Squares in Madrid? All over Madrid you will never be too far from a plaza (aka a square). The city is full of them and they make for the perfect place to take a break in a terrace with a drink or simply just on the steps of a monument. Here are 10 of our favourite Madrid city squares….
The most famous squares in Madrid at a glance
- The main square: Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand arcaded square in the old centre.
- The busiest: Puerta del Sol, home to Kilometre Zero and the bear and strawberry tree statue.
- The most photographed: Plaza de Cibeles, with its fountain and the City Hall palace behind it.
- The best for nightlife: Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza de la Paja in La Latina.
- The quietest: Plaza de la Villa and Plaza de Ramales, a few minutes from the crowds.
Most of these squares sit within walking distance of each other in the centre, so you can see several in a day. Our Madrid travel guide has the rest of the city covered.
1. Puerta del Sol
Translating as the ‘Gate of the Sun’, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s busiest squares. There are lots of famous attractions around this square including the Tio Pepe lighted sign and the statue of a bear and a madrone tree which is the symbol of Madrid. It’s also home to Kilometre Zero, the plaque on the pavement that marks the starting point of Spain’s national roads. Metro: Sol.
2. Plaza de Cibeles
Just off of Gran Via where Calle de Alcala meets Paseo del Prado you will find the site of one of Madrid’s most iconic images – Plaza de Cibeles. Unlike most of the other city squares, this view has to be admired from the footpaths as the centre area where the fountain lies is actually one of the city’s busiest traffic hubs. For the best view, head into the Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid’s City Hall, and up to its rooftop viewpoint, Mirador Madrid, which costs €4 (checked October 2026). It can close for bad weather, so check before you go. Metro: Banco de España.
3. Plaza Mayor
Perhaps the fanciest of Madrid’s plazas, this popular city square is enclosed by buildings with nine entrance archways. Finished in 1619, it’s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and its centrepiece is a bronze statue of King Philip III on a horse. The tourist information centre in the Casa de la Panadería is open every day from 10am to 8pm. From late November to 31 December 2026 the square hosts the Plaza Mayor Christmas market, which is free to enter. Metro: Sol or Ópera.
4. Plaza de la Villa
Not too far from Plaza Mayor you will find the picturesque Plaza de la Villa. This pretty square is also one of the quieter ones and is home to Casa de la Villa, the former Town Hall. Metro: Ópera or Sol.
5. Plaza del Callao
As you wander through Gran Via keep an eye out for another city plaza – Plaza del Callao. This busy square is bustling with people and cars, but take a moment to take in its surrounding art-deco architecture, particularly that of the Callao Cinema Building and the Carrion Building with its neon Schweppes billboard. Metro: Callao.
6. Plaza de España
One of our favourite plazas in Madrid, Plaza España can be found on the western end of Gran Via. It reopened to pedestrians on 22 November 2021 after a two-and-a-half-year renovation, according to Wikipedia, with far more trees and space to walk. It’s a great place to cool off on a bench under some trees and take in the fountains along with the famous monuments. The centre monument is dedicated to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and includes a bronze sculpture of Don Quixote. Metro: Plaza de España.
7. Plaza Santa Ana
The best time to explore this popular Madrid square is once the sun goes down and both locals and tourists come out to play. Plaza Santa Ana is a popular area in the city for nightlife with lots of great bars and restaurants in the plaza and surrounding streets. Also, the square becomes one big terrace for tables and seats which makes for a great atmosphere. Keep the night going with our pick of the best cheap bars in Madrid. Metro: Sol or Antón Martín.
8. Plaza de Oriente
This open square is set against the stunning backdrop of The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid), with the Teatro Real opera house on the other side and an equestrian statue of Philip IV in the middle, according to Wikipedia. This plaza has a relaxed vibe with its gardens and trees to the side making it the perfect place to take in the palace, particularly at night when it is illuminated. Metro: Ópera.
9. Plaza de Ramales
A lesser known and very peaceful square, Plaza de Ramales is well worth checking out if even only briefly for its beautiful architecture. But if you have the time, grab a seat in one of the terraces and enjoy a drink in this relaxed city plaza. Metro: Ópera.
10. Plaza de Paja
Another city square where you can relax in a cafe terrace is Plaza de Paja. However, if you find yourself in this square in the La Latina district on a Sunday you will find it tough to find a seat as the plaza and its surroundings are a popular place for food and drinks, especially on the last day of the weekend. Come in the morning and you can browse El Rastro, the Sunday flea market a few streets away, first. Metro: La Latina.
Where to stay near Madrid’s main squares
Sol, La Latina and the streets around Plaza Mayor put you within walking distance of almost every square on this list. Our guide to where to stay in Madrid for the first time breaks down each area, or compare all the hostels in Madrid.
Once you’ve booked, ask who’s heading out for a drink on Plaza Santa Ana in City Chats, join your hostel’s Linkups for walking tours of the old centre, and check the Madrid Events page for what’s on. Got more time? Try these day trips from Madrid, or weigh up Madrid vs Barcelona for your next trip.
FAQs
What is the main square in Madrid called?
Madrid’s main square is Plaza Mayor, the arcaded square completed in 1619 under Philip III. About 300 m away is Puerta del Sol, home to Kilometre Zero, the starting point of Spain’s radial road network.
What is the most famous square in Madrid?
Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are the two most famous. Plaza Mayor is the grand historic square, while Sol is the busy meeting point where crowds gather to eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Plaza de Cibeles, with its fountain, is the most photographed.
When is the Plaza Mayor Christmas market?
In 2026 the Plaza Mayor Christmas market runs from late November to 31 December and is free to enter, according to esmadrid.com (checked October 2026).
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