Top 10 Must-Visit Plazas and Streets in Madrid

For an authentic look at how locals live, stop at one of these plazas in Madrid for coffee, window shopping, or people watching. These plazas are some of the top spots in Spain’s capital city.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, commonly known as just Sol, is the plaza in the heart of Madrid, and indeed, the whole of Spain. Some famous features include the Royal Post Office, which serves as the president of Madrid’s office. Moreover, it’s also where locals gather every New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year.

Plaza Mayor

Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol is Plaza Mayor, which is Madrid’s grandest plaza. While the food can be overpriced, it’s still a fine place to enjoy breakfast. Additionally, this plaza hosts a Christmas market, a beloved tradition since 1860.

Plaza de Oriente

This picturesque plaza is located in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Moreover, nearby attractions include Teatro Real, the city’s opera house originally built in 1818, and the Royal Monastery of the Incarnation, a women’s convent.

Gran Via

If you want to go shopping, head to Gran Via, the main shopping boulevard in Madrid featuring many famous stores. Moreover, Gran Via is also known for its stunning architecture. Consequently, if you’re looking for nightlife, this place serves as a vibrant hub.

Calle Huertas

Calle Huertas, often referred to simply as Huertas, defines the character of this part of Madrid. With small bars, classy restaurants, ice cream parlors, and lively music venues, both locals and tourists enjoy the vibrant atmosphere here.

Plaza San Andres

At this grandiose Romanesque church, children play outside while their parents enjoy a drink in the vibrant cafes nearby. This church has undergone several reconstructions since the 1600s, and significant portions of its interior were destroyed during Spain’s civil war in the 1930s.

Plaza Santa Ana

Designed in 1810, Plaza Santa Ana became a favorite among intellectuals, poets, artists, and writers, including the renowned American writer Ernest Hemingway. This plaza features many cafes and the Teatro Español, Madrid’s oldest theater, which opened in 1583.

Plaza de la Paja

Plaza de la Paja, translating to “straw square,” is considered the oldest plaza in Madrid. Here you will find two vegetarian restaurants. Additionally, at the bottom of this sloping plaza is a garden called Jardín del Príncipe Anglona.

Plaza España

If you reach Plaza España from Gran Via, your first impressions may not be so great. However, this plaza is larger than it appears at first glance, housing some of Madrid’s tallest skyscrapers.

Calle de Segovia

This winding street in the historic Palacio neighborhood passes by the best paella restaurant in Madrid. Additionally, it goes under the city’s famous pedestrian-friendly viaduct.