Florence Santo Spirito, Italy

For those looking for something less touristy this unique Florentine piazza is the center of the artisan quarter. Dominated by the last masterpiece of Brunelleschi, the Basilica of Santo Spirito.

At night the square comes alive, the sleepy cafes wake into bars with live music and you'd be lucky to find a patch of gravel not hosting an impromptu drinks picnic. As the last of Saturday night's revellers trickle out in the early hours, the local farmers pour in and the square becomes home to farmers markets and antique fairs alike.