Once the beating heart of the city’s cultural life, Plaza Mayor has played host to bullfights, markets, symphonies, tournaments, and even executions. Originally built outside the city walls, the square is now ringed with trendy shops, restaurants, and alfresco cafes, ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and watching the buzzing street life. The enormous square, which at its center features an iconic equestrian statue of King Phillip III, is easily accessible by one of many walkways connected to the surrounding pedestrian streets. At its northern end, the square is enclosed by a two-towered municipal building, housing an informative visitor center where you can pick up maps of the city and arrange for sightseeing tours in and around the historic district. Plan to visit Plaza Mayor and other customer-reviewed, writer-recommended Madrid attractions using our Madrid trip itinerary builder.
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Reviews
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Wen466
Plaza Mayor is a mixture of history, entertainment, shopping, food and drink choices. It's great for people watching and chilling. more »
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adrian b
in the centre of Spain a stunning square that is always busy with lots close by - the San Miguel market is 1 minute away ( a must see ) and loads of other bars and restaurants great place for photos more »
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Mark D
This plaza used to be the center of Habsburg Madrid and build in XVII century. Usually very busy on Saturday and Sunday. more »
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Roberto Cano
Nice buildings and restaurants. Great terraces to take something White watching People walking.. ornamented Wallis. It worth a visit.
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Jeanne Burns
A very busy place. With a great buzzy vibe. Lots of people enjoying the entertainment by the locals. Many restaurants and shops. Tapas bars everywhere, coaxing u to eat at their restaurant. A great place.
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Carol Wright
This had a much better atmosphere at night than it did during the day. I was expecting a grand square bustling with shops, trade and restaurants. It was OK but nothing amazing.
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Frank Ruiz
A grand plaza for sure. If and when it is not hot, it's a great place to sit and do some people watch. There are street performers and tourist and locals alike. The plaza is surrounded by restaurants that mostly cater to tourist but that's alright, it's still nice to sit there for a little bit.
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Barkin atalay
The plaza includes average restaurants with high prices and bad service (basically what you would expect in any other European plaza). But you can still sit for a coffee or a drink. The peripheral area of the plaza actually includes some nice shops and cafes. But the place has its own vibe, which is nice in some ways.
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Where to stay in Madrid
The Spanish capital is known for its array of distinct neighborhoods each with its own appeal. An affordable and easy-to-navigate metro system, which makes it is easy to get around Madrid gives you more flexibility in choosing where to stay. Perhaps the most popular choice is Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city center and one of the main tourist attractions with its numerous shops, affordable hotels, and restaurants. Close by is Gran Via street, one of the city's main arteries, which is also home to a number of hotels. A short walk from here is Plaza España where the city's most iconic landmarks lie, including the Royal Palace and the Teatro Royal. For somthing outside the traditional tourist areas, consider staying in La Latina or Malasaña, two bohemian neighborhoods that offer a wide range of eclectic shops, quaint cafes, and lively bars.
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