Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Spain & Portugal | 8-Day Dream Itinerary
Rose SkinRose Skin
362
Madrid: La ruta perfecta para explorar la ciudad a pie
Brianna AdamsBrianna Adams
241
Buena estancia en madrid #booking #airbnb #madrid #viaje #tips
xikiplayxikiplay
25.3K430
Puerta del Sol in Madrid is an absolute gem! As one of the most famous and lively squares in the city, it truly embodies the spirit and energy of Madrid. I had the pleasure of visiting recently, and I was completely captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and rich history that surrounds this iconic landmark. The first thing that struck me about Puerta del Sol was its sheer size and bustling activity. It's the heart of Madrid, and it never fails to impress. From locals going about their daily routines to tourists soaking in the lively ambiance, the square is always abuzz with life. The vibrant energy is contagious, and it's impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. The historical significance of Puerta del Sol is also remarkable. Standing proudly at the center of the square is the famous clock tower, which marks the Kilometer Zero, the point from which all Spanish roads are measured. This symbolic landmark adds an extra layer of intrigue and makes Puerta del Sol a must-visit for history enthusiasts. One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the tradition of the New Year's Eve celebration at Puerta del Sol. The iconic clock tower, affectionately known as "El Oso y el Madroño," is the center of attention as people gather to welcome the new year. It's an exhilarating experience that showcases the unity and joy of the Madrileños. Aside from its historical significance, Puerta del Sol also offers excellent shopping opportunities. The surrounding streets are lined with an array of shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores, allowing visitors to indulge in retail therapy and take home a piece of Madrid with them. The accessibility of Puerta del Sol is another advantage. The square serves as a major transportation hub, with several metro lines converging here. This makes it incredibly convenient for travelers to explore other parts of the city from this central location. Overall, Puerta del Sol is an absolute must-visit when in Madrid. Its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and strategic location make it the perfect starting point to explore the city. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a shopaholic, or simply looking to soak in the energy of Madrid, Puerta del Sol will not disappoint.
Marko LalovićMarko Lalović
20
Puerta del Sol is the center of Madrid. It is one of the most touristic spots in the city, since most of the tourist attractions are located around the semicircular square. On its eastern side is also one of the most emblematic symbols of the city: the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree (El Oso y el Madroño) It is only a three-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor and there is ""kilometer zero"", where the measurement of distances on Spanish roads begins. Puerta del Sol takes its name from the sun emblem on the old city gate, which used to be here. Puerta del Sol was the scene of many historical events, including the Spanish resistance to Napoleon on May 2, 1808, and in 1931 the Second Republic was proclaimed. In the square there is the famous clock on top of the Casa de Correos, whose bells mark the traditional consumption of the twelve grapes and the beginning of the new year. There is also a tradition during the ritual that with each strike of the clock you should eat a grape for good luck (12 in total). Opposite the square, at the beginning of Calle Alcalá, Madrid's longest street, you will find the famous Oso y Madroño. The official symbol of the city, the statue of a bear eating a strawberry is a popular meeting point. On the other side of the square, at the beginning of the pedestrian Calle del Arenal that leads to the Teatro Real Opera House, there is a replica of the La Mariblanca statue. The original, which dates back to the 17th century and once adorned a fountain in this very spot, is now kept in the Casa de la Villa. The third and largest statue of Puerta del Sol is located in the center of the square and depicts King Charles III of Spain on horseback. During his reign, the monarch introduced so many progressive reforms and gave the city such a makeover that he earned the nickname the best mayor of Madrid. From the Puerta del Sol square begins the Calle del Arenal pedestrian street that connects it to the Plaza de Isabel II (Ópera) and has many shops. From the square begins the Calle de Preciados pedestrian street with its countless shops that offers relentless shopping.
George MessiniaGeorge Messinia
10
The Puerta del Sol (English: "Gate of the Sun") is a public square in Madrid, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the centre (Km 0) of the radial network of Spanish roads. The square also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. The New Year's celebration has been broadcast live since 31 December 1962 on major radio and television networks including Antena 3 and RTVE. Contents The Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century. Outside the wall, medieval suburbs began to grow around the Christian Wall of the 12th century. The name of the gate came from the rising sun which decorated the entry, since the gate was oriented to the east. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the area was an important meeting place: as the goal for the couriers coming from abroad and other parts of Spain to the Post Office, it was visited by those eager for the latest news. The stairs to the Saint Philip church at the square were known as the Gradas de San Felipe, and were among the most prolific mentideros de la Corte (this Spanish idiom sounds as "lie-spreaders of the Court", but it is related with the verb mentar, "to say about someone", not mentir, "to lie", so it is more appropriately translated as "places of the City where people gossip"). The House of the Post Office was built by French architect Jacques Marquet between 1766 and 1768. The building was the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior and State Security in Francoist Spain. It is currently the seat of the Presidency of the Madrid Community.
ahmed d3besahmed d3bes
10
Nearby Attractions Of Puerta del Sol
Plaza Mayor
Royal Palace of Madrid
Cibeles Fountain
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Círculo de Bellas Artes
Catedral de la Almudena
Mercado San Antón
El Corte Inglés Preciados
Mercado de San Ildefonso
Neptune Fountain

Plaza Mayor
4.6
(60K)Click for details

Royal Palace of Madrid
4.7
(36.9K)Click for details

Cibeles Fountain
4.7
(19.2K)Click for details

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
4.7
(14.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Puerta del Sol
Mercado de San Miguel
Chocolatería San Ginés
Tapa Tapa Montera
El Tigre Sidra Bar
RIBS ABADA
Inclan Brutal Bar l Restaurante temático Madrid
Rosi La Loca
Bar La Campana
My Pasta My Art l Restaurante italiano Madrid
Oven Mozzarella Gran Vía 6

Mercado de San Miguel
4.4
(47K)Click for details

Chocolatería San Ginés
4.4
(20.9K)Click for details

Tapa Tapa Montera
4.5
(8.8K)Click for details

El Tigre Sidra Bar
4.2
(9.2K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Prta del Sol, s/n, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(50.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace of Madrid, Cibeles Fountain, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Círculo de Bellas Artes, Catedral de la Almudena, Mercado San Antón, El Corte Inglés Preciados, Mercado de San Ildefonso, Neptune Fountain, restaurants: Mercado de San Miguel, Chocolatería San Ginés, Tapa Tapa Montera, El Tigre Sidra Bar, RIBS ABADA, Inclan Brutal Bar l Restaurante temático Madrid, Rosi La Loca, Bar La Campana, My Pasta My Art l Restaurante italiano Madrid, Oven Mozzarella Gran Vía 6

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