An energetic and hugely popular square in the centre of the city, it was on the Plaza de la Merced that Pablo Picasso took his first tentative steps as both a painter and a man. He was born here, and today the square is ringed by cafes and bars full of prospective creatives coming up with ideas or simply enjoying themselves. There is also a frequent market held in the square, for anyone looking to practice their Spanish with a bit of haggling.