Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
4
About
Considered by many to be the "hub" of the city, this large urban plaza contains many statues and monuments.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Sol
How to get there
  • Vodafone Sol • 4 min walk
  • Gran Vía • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • RjessMMM
    Vancouver, Washington560 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful square
    Wonderful square that seems to be the starting point to explore the area. Many places to shop and eat. We used it. As the starting point of the walking tour that Rick Steves has put together online. Fairly crowded for November but still a joy to take your time and simply walk around. Enjoy.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 November 2023
  • Krishnan R
    Hayward, California230 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice area, but very crowded New Year's Eve
    Came to Puerta del Sol for New Year's eve (both in the day and night time). Daytime it was crowded, but not generally bad. Night time, it was more crowded than expected to the point the crowd was controlled. Once the clock struck midnight, the fireworks came. Certainly nice to see, but not as big or vast as what you'd see in a waterfront. If your intention is to see the fireworks, come early before the crowds come and the station exits are closed
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 January 2024
  • TheLeongOhana
    United States7,556 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Liveliest Plaza In Madrid
    Since our hotel was just off of Puerta Del Sol we got to see and experience it at all hours of the day. Based on the crowds, it was the central heart of Madrid. Both locals and tourists gathered in large numbers to hang out, eat or drink, sightsee, shop (El Cortes Inglés was our favorite) and catch the metro or train. We even got to watch a band marching led by a banner printed with Rosario. Popular attractions were the Tio Pepe sign (at night), Kilometer zero marker, and the standing bear statue, and Oso y Madrono (touch the bear’s feet for luck). The statue of King Charles III stood in the center of a fountain, in recognition for the many that were built throughout Madrid during his reign. The weekends seemed to never end as people were wandering around and making lots of noise until the early morning hours. A caveat for those staying in hotels around Sol like us. Don’t miss visiting Sol.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 February 2024
  • Quill2005
    Ocala, Florida266 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lively Pedestrian Area in the Center of Madrid
    A lively pedestrian-packed plaza in the heart of Madrid. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby including the large department store, El Corte Ingles. The iconic “Tio Pepe” sherry sign that’s dominated the Puerto del Sol for a long time is still there. It’s a short walk to the Plaza Mayor from here, also another major historic plaza of Madrid.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 April 2024
  • Belladonna
    Los Angeles, California55 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Puerta del Sol gateway to Madrid
    The Plaza is one of the busiest and most central gateways to the city of Madrid. Literally, Puerta del Sol faces the east where the sun rises and bathes under the sun all day. The massive square connects to all roads to Madrid, and is surrounded by many stores and landmarks. No tourist will miss it~ the location is where all roads begin, from 0 kilometer. You can hang out anytime, sadly no benches, the square is familiarly similar to NY Times Square where the midnight crowd’s still partying ’till dawn.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 June 2024
  • Jack
    Old Bethpage, New York3,377 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic plaza
    The Puerta del Sol is the center of the Iberian Peninsula. The Puerta del Sol is a famous plaza home to the iconic Kilometro Zero, the bear and strawberry tree statue, and the statue of Carlos III among other things. There are many shops in the Puerta del Sol as it is in the shopping district of Madrid. I highly recommend stopping by this iconic plaza.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 June 2024
  • BalkrishnaShroff
    Mumbai, India26,092 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Heart of Madrid !!
    Puerta del Sol means Sun's Gate. This popular square in right in the center of Madrid. It is the main hub of all transport. It is very popular with tourists and locals. The party atmosphere at this place goes on till early morning. Weekday or weekends does not make any difference over here. It is always crowded. One can come directly here from airport via metro. The major landmarks located here are Old Post Office, President Palace, Statue of Bear and Strawberry Tree, Kilometer Zero and Charles 111 Statue in the middle of fountain. No trip to Madrid is completed without visiting this amazing square. The vehicles are not allowed in this circle.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 September 2024
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles10,958 reviews
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Phi Somchai
Bangkok, Thailand3,730 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples

This was a very busy plaza. There were many people here. Some were passing by, while others were simply just hanging out here.

There were also some interesting buildings and statues here. Street performers dressed in different costumes can be seen here too.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vladimiramirela
Mississauga, Canada1,881 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
This plaza is the centre of the radial network of some main Madrilean streets, also the place of one subway stations. It is a major touristic attraction and commuters transportation hub as well.
The square is also surrounded by beautiful, old buildings, one of them displaying on its central tower a famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year.
On its pedestrian central island, the square is dominated by a few statuary monuments, the tallest one being the Equestrian Statue of Carlos III. However, the most photographed piece is a bronze statue of a bear standing on its hind feet as it reaches for fruit among the leaves of a strawberry tree. This is a more recent monument, dating from the second half of the 20th century and it represents the main heraldic symbols of the city and of Spain.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
The very centre of Madrid: a must see. All sorts of free performances take place daily in the plaza. The Calle Mayor (High Street?) starts from here, as well as several other street scattering in all directions like the spokes of a wheel. There is a spot marked on the floor for the zero mile mark: Kilometro Cero.

I like the exit from the metro, that pops up right in the middle of the plaza.
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Antonio
5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Couples
Puerta del Sol is mile 0 or center of Madrid, the capital of Spain where there is always street attractions. The horse & Jockey stature is a great point of regency where to meet, in from of the horse, it’s back side. It is the “Time Square” of Spain where New-year eve celebration start where the is a tradition of eating grapes. Make reservations early to participate in its festivities.
But beware, beware of pick pockets there & at the Metro or really any place where there are crowds. You may think you are a savvy traveler but they are real, real experts.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Solo
I have seen paintings of ancient Madrid and visiting in 2022, the features of the facades and streets running off in all directions are unmistakable.

To me, if you haven't been to Sol, you haven't been to Madrid.

So many things to see, do, shop, etc here. Include Km 0, the Mariblanca stature, Carlos III, the Oso~Bear, Community Clock and of course, you can't miss the fountain.

If you have time, explore the side streets, high streets, museums, art galleries and nearby plazas: Callao, Mayor, Opera and Gran Via. As this is ground zero, beware of pickpockets as with any other top tourist attractions anywhere in the world.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

michael B
Brooklyn, NY58 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
A beautiful plaza to meet friends and mingle . On the edge of the Plaza is the "50 ANOS EN SOL". Bear with Tree statue .
For Holiday visitors :They put up. a super Christmas tree here .
Written 20 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debby G
Santa Cruz, CA2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
Currently in a hotel on this square. There is a horrendous amount of noise coming from construction being done on the square. Starts early in the morning and goes all day into the evening. Extremely unpleasant. Great central location in Madrid but recommend avoiding hotels here until construction is finished.
Written 25 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Belladonna
Los Angeles, CA55 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
The Plaza is one of the busiest and most central gateways to the city of Madrid. Literally, Puerta del Sol faces the east where the sun rises and bathes under the sun all day. The massive square connects to all roads to Madrid, and is surrounded by many stores and landmarks. No tourist will miss it~ the location is where all roads begin, from 0 kilometer. You can hang out anytime, sadly no benches, the square is familiarly similar to NY Times Square where the midnight crowd’s still partying ’till dawn.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pernille I
Copenhagen, Denmark6,892 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Friends
The Spanish capital's Sun Gate is a semi-circular square in the center of the city - so central that it is the starting point for every city in the country.

It is a square built in the 15th century and once there was a sundial on the wall of the city walls - hence the name. Today it is a very lively place at all times of the day.

It is here that Madrid residents gather to demonstrate and party - especially on New Year's Eve where grapes are swallowed to the sound of the bells of the Royal House located in the square.

It's really busy - all the time; which prevents you from being able to enjoy the beautiful view of the square with its surrounding palaces. But still a must for tourists and locals.
Google
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CK2000
New York City, NY300 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
An interesting plaza with some nice building surrounding the area. There are a couple of statues, a kilometer zero marker and, at night, many of the surrounding buildings are lit. It is very crowded and there was some substantial restoration/construction when we visited.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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PUERTA DEL SOL: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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