Plaza Mayor
A rectangular 17th-century square surrounded by three-story arcades. The painted façade of the Casa de la Panadería and fried calamari sandwiches are must-tries.
The Plaza Mayor was completed in 1619 under Philip III. It measures about 129 meters long and 94 meters wide and is surrounded by uniform three-story red buildings with 237 wrought-iron balconies and 9 arches. Throughout history, it hosted bullfights, religious trials, royal celebrations and executions. The north side’s Casa de la Panadería (House of the Bakery) has an exterior covered in allegorical murals, and it is the most photogenic angle. An equestrian statue of Philip III stands in the center of the square. Under the arcades, old shops sell hats and souvenirs, and the small bars nearby serve bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwiches), a signature Madrid snack. Terrace restaurants on the square are relatively expensive. From the southwest corner, go down the steps under the Cuchilleros Arch to reach Cava Baja, an old tavern street, and the Botín restaurant, which opened in 1725. A few steps west is the San Miguel Market. The square is open all day, about a 5-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, and is served by Sol or Ópera metro stations.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Chocolatería San Ginés
- Mercado de San Miguel
- Monastery of Las Descalzas Reales
- Puerta del Sol
- Gran Vía
- El Rastro Flea Market
- Almudena Cathedral
- Royal Palace of Madrid