Madrid's Puerta del Sol: what to see and do?
One of the most important squares in Madrid is the Puerta del Sol, the geographic center of Spain. It’s bustling and an integral part of Madrid life.
Where is Puerta del Sol?
Madrid is the Spanish city where the Puerta del Sol is located. It is in the heart of the city center that this emblematic square of the capital is located.
Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) was one of the gateways to Madrid in the 15ᵉ century. Its name derives from the presence of a sundial on one of the buildings.
How do I get to Puerta del Sol?
Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid, and is very easy to get to by metro (lines 1, 2 and 3).
If you’d like to get there by bus, we recommend taking lines 130, 131, 22, 461, 76, 86…
Restaurants in the Puerta del sol of Madrid
Not far from Puerta del Sol, you’ll find numerous restaurants, bars and food outlets. Here’s a list:
- La Mallorquina, Puerta del Sol, 8, Centro, 28013 Madrid. This pastry shop is one of Madrid’s most famous. We recommend you try their specialties.
- Casa Alberto, C. de las Huertas, 18, Centro, 28012 Madrid. Just a stone’s throw from the Puerta del Sol, this tavern will take your taste buds on a journey.
- La Casa del Abuelo, calle de la Victoria, 12, 28012 Madrid. Ideal for eating after a busy morning of sightseeing. We advise you to make a reservation.
- Lhardy, Cra de S. Jerónimo, 8, Centro, 28014 Madrid. Eating at Lhardy is a unique experience, combining history, gastronomy and luxury, this address will not leave you indifferent.
Hôtels of the Puerta del sol in Madrid
The Puerta del Sol district is very central. Located not far from the Latina, Madrid’s historic center and the Paseo del Prado, you’ll find plenty of hotels and Airbnb. To find out more about the best places to sleep in Madrid and organize your stay, we suggest you read our article on where to sleep in Madrid on your family vacation.
Discover some great places to stay in the Puerta del sol district:
- UMusic Hotel Madrid, Calle de la Paz, 11, Centro, 28012 Madrid.
- Petit Palace Puerta del Sol, Calle del Arenal, 4, Centro, 28013 Madrid.
- The Madrid EDITION, Plaza de Celenque, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid.
- Hotel Ateneo Puerta del Sol, C. de la Montera, 22, Centro, 28013 Madrid.
The symbols of Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol is rich in symbols, tracing the history of the city and of Spain in general.
- Spain’s kilometer 0. A geographical landmark on road maps, kilometer zero is one of Madrid’s symbols. You’ll find kilometer 0 right in front of the old post office building.
- The bear and the strawberry tree. You’ll find the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree near the Apple store. A symbol of the city of Madrid, this statue is a reminder that bears were very present in the region several centuries ago.
- The statue of Charles 3 in the center of the square.
What to do in Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is located in Madrid’s city center, so you can enjoy a visit accompanied by an English-speaking guide specializing in Madrid’s history. Once there, you’ll be able to take some great photos of the square’s various points of interest. Here’s a list to give you an idea of what to photograph.
- Take a photo of the Correos building.
- Immortalize your passage through Spain’s kilometer 0.
- Posing with the famous bear.
Puerta del Sol is ideal for shopping, where you’ll find an Apple Store, a Corte Ingles, cosmetics stores and a fan store. If you want to do more shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the main streets leading to Puerta del Sol:
- Calle Mayor, the street leading to the Plaza Mayor.
- Calle del Arenal, leading to the Madrid Opera House.
- Calle Preciados and Montera, linking to the Gran Via avenue.
- Calle de Carretas, linking plaza de Jacinto Benavente to puerta del sol.
These central Madrid streets are home to a multitude of stores, ranging from touristy to artisanal and classic, you’ll find every style of boutique.
If you like sewing, we recommend a visit to calle Atocha, where you’ll find a huge store stocked with fabric in all styles. Ideal for making a flamenco outfit.