The most famous squares in Madrid at a glance<\/h2>\n\n- The main square:<\/strong> Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand arcaded square in the old centre.<\/li>\n
- The busiest:<\/strong> Puerta del Sol, home to Kilometre Zero and the bear and strawberry tree statue.<\/li>\n
- The most photographed:<\/strong> Plaza de Cibeles, with its fountain and the City Hall palace behind it.<\/li>\n
- The best for nightlife:<\/strong> Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza de la Paja in La Latina.<\/li>\n
- The quietest:<\/strong> Plaza de la Villa and Plaza de Ramales, a few minutes from the crowds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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<\/a> has the rest of the city covered.<\/p>\n1. Puerta del Sol <\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"squares](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/1_aug23puertadelsol.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Translating as the \u2018Gate of the Sun\u2019, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid\u2019s 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\u2019s also home to Kilometre Zero<\/a>, the plaque on the pavement that marks the starting point of Spain\u2019s national roads. Metro: Sol.<\/p>\n2. Plaza de Cibeles<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/2_aug30plazacibeles2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Just off of Gran Via where Calle de Alcala meets Paseo del Prado you will find the site of one of Madrid\u2019s most iconic images \u2013 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\u2019s busiest traffic hubs. For the best view, head into the Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid\u2019s City Hall, and up to its rooftop viewpoint, Mirador Madrid<\/a>, which costs \u20ac4 (checked October 2026). It can close for bad weather, so check before you go. Metro: Banco de Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n3. Plaza Mayor<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/3_aug23plazamayor.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Perhaps the fanciest of Madrid\u2019s plazas, this popular city square is enclosed by buildings with nine entrance archways. Finished in 1619, it\u2019s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and its centrepiece is a bronze statue of King Philip III on a horse. The tourist information centre<\/a> in the Casa de la Panader\u00eda is open every day from 10am to 8pm. From late November to 31 December 2026 the square hosts the Plaza Mayor Christmas market<\/a>, which is free to enter. Metro: Sol or \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n4. Plaza de la Villa<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/4_aug23plazavilla.jpg\")
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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: \u00d3pera or Sol.<\/p>\n
5. Plaza del Callao<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/5_aug23plazacalloab1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
As you wander through Gran Via keep an eye out for another city plaza \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
6. Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/6_aug23plazaespana.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
One of our favourite plazas in Madrid, Plaza Espa\u00f1a 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<\/a>, with far more trees and space to walk. It\u2019s 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 Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n7. Plaza Santa Ana<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/7_aug23plazasantana.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
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<\/a>. Metro: Sol or Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn.<\/p>\n8. Plaza de Oriente<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/8_aug23plazaorient.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
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<\/a>. 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: \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n9. Plaza de Ramales<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/9_aug23plazaderamales.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
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: \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n
10. Plaza de Paja<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"plaza](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/10_aug23plazapaja.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
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<\/a>, the Sunday flea market a few streets away, first. Metro: La Latina.<\/p>\nWhere to stay near Madrid’s main squares<\/h2>\n
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<\/a> breaks down each area, or compare all the hostels in Madrid<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> has the rest of the city covered.<\/p>\n Translating as the \u2018Gate of the Sun\u2019, Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid\u2019s 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\u2019s also home to Kilometre Zero<\/a>, the plaque on the pavement that marks the starting point of Spain\u2019s national roads. Metro: Sol.<\/p>\n Just off of Gran Via where Calle de Alcala meets Paseo del Prado you will find the site of one of Madrid\u2019s most iconic images \u2013 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\u2019s busiest traffic hubs. For the best view, head into the Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid\u2019s City Hall, and up to its rooftop viewpoint, Mirador Madrid<\/a>, which costs \u20ac4 (checked October 2026). It can close for bad weather, so check before you go. Metro: Banco de Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n Perhaps the fanciest of Madrid\u2019s plazas, this popular city square is enclosed by buildings with nine entrance archways. Finished in 1619, it\u2019s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and its centrepiece is a bronze statue of King Philip III on a horse. The tourist information centre<\/a> in the Casa de la Panader\u00eda is open every day from 10am to 8pm. From late November to 31 December 2026 the square hosts the Plaza Mayor Christmas market<\/a>, which is free to enter. Metro: Sol or \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n 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: \u00d3pera or Sol.<\/p>\n As you wander through Gran Via keep an eye out for another city plaza \u2013 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.<\/p>\n One of our favourite plazas in Madrid, Plaza Espa\u00f1a 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<\/a>, with far more trees and space to walk. It\u2019s 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 Espa\u00f1a.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Metro: Sol or Ant\u00f3n Mart\u00edn.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. 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: \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n 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: \u00d3pera.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, the Sunday flea market a few streets away, first. Metro: La Latina.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> breaks down each area, or compare all the hostels in Madrid<\/a>.<\/p>\n1. Puerta del Sol <\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n2. Plaza de Cibeles<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n3. Plaza Mayor<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n4. Plaza de la Villa<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n5. Plaza del Callao<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n6. Plaza de Espa\u00f1a<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n7. Plaza Santa Ana<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n8. Plaza de Oriente<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n9. Plaza de Ramales<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n10. Plaza de Paja<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nWhere to stay near Madrid’s main squares<\/h2>\n