Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol


Serving as the capital's focal point, no visit to Madrid is complete without a trip to this central square.

Puerta del Sol began its days as the site of one of Madrid's easternmost gates. The gate was adorned with a figure of the rising sun – hence the name Puerta del Sol, which translates as “Gate of the Sun”. Today, the square is the throbbing heart of the city and provides a backdrop for political marches and public celebrations, while also being a popular place for people to meet.

The open and spacious pedestrian area is an ideal place for a moment's rest while you watch the locals go about their daily business. Once you're there, take in the attractive old buildings that rise up all around you. You'll note that there are a number of statues here too, not least the monument to King Carlos III which is the square's centrepiece. The statue commemorates the king responsible for commissioning much of the city's public works.

The grand red and beige building is the Real Casa de Correos, built in the mid-18th century for the postal service, later the headquarters of the Interior Ministry and the police. It still serves an administrative role today as the seat of the President of the Community of Madrid.

Another edifice you won't fail to notice is the iconic clock tower which leads the New Year's countdown for the entire country. The tradition is to eat one grape for each of the 12 chimes of the bell on the stroke of midnight. Just in front of the tower you’ll see a plaque which marks “Kilómetre Cero”. This is officially the midpoint of Spain’s road network, and many consider it to be the centre of Spain.

If you wander over to the east side of the square you're likely to see a crowd of people hanging around near a statue. This is the Bear and the Madroño Tree, a popular rendez-vous point for locals and the symbol which appears on the city's coat of arms. Once you've seen this statue, you'll start seeing the symbol everywhere you look!

Puerta del Sol is served by the metro. There are bars and restaurants on pretty much all the streets that lead away from it and makes a great starting point for a walk around Madrid.

Reviews of Puerta del Sol

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
137
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
222
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
55
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Interesting as it's where all the mileage in Spain is measured from- the kilometric centre (see the spot in front of the Post Office.) It's also an antipodal point (opposite Wellington NZ ) for those doing circuits round the world for the Guiness Book of Records.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Mercado de San Miguel. Great food and drink in wonderful setting.

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Things to do near Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol offers a vibrant hub of activities including shopping, city tours, and sightseeing. Visitors can book various tours to explore Madrid's rich culture, embark on thrilling adventures, and even enjoy free bicycle rentals to discover the area at their own pace. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you experience the charm and excitement this iconic square has to offer.

Shopping

San Miguel Market, located 483m from Puerta del Sol, offers a vibrant public market experience. El Corte Inglés and Milla de Oro, both 1.6km away, provide a mix of business and family-friendly shopping vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore larger malls further afield.

Recreation

Bernabéu Stadium offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the thrill of live matches. For a more tranquil experience, visit Madrid Río, a scenic park ideal for leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst nature. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment at Sala La Riviera with its exciting music concerts.

Adventure

Experience thrilling races at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located 1.6km from Puerta del Sol. Enjoy a competitive atmosphere at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, situated 3.2km away. For breathtaking views, take a ride on the Madrid Cable Car, also 3.2km from Puerta del Sol.

Nightlife

In Puerta del Sol, the Royal Theatre offers a cultured evening with romantic performances, while Joy Madrid brings vibrant nightlife with its electrifying atmosphere. For a cinematic experience, the Palacio de la Prensa Cinema provides an entertaining setting, perfect for a delightful night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is a bustling hub in Madrid, offering a delightful blend of piazzas, streets, and historic churches for visitors to explore. This vibrant area caters to those seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and the charm of city life. Whether you’re wandering through the square or enjoying the local atmosphere, Puerta del Sol promises a memorable experience for every traveller.

  • Gran Via: Stroll along Madrid's bustling Gran Via, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping, and stunning architecture. This iconic street is often referred to as the Spanish Broadway, making it a perfect spot for theatre lovers and keen shoppers alike.
  • Plaza Mayor: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Madrid at Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings. Enjoy a coffee at one of the terraces while soaking in the lively ambience and local street performances.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Explore the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Discover its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens, steeped in history and culture, providing a glimpse into Spain's royal heritage.

Best time to go to Puerta del Sol

The best time to visit Puerta del Sol can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Puerta del Sol falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Puerta del Sol falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Puerta del Sol

To save money on your visit to Puerta del Sol, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and August for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Monday tends to be the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Puerta del Sol are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Puerta del Sol is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Puerta del Sol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Puerta del Sol is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking in Puerta del Sol with your flights and activities by opting for a package through Expedia.

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