Grand Casemates Square is the main square in Gibraltar, a large plaza ringed by bars, shops and restaurants that seems to be buzzing with conversations from early in the morning until, well, early the next morning. Named after the neighbouring casemate that defended Gibraltar from siege after siege, the square might be the first introduction to central Gibraltar for tourists heading in from the airport or Spain. The Rock rises behind the square, creating a curious juxtaposition between the natural splendour of Gibraltar and the saccharine-sweet seaside sensibility that the population has created. There is also plenty of beer.