Plaça Reial, a beautiful square in the Gothic Quarter and one of Barcelona's busiest, most vibrant spots (especially so at night), is known for its many outdoor venues, restaurants, and nightclubs. During summertime, it becomes an even more popular meeting place when open-air concerts take place. A standout feature is the elegant lampposts designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1879—one of his earliest works—featuring intricate details like the city’s coat of arms. Stroll around or sit down for a drink at one of the bars and just enjoy the moment.

Security is of concern at present and trips to the Khyber Pass are best left for a better time (check official safety advice at your planned time of travel), but do seize the opportunity when the opportunity comes. The pass has long been a gateway to South Asia (part of the ancient Silk Route), travelled by merchants, explorers and conquerors, the likes of Alexander the Great and Mughals, a channel that now connects Pakistan to the troubled Afghan territories via Torkham. Michni Checkpoint is as far as most visitors can count on getting.

Situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona, within walking distance from the Montjuïc Fountains, Poble Espanyol reveals the essence of Spanish culture where history meets culture and leisure through a pleasant and quiet open-air walk. With the mission of representing the essence of life in the towns of Spain, Poble Espanyol boasts more than 100 full-scale architectural constructions, buildings, squares, and streets from various areas of the country spread out through its more than 40,000 m2 outdoor enclosure. Take a stroll around Poble Espanyol to discover a variety of restaurant offers with typical products of Spanish gastronomy, shops where you can buy local products, and audiovisual spaces representative of different peninsular areas. At the Fran Daurel Museum, you can admire works by great artists such as Miró, Picasso, Dalí, and many others under the same roof, plus a Sculpture Garden, a space where nature and art merge in one.