Plaza Mayor, Madrid

If you want to relax and people watch from those of all nations, then his is the place to be. Or even if you want to see Spanish life in full motion, go here at night because the lights are on and street performers are out. Sip a chilled sangria or just meander around the plaza. The color is rich and the atmosphere is alive. This is a must if you go to or through Madrid.

You have to do this food market, it's an icon of Madrid, despite being overcrowded at times and expensive. It's a tourist trap that also attracts lots of Spanish (locals?), set in a beautiful building. The cakes counters are not my taste (100% sugar) but the savoury produces are superb, charcuterie, olives, seafood, cold and hot, great quality. I feel compelled to take my guests there, year after year, and will do until I leave Madrid. A must!

Historical spot - touristy today Having stayed a stone's throw away at the nearby Hotel Plaza Mayor we got to see a fair bit of the plaza itself. Today the perimeter is lined with restaurants, cafes and gift shops. Some of the restaurants' seating bleeds into the plaza proper. In fact that is part of the appeal; diners sitting outdoors in the evening, enjoying dinner and being entertained by street musicians. This venue is rich in history. To fully appreciate what you are seeing I recommend reading up a little about it before you visit - there is no shortage of information online or there is the wonderful Rick Steve's guidebook to Spain. The plaza is one of the stops on one of the Madrid walking tours outlined in his guidebook. Many sites of historical significance in Spain have been maintained as such; this is not one of them. Very commercialized. As a place to look around it should not take you more that 10-15 mins. If you are enjoying the atmosphere and you can always linger, soak in the sights and people-watch by dining at one of the many restaurants. Be wary - it can get pricey.

Very famous historical place. Very popular nowdays. That's the reason this place is always busy. There is always a lot of tourist with their cameras, flashes, group guides, etc. I was a bit surprised because there was a lot of homeless people sleeping in their boxes between plaza and other streets around it. Beautiful place, with seeing

A good place to stop and recharge in Madrid while you're looking around the city. There are several shops and cafes with great outdoor seating and relaxing views. I was able to stop here, slow down, and really enjoy the feel and culture of Madrid.