6 Best Sights in Castile–Leon and Castile–La Mancha, Spain

In the 1730s Alberto and Nicolás Churriguera built Salamanca's Plaza Mayor, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Spain. The lavishly elegant, pinkish ayuntamiento (town hall) dominates its northern side. The square and its arcades are popular gathering spots for Salmantinos of all ages, and its terrazas are the perfect spot for a coffee break. At night, the plaza swarms with students meeting "under the clock" on the plaza's north side. Tunas (roving musicians in traditional garb) often meander among the cafés and crowds, playing for smiles, applause, and tips.

León's busiest tapas bars are in and around this 12th-century square. The area is called the Barrio Húmedo, or "Wet Neighborhood," allegedly because of the deluge of wine spilled here late at night.

This square was once called Plaza del Grano (Grain Square) because it was the site of the city's corn and bread market. Also here is the church of Santa María del Camino, where pilgrims stop on their way west to Santiago de Compostela. The fountain in the middle of the plaza depicts two cherubim clutching a pillar, symbolizing León's two rivers and the capital.

Toledo's main square was built in the early 17th century as part of an unsuccessful attempt to impose a rigid geometry on the chaotic Moorish streets. Over the centuries, this tiny plaza has hosted bullfights, executions (autos-da-fé) of heretics during the Spanish Inquisition, and countless street fairs. Today it's home to the largest and oldest marzipan store in town, Santo Tomé. You can catch intracity buses here, and the tourist office is on the south side of the plaza.

The south side of the cathedral overlooks this harmonious arcaded Renaissance square that hosts a medieval market on weekends.

In front of the cathedral, this historic square comes alive every night and especially on weekends, when visiting Madrileños and locals gather at casual cafés that line the perimeter. There's a gazebo in the middle that occasionally hosts live music. (Otherwise it's occupied by children playing while their parents dine nearby.)