Fodor's Expert Review Durbar Square

Nothing can prepare you for your first experience of Kathmandu's central Durbar Square, one of the world's great public spaces. While other squares have vast open areas to take your breath away, what leaves you open-mouthed here is the sheer onslaught of colors, sights and sounds—from the tangle of beautifully carved shrines and temple pagodas, to brightly adorned saddhus passing through on their spiritual journeys. Most of the temples date from the 18th century. You could spend hours here just hanging out—and indeed, many people do just that. Of course, many less scrupulous locals also know that sooner or later, every foreign visitor will find their way here, so be prepared to fend off a continuous string of begging requests and bogus offers from trekking tour guides. Don't let that put you off either—this is one sight you really should not miss.