Girona

Walk along the river to Plaça de la Independencia and admire Girona's best-known view: the pastel yellow, pink, and orange facades of the houses built right to the edge of the River Onyar reflected in the water. (If you drive here, park in the free lot next to the river, under the train trestle.) Cross the bridge from under the arcades in the corner of the Plaça and find your way to the tourist office, to the right at La Rambla Llibertat 1. Then work your way up through the labyrinth of steep streets, using the cathedral's huge baroque facade as a guide.