Plaza Santa Catarina (Lagunilla)

Where it comes from. Plaza Santa Catarina was created in 1568 to serve the Metropolitan Cathedral, and it takes its name from the Santa Catarina Mártir brotherhood, which paid for the construction. It is one of the oldest squares still in use in the city, and the church beside it keeps the original dedication.

What it is like. The square sits on the edge of La Lagunilla, so the atmosphere is working-class and commercial rather than monumental: market stalls, traffic and daily life. Come in daylight, keep your belongings in front of you in the crowds, and combine it with the Lagunilla market —strongest on Sundays, when the antiques tianguis sets up.

Getting there. North of the Centro Histórico. Garibaldi-Lagunilla station on metro Lines 8 and B is the closest, with Plaza Garibaldi a couple of blocks away.