Old Town and Plazuela de las Barbaras

Built atop a fortified Bronze Age Celtic village, the ciudad vieja (old town) of A Coruña, with hilly, narrow medieval streets opening into leafy squares, is a charming compact neighborhood to explore. Enter the Romanesque churches, check out the tiny shops and cafés, admire the stately ancient homes, visit the garden of San Carlos and, when you want a break, seek out the Plazuela de las Barbaras, a particularly tranquil spot.