women, round-faced children and wide-eyed animals. It’s the life work of Fernando Botero, the beloved Colombian artist famous in his home country and around the world.

A visit to Medellin, where Botero was born, provides the chance to see these works in larger-than-life surroundings. The appropriately named Botero Plaza, opened in 2002, is an outdoor park that forms an important cultural space in the city. It’s also close to other important museums, like the Museum of Antioquia with art from all over Latin America, and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, where exhibitions and concerts are held.

The 80,729 square feet (7,500 square meters) of Botero Plaza are home to 23 giant bronze sculptures (donated by Botero himself) within reach so that people can touch them—some people even climb on them! These sculptures, created using the lost wax method, are organized into five main types, focusing on body parts; relationships between men and women; animals; and mythic creatures like the sphinx. The sculptures tend to have short names that are direct and dynamic, like Woman with Fruit, The Hand, Man on Horseback, Maternity and Roman Soldier.

The busy plaza is also a great place to try local foods, like obleas, empanadas and green mango cut in strips and served with salt and vinegar. It’s also a good place to browse for souvenirs and do some serious people-watching.

Practical Info

This plaza, located at Carrera 52 con Calle 52, Medellín, is easy to get to by metro. As in many other cities around the world, be careful with your belongings when visiting the plaza. Admission is free.

Carrera 52 con Calle 52, Medellin, Colombia

From $ 20

Plaza de Bolivar

Enormous and austere, Bogota’s broad, bricked central plaza was designed in 1553 to be the gathering place for tens of thousands at the hub of the federal government. Once known simply as the Plaza Mayor (Main Plaza) and serving as home to the city market, the plaza is a classic example of monumental Spanish civil engineering. Some of Bogota's most important edifices sit in the area: the soaring neoclassical national cathedral; the appropriately federalist capitol building; French neoclassical Edificio Liévano, seat of city government; and the ultra-modern stylized arches of the imposing Palace of Justice, most recently rebuilt after a 1985 terrorist attack.

At the center of it all is the statue of Simón Bolívar, erected in 1846 to honor the man who liberated so much of South America from the Spanish.

Unless there’s a festival or political rally, the enormous brick expanse is fairly quiet, quickly crisscrossed by crisply suited officials talking seriously into cell phones, vendors selling snacks, souvenirs and photos with adorably outfitted llamas, and the constant thrum of pigeon wings as great flocks whirl around endlessly. The people-watching is outstanding, and you’re a stone's throw from a dozen museums, churches and other attractions well worth seeing.

Carrera 8, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia

From $ 20

Plaza de Colón

There’s perhaps no more Spanish stop you can make in Madrid than Plaza de Colón. Spanish because not only is it home to the largest Spanish flag in the world, but the square commemorates one of the country’s most famous historic figures, Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish, hence the plaza’s name). As such, the square has a statue in Columbus’s honor, in addition to three giant rock-like sculptures dedicated to the discovery of America.

The square is located along the border of the Chamberí and Salamanca neighborhoods as well as two of the city’s most famous streets: Serrano, known especially for its high-end shopping; and Paseo de la Castellana, the stroll-friendly, north-south thoroughfare. It’s also surrounded by other visit-worthy sights, which include the Spanish National Library, the recently opened National Archeology Museum, and the Fernán Gómez Theater (which sits below the plaza, and often hosts intriguing exhibitions).

Practical Info

Colón is a great meeting and resting point, as it is packed with benches and sits at the crossroads of various sights. If you don’t come here by foot — indeed, it is a slight walk from the main tourist center — you may wish to visit it on a bus tour or GPS-guided GoCar tour.

Calle de Génova, Madrid 28004, Spain

From $ 22

Playa Uvas

Facing Cozumel’s white sands and turquoise waters, Playa Uvas beach club sits directly on the coast and offers a variety of activities and amenities. Active visitors will enjoy snorkel tours, parasailing, and kayaking, and there are lounge chairs, beachside massages, and pool facilities for those who simply want to relax in the sun.

The Basics

Of Cozumel’s private beach clubs, Playa Uvas is closest to downtown and the piers, making it easy for guests to reach the reefs of Chankanaab National Park. Tour options range from a day on the water in a catamaran to a day in the water scuba diving. All-terrain vehicle tours also stop at the club for visitors to snorkel. The property features a full bar and restaurant, as well as a small souvenir shop.

Things to Know Before You Go

The admission fee that the beach club charges to use its facilities includes a 30-minute guided snorkel tour with gear, and a free drink.
Tours typically cover entry fees to the beach club and marine park.
A VIP package is available, including an open bar, food, towel and locker, and a 30-minute massage.

How to Get There

Playa Uvas is on the west coast of the island, a short 10- to 15-minute taxi ride from downtown Cozumel or any of its piers. It’s about 25 minutes from the airport. Tours that include a stop at the beach club depart from the port or downtown Cozumel.

When to Get There

The beach club is open from 8am to 4pm. It tends not to get as crowded as other Cozumel beaches, but expect to encounter more visitors on weekends and whenever cruise ships are docked nearby. Stake out your spot early to snag one of the palapas on the beach.

Chankanaab National Park

Meaning “Little Sea” in Mayan, Chankanaab National Park’s name was inspired by its natural lagoon. One of the most popular attractions in Cozumel, the park offers diving and snorkeling tours, dolphin encounters, ziplining, and other activities. Huts, hammocks, and chairs are available on the beach. Because it’s only a 10-minute drive from the cruise ship terminal, the park is a favorite destination among cruise passengers.

Carretera costera sur Km. 8.5 s/n Carretera a Chankanaab, Cozumel, Mexico

Varies

From $ 65

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.

Calle Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

From $ 6

Plaza de la Constitucion

At the heart of Chile’s political landscape, the Plaza de la Constitucion is a vast, paved square occupying a full square block in the center of Santiago’s civic district. Surrounded by government buildings like the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, and the Banco Central de Chile, the most impressive site of all is the square’s Palacio de la Moneda.

Designed by the Italian architect Joaquín Toesca and built in the late 18th century, the Palacio de la Moneda is said to be one of the finest neoclassical buildings in South America. Originally intended as the Royal Mint, today the palace houses the Chilean presidential offices.

Every second morning, here’s where you can see the changing of the guard set to the Chilean national anthem, and while you can’t go inside the palacio, you can wander its inner courtyards. In front of the south side of the Palacio Moneda, it’s worth visiting the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda. Opened in 2006, the cultural center features temporary exhibitions of South American art and photography.

Practical Info

The changing of the guard takes place every other day at 10am. Admission to the Centro Cultural Palacio de la Moneda costs $1 USD. It’s open Tuesday - Sunday from 10am-9pm. The nearest metro to the Plaza de la Constitucion is La Moneda.

Santiago Centro, Región Metropolitana de Santiago, Chile

Daily 24/7

From $ 38

Plaza de Armas (Huacaypata)

From the coastal deserts of southern Peru to the frigid peaks of the Andes, every part of the vast Inca Empire traced back to Cusco. Tucked within the Andean mountains, the scenic capital city was the beating heart of one of the greatest civilizations in history. Today, you can feel this powerful history most palpably in its central square, Plaza de Armas.

The Basics

Besieged during the Spanish Conquest, many of the buildings around the plaza, named Huacaypata by the Inca, were expeditiously razed to the ground. The colonial structures erected in their place often stand on the foundations the Inca so expertly and cunningly crafted, making this historic center a totally unique place in the world. Elevated on a stepped flank, the Cusco cathedral serves as the grandiose focal point of the Plaza de Armas. At its base, vendors haggle and hawk their wares, and fountains provide a calming influence to the frenetic activity.

Travelers have many options to explore Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and its many attractions, including private or group day (or nighttime) trips or multi-day tours that may combine visits to Lake Humantay, Machu Picchu, and key attractions in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cyclists may opt to explore Cusco city as part of a multi-day mountain bike trek.

Things to Know Before You Go

Many attractions clustered around the plaza have small entrance fees, which are included if you’re visiting as part of a larger tour.
Though the area is safe, it’s wise to be careful with your possessions and avoid wearing eye-catching jewelry and accessories.
Remember sun protection.
Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

How to Get There

The Plaza de Armas, also known as Plaza Mayor, is located in Cusco’s historic center along Avenida del Sol and is walkable from most hotels. If you’re staying farther away, you're best off booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation, as public transit is scant.

When to Get There

The square is one of the city’s most popular attractions in the historic center. It’s a great snapshot of the buzz of the city any time of day; at night, illuminated with a golden glow, it’s even more enchanting.

Nooks and Crannies

Radiating from the Plaza de Armas is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and hidden pedestrian alleyways. Filled with small cafes, boutiques, and local artisans, these pathways are abuzz with beauty and energy. Stroll along Loreto Alley to a wall made of enormous stones, all masterfully cut and set in place by the Inca.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco, Peru

From $ 25

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.

Plaza de Zocodover, Toledo, Castilla La Mancha 45001, Spain

From $ 13

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.

Madrid, Spain

Free

From $ 6

Plaza Sotomayor

This one-stop Valparaiso destination is home to plenty of Chilean history, art and culture. As a result, travelers will find lots to explore on a visit to Plaza Sotomayor. Named after Rafael Sotomayor, this popular city square lies in the middle of the city’s historic district. Visitors can get up close to the Chilean Navy headquarters, and pay homage to fallen sailors at the plaza’s central monument dedicated to the Battle of Iquique. Afterwards travelers can make a stop at the National Council of Culture and the Arts before wandering to the nearby Customs House or Estacion Puerto, where commuter trains arrive and depart from other Chilean cities.

Practical Info

The plaza is accessible via the Valparaiso Metro using the western terminus station.

Valparaiso, Chile

From $ 18

Plaza Ayuntamiento

The grand Plaza Ayuntamiento is one of Valencia’s three main squares.

The stunning plaza has a fountain and patch of grass at its heart, and is flanked by some of Valencia’s most important buildings.

The bell tower of the neoclassical town hall chimes on the hour, and inside the opulent decor features marble and richly carved wood.

The post office is more like a theater than an administrative building, with a leaded-glass dome. The plaza is a popular meeting spot for local Valencians, and is the focus for fireworks displays during the annual Fallas Festival.

Practical Info

Plaza Ayuntamiento is the main square of Valencia’s old quarter, a few blocks south of the central market on Plaza del Mercado.

Plaza Ayuntamiento, Valencia 46001, Spain

Open daily

Free

From $ 17

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.

Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas, Calle de Alcala, 237, 28028 Madrid, Spain

Varies

From $ 17

Plaza de Cibeles

One of Madrid’s most splendid, iconic views is from Plaza de Cibeles at the end of tree-lined Paseo del Prado. Fuente de la Cibeles, the fountain at the center of the grand roundabout, depicts Cybele, Greek goddess of nature and fertility, steering a lion-drawn chariot. The fountain was built in 1780 and has since become a symbol of the city. The fountain has also become a rallying point for fans of the soccer team Real Madrid whenever the team wins a major tournament.

Surrounding the plaza sit some of Madrid’s grandest buildings, including the ornate Cybele Palace, red brick Buenavista Palace, the Palace of Linares and the dignified Bank of Spain building.

Practical Info

To reach the plaza, take the subway to Banco de España station.

Calle Alcala y Paseo de Recoletos, Madrid, Spain

From $ 14

Plaza de Armas

The site on which the city was founded back in 1541, Plaza de Armas is both the heart of Santiago de Chile’s historic district and the epicenter of the modern city. The leafy, palm-fringed plaza is surrounded by grand monuments and architectural landmarks, and it’s abuzz with activity at all hours of the day and night.

The Basics

Whether you choose to explore the capital on a walking tour, cycle between the sights on a bike tour, or customize your own itinerary on a private tour, a Santiago city tour isn’t complete without a stop at the Plaza de Armas. Santiago tours often combine a half-day tour of the historic center with a cable car ride to the top of San Cristóbal Hill, a tour of the atmospheric Bellavista neighborhood, or wine tasting in the nearby Maipo Valley. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, hop-on hop-off bus tours also connect the Plaza de Armas with other Santiago attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

Plaza de Armas is a must for all first-time visitors to Santiago.
There are a number of cafés and restaurants around the square, but for budget options, try the surrounding streets.
As in all large cities, keep an eye on your belongings—pickpockets are common around the square.
The Plaza de Armas hosts various festivals, events, and markets throughout the year, including Santiago’s Independence Day celebrations.
Santiago’s main tourist office is located at the north end of the square.

How to Get to There

Most of Santiago’s central attractions and hotels are within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas, and the towering spires of the plaza’s Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago) are hard to miss. Numerous buses stop on and around the square, while the closest metro station is Plaza de Armas on the L5 green line.

When to Get There

The Plaza de Armas is busy at any time of day or night, and if you’re staying in the city, you’ll likely pass through at several times during your stay. For crowd-free photos of the square’s buildings, an early morning visit is the best chance, while weekend afternoons are the liveliest time, with live musicians and street performers providing entertainment.

Plaza de Armas Landmarks

The magnificent 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago stands proud at the northwestern edge of the square, opposite which is the Central Post Office (Edificio del Correo Central), housed in the stunning former Presidential Palace. Next door is another national monument, the neoclassical Town Hall, while just off the main square, the colonnaded facade of the 20th-century Palace of Justice (Palacio de los Tribunales de Justicia de Santiago) is another photo-worthy sight.

Plaza de Armas, Santiago Centro, Santiago de Chile, Chile

Free

From $ 18