10 Most Famous City Squares In The World

1. Times Square, New York, United States

The world’s most famous square is located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. It’s filled with video screens, LED signs, and flashing lights and is known to be a major tourists attraction. The lights and signs can be viewed anytime, but the most enchanting experience comes when one visits it at night, as all the signs and screens are ablaze with color. Times Square is also well known for its famous New Year’s Eve ball drop.

2. Red Square, Moscow, Russia

The famous Red Square is located in the heart of Moscow. It is surrounded by Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the State History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Kremlin. It is Russia’s most recognizable landmark and is usually tourists first stop in Moscow.

3. Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, Morocco

The highlight of any visit to Marrakech and one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco. By day this square at the heart of the medina is largely filled with snake charmers and people with monkeys, as well as some of the more common stalls. As the day progresses the square becomes more crowded, with story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As dark descends the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.

4. Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City

Located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk which was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was moved from the circus to its current site in 1586. During the Middle Ages, the gilt ball on top of the obelisk was believed to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar. However, when the ancient metal ball was removed, it was empty.

5. Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Tiananmen Square in Beijing is the largest city square in the world. It is surrounded by Soviet-style monuments and government buildings. There is a ceremony for flag raising and lowering at dawn and dusk. The square became world famous due to the Tiananmen Square Massacre on June 4, 1989 in which troops with assault rifles and tanks inflicted thousands of casualties on unarmed civilians.

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6. Trafalgar Square, London, England

The Trafalgar Square commemorates Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains. Over the years the square became world famous and is an important part of any London visit.

7. Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy

The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Italy. It is one of Europe’s greatest medieval city squares and is known worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The square holds a horse race twice a year in which the riders circle the Piazza three times. When the race is hold, a thick layer of dirt is laid on the track.

8. Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Plaza de Mayo was the scene of the 25 May 1810 revolution that led to the Argentinian independence. Since then the Plaza de Mayo has been the focal point of many political events in Buenos Aires. Located in the center of the Plaza de Mayo is the Pirámide de Mayo – the oldest national monument in Buenos Aires. Also around the plaza is the Casa Rosada (The Pink House) which is the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina. The Plaza de Mayo is considered the top attraction in Buenos Aires and no visitor leaves the city without visiting it.

9. Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, Prague’s Old Town Square is often bursting with tourists and locals in the summer. Featuring various architectural styles including the Gothic Týn Cathedral and baroque Saint Nicholas Church, the city square is an oasis for travelers tired of the narrow streets of Prague. Also in the square, tourists may find the world famous Astronomical Clock.

10. Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), Mexico City, Mexico

Located in the heart of the historic center of Mexico City, the Zocalo is one of the largest squares in the world. It is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and a number of other historic buildings. A huge Mexican flag occupies the center, which is ceremoniously lowered and raised each day. The city square has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times.