Public space

One definition of public space or a public place is a place where anyone can
come without paying an entrance or other fee.

Typical examples are most roads, including the pavement, and public parks.

Typical differences between e.g. sitting on a public bench and sitting on a
seat in a pavement cafˇ:

   * the first costs nothing
   * there is no time limitation
   * one can consume brought-along food and drinks (for alcoholic beverages
     the law prohibits this sometimes; this may even be the case if it is
     allowed in a pavement cafe)
   * a pavement cafe may have a dress code such as a prohibition of being
     shirtless, while in a public space only general law applies (however,
     in some cases, e.g. in Monaco, the law prohibits shirtlessness, except
     at the beach)

The halls and streets (including skyways) in a shopping center may or may
not be declared a public place and may or may not be open when the shops are
closed. Similarly for halls, railway platforms and waiting rooms of public
transport; sometimes a travelling ticket is required.

A public library is also more or less a public place, but some rules may
apply which are absent outside.

In general, there is no expectation of privacy in a public space.

Public spaces are attractive for budget tourists and homeless people,
especially those that are relatively comfortable, e.g. a shopping center
that provides shelter and, in a cold climate, is heated (or cooled in a hot
climate). Sometimes the presence of homeless people is not appreciated and
measures are taken to make the public space less attractive to them; the
comfort of regular users may be affected by these people but also by the
measures against them, e.g. no benches, a lower temperature, waiting rooms
that are locked in the evening, etc.

A broader meaning of public space or place includes also places where
everybody can come if he or she pays, like a cafe, train, movie theater,
brothel, etc.

A shop is an example of what is intermediate between the two meanings:
everybody can enter and look around without obligation to buy, but
activities unrelated to the purpose of the shop are not unlimitedly
permitted.