Puerta del Sol is a vibrant and central neighborhood in Madrid that offers plenty of things to see and do for tourists. The clock tower is an iconic landmark in the center of Puerta del Sol, and it marks the official center of Spain. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the neighborhood, and it’s a popular spot for taking photos.
Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol is the Plaza Mayor, another iconic square in Madrid. The Plaza Mayor is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and is a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.
Puerta del Sol is also a great place for shopping. It’s home to some of the best shopping in Madrid, with options ranging from high-end boutiques to souvenir shops.
If you’re interested in history and architecture, be sure to visit the Royal Palace. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Puerta del Sol, and it’s one of the most impressive and well-preserved royal palaces in Europe. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Finally, there are several great museums in the Puerta del Sol area. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Prado Museum are all located nearby and offer a wide range of exhibits and collections to explore.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay in Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Things to do in Puerto del sol, Madrid
- Puerta del Sol itinerary
- Where and what to buy in Puerto del Sol?
- How do I get to Puerta del Sol from the airport or other parts of Madrid?
- Is Puerta del Sol safe?
- Nightlife in Puerta del Sol?
- What are some popular food and drink options in Puerta del Sol?
- Places of Interest in Puerta del Sol
- Where do locals go in Puerta del Sol
- Puerta del Sol neighborhood in art and film
Where to Stay in Puerta del Sol, Madrid
Here are some options for budget, moderate, and luxury hotels in Puerta del Sol:
Budget Hotels:
- Hostal Persal – This affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great location in Puerta del Sol. It’s a short walk from the Plaza Mayor and other top attractions in the area. Book here
- THC Gran Via Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel is located in the heart of Madrid, just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol. It features shared dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms with en suite bathrooms. Book here
Moderate Price Hotels:
- Hotel Europa – This mid-range hotel is located in a beautiful historic building just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol. It features spacious and elegant rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. Book here
- Hotel Meninas – This stylish hotel is located in a renovated 19th-century building in the heart of Puerta del Sol. It features comfortable and modern rooms, a fitness center, and a beautiful rooftop terrace. Book here
Luxury Hotels:
- Hotel Petit Palace Puerta del Sol – This modern hotel is located just a few steps from the Puerta del Sol square and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It’s also within walking distance of several museums and other top attractions. Book here
- Emperador – This luxurious hotel is located within walking distance of many top attractions in Puerta del Sol. It features a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a spa, as well as stunning views of the city. Book here
Things to do in Puerto del sol, Madrid
Here are some things to do in the Puerta del Sol neighborhood of Madrid:
- Visit the Puerta del Sol square – This historic square is home to the iconic clock tower and is considered the official center of Spain. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the neighborhood. Learn more
- Explore the Plaza Mayor – This beautiful square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great place to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s located just a short walk from Puerta del Sol. Learn more:
- Go shopping – Puerta del Sol is home to some of the best shopping in Madrid, with options ranging from high-end boutiques to souvenir shops. Calle Preciados and Gran Vía are both popular shopping streets in the area.
- Visit the Royal Palace – This impressive royal palace is just a 15-minute walk from Puerta del Sol and is one of the most well-preserved palaces in Europe. It’s definitely worth a visit. Learn more
- Explore museums – The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Prado Museum are all located nearby and offer a wide range of exhibits and collections to explore.
- Enjoy the nightlife – Puerta del Sol is a popular spot for nightlife in Madrid, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.
- Attend a performance at the Teatro Real – This historic opera house is located just a few minutes’ walk from Puerta del Sol and is considered one of the best in the world. Learn more
Puerta del Sol itinerary
Here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant area:
Morning:
- Start your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry at one of the many cafes in the area.
- Visit the famous Puerta del Sol square and take a photo with the iconic clock tower.
- Browse the shops on Calle del Arenal and Calle Preciados, two of the main shopping streets in Madrid.
- Visit the nearby San Miguel Market, a historic covered market that offers a wide range of fresh food and drinks.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at Casa Labra, a traditional restaurant that serves classic Spanish dishes.
- Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and take a guided tour.
- Explore the nearby Plaza Mayor, a beautiful square that is home to several restaurants and shops.
- Visit the Almudena Cathedral, a stunning neo-Gothic church that is located near the Royal Palace.
Evening:
- Relax with a cup of chocolate and churros at Chocolateria San Gines, a historic cafe that has been serving this traditional Spanish treat since 1894.
- Have a drink and tapas at Cerveceria Alemana, a traditional beer hall that has been popular with locals and tourists since 1904.
- Take a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the lively atmosphere and street performances.
- End your day by watching the sunset from the rooftop terrace of the Circulo de Bellas Artes, a cultural center that offers stunning views of the city.
Where and what to buy in Puerto del Sol?
Puerta del Sol is a popular shopping destination in Madrid, offering a wide range of shops and stores selling everything from fashion and accessories to souvenirs and traditional Spanish products.
There are many souvenir shops in Puerta del Sol selling traditional Spanish items like fans, flamenco dresses, and bullfighting paraphernalia. One popular shop is Casa de Diego, which sells a range of flamenco dresses and accessories.
Puerta del Sol is also home to several jewelry and accessory shops, selling everything from traditional Spanish jewelry to contemporary designs. Tous is a popular jewelry store in Puerta del Sol, offering a wide range of pieces for men, women, and children.
For clothing and fashion, many of the world’s top fashion brands have stores in the area, including Zara, Mango, and H&M. El Corte Inglés is also a popular department store that offers a wide range of clothing and fashion items.
Gourmet food and wine shops are also abundant in Puerta del Sol, selling everything from Spanish ham to wine and olive oil. One popular shop is La Duquesita, which has been around since 1914 and is known for its delicious pastries and cakes.
Puerta del Sol is home to several book and music stores as well, selling everything from classic Spanish literature to contemporary music. One popular store is Casa del Libro, which offers a wide range of books in Spanish and other languages.
Here are some more links to recommended stores for shopping in Puerta del Sol:
Desigual: https://www.desigual.com/en_US/
How do I get to Puerta del Sol from the airport or other parts of Madrid?
Puerta del Sol is located in the heart of Madrid, so it’s easy to get to by public transportation. Here are some options:
- Metro: The Sol metro station is located right in Puerta del Sol and is served by lines 1, 2, and 3.
- Bus: Many bus lines stop near Puerta del Sol, including lines 3, 5, 15, 20, 51, and 52.
- Cercanías: The Sol train station is located nearby and is served by Cercanías lines C3 and C4.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Madrid and can be hailed on the street or reserved in advance.
Additionally, if you’re flying into Madrid, you can take the metro or train directly from the airport to Puerta del Sol:
- Metro: Line 8 (pink line) of the metro connects the airport (Terminals 2 and 4) to the city center, including a transfer to Line 1 at Nuevos Ministerios station, which goes to Sol. https://www.metromadrid.es/
- Train: The Cercanías train also connects the airport (Terminal 4) to the city center, including a stop at Sol. https://www.renfe.com/
Is Puerta del Sol safe?
Puerta del Sol is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists and locals alike. However, as with any urban area, visitors should take normal safety precautions, such as staying aware of their surroundings, avoiding dark or deserted areas at night, and keeping valuables secure.
Nightlife in Puerta del Sol?
Puerta del Sol is a popular destination for nightlife in Madrid, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular spots to check out include:
- Kapital: One of the largest nightclubs in Madrid, Kapital has seven floors of music and dance floors to explore.
- Joy Eslava: Located in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, Joy Eslava is a popular club with a variety of music and events.
- El Son: A lively bar with a great atmosphere and live music.
- Museo Chicote: This historic bar has been serving cocktails since 1931 and has hosted many famous guests over the years.
- Casa Mono: A small, quirky bar with a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
- La Venencia: A historic sherry bar with a great atmosphere and a long list of sherries to try.
- Ojalá: A trendy bar with a relaxed atmosphere, serving cocktails and Mediterranean-style food.
- Bar Cock: Another historic bar, Bar Cock is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, with a cozy atmosphere and great drinks.
- Serrano 41: A stylish rooftop bar with great views of the city.
What are some popular food and drink options in Puerta del Sol?
Puerta del Sol is home to many great restaurants and bars, serving a wide range of Spanish and international cuisine. Some popular food and drink options to try in the neighborhood include:
- Tapas: Spain is known for its delicious tapas, small plates of food that are perfect for sharing. Some great places to try tapas in Puerta del Sol include La Trucha, La Casa del Abuelo, and Casa Labra.
- Cocido: Cocido is a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and chickpeas. It is a traditional dish in Madrid, and some popular places to try it in Puerta del Sol include La Bola and Malacatín.
- Churros con chocolate: This classic Spanish treat consists of fried dough pastry dipped in thick chocolate. Some popular places to try churros con chocolate in the neighborhood include Chocolatería San Ginés and Valor.
- Wine: Spain is known for its excellent wines, and there are many great places to enjoy a glass in Puerta del Sol. Some popular wine bars include Vinoteca Tierra, El Sur, and Taberna La Concha.
- Cocktails: There are also many great cocktail bars in the neighborhood, serving a variety of drinks. Some popular spots include 1862 Dry Bar, Del Diego, and Macera Taller Bar.
Places of Interest in Puerta del Sol
The clock tower
The clock tower in Puerta del Sol is a historic landmark that dates back to the late 18th century. The tower was originally built as part of a project to remodel the Puerta del Sol plaza, which was a major hub of activity in Madrid.
Construction on the clock tower began in 1787 and was completed in 1866, due to various delays and interruptions over the years. The tower was designed by architect José de Hermosilla, who also oversaw the construction of other buildings in the plaza, including the Real Casa de Correos (Royal Post Office), which faces the clock tower.
The clock itself was designed by clockmaker José Rodríguez, who was also responsible for the clocks in the Royal Palace and other important buildings in Madrid. The clock tower features four clock faces, each measuring over 7 meters in diameter, which are visible from different parts of the plaza and surrounding streets.
Over the years, the clock tower has played an important role in Madrid’s history and culture. It has been the site of many celebrations and events, including the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown, where thousands of people gather in the plaza to ring in the new year.
The clock tower has also been the site of significant historical events. In 1808, during the Spanish War of Independence, French troops took over the tower and raised their flag, which was seen as a symbol of oppression by the Spanish people. This event is now known as the “El Motín de Aranjuez” (The Aranjuez Mutiny).
Today, the clock tower remains one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in Madrid, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is a historic and iconic square located in the heart of Madrid. The square boasts stunning Spanish Baroque architecture, with three-story residential buildings with balconies and arcades lining the square. The Plaza Mayor has a fascinating history, dating back to its origins as a market square in the 15th century. Over the years, it has been used for a wide range of purposes, from bullfights and public executions to cultural events and festivals.
The Plaza Mayor is home to several notable landmarks, including the Casa de la Panadería, which was once a bakery and now serves as a cultural center. The plaza also features a number of traditional shops and restaurants, selling everything from souvenirs to local delicacies. Throughout the year, the Plaza Mayor hosts a range of cultural events and festivals, making it a hub of activity. The plaza is easily accessible by public transportation, with the closest metro stations being Sol and Opera, which are served by several lines. The Plaza Mayor is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Madrid, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern-day culture.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Madrid, also known as the Palacio Real de Madrid in Spanish, is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. It is located in the heart of Madrid, the capital city of Spain, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The palace was originally built in the 16th century as a fortress, but it was later converted into a royal palace by King Philip V in the 18th century. It has since undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most recent one taking place in the 20th century.
The palace has over 3,000 rooms, making it one of the largest palaces in Europe. Some of the most notable rooms include the Throne Room, the Hall of Alabarderos, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Armory.
The palace is also home to an impressive collection of artwork, including works by famous artists such as Goya, Velazquez, and Caravaggio. Visitors can explore the palace and its various rooms and exhibits, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of this historic building.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the Royal Palace of Madrid is also used for official state events and ceremonies. It is open to the public for most of the year, except when it is being used for these official events.
Where do locals go in Puerta del Sol
While Puerta del Sol is a popular tourist destination in Madrid, it is also a popular gathering spot for locals. Here are some places that locals may frequent in Puerta del Sol:
- Casa Labra: This historic tavern is known for its delicious cod croquettes and vermouth. It’s been a local favorite since it opened in 1860.
- Chocolateria San Gines: This iconic chocolate shop has been serving up their famous churros and hot chocolate for over 100 years. It’s a popular spot for locals to satisfy their sweet tooth.
- Mercado de San Miguel: Located just a few steps away from Puerta del Sol, this market is a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink. It’s known for its wide variety of tapas and local cuisine.
- Cerveceria Alemana: This classic German-style bar has been a favorite of locals for over 100 years. It’s a great place to grab a beer and some traditional German sausages.
- El Corte Ingles: This popular department store is located right in Puerta del Sol and is a great spot for locals to do some shopping or grab a coffee at their cafe on the top floor with a great view of the square.
- Taberna La Daniela: This traditional Spanish tavern is located just a few steps from the square and is known for its delicious cocido, a traditional Madrid stew.
- El Brillante: This historic bar is famous for its calamari sandwiches, which are a popular snack in Madrid. Locals often stop here for a quick bite to eat or a drink.
- Cine Ideal: This historic cinema has been in operation since 1916 and is a popular spot for locals to catch a movie. It’s known for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and comfortable seating.
- Museo del Jamon: This deli is a great place to grab some traditional Spanish cured meats and other snacks. It’s also a popular spot for a quick breakfast or lunch.
- Teatro Espanol: This theater is one of the oldest in Madrid and is known for its high-quality productions. Locals often come here to catch a play or other performance.
Puerta del Sol neighborhood in art and film
The Puerta del Sol neighborhood in Madrid has been featured in many works of art and film. Here are some examples:
- “Madrid” by Francisco de Goya – This famous painting depicts the Puerta del Sol as it appeared in the late 18th century.
- “Madrid, Puerta del Sol” by Pablo Picasso – This painting is a colorful representation of the Puerta del Sol, with its iconic clock tower prominently featured.
- “The Solitude of Prime Numbers” by Paolo Giordano – This novel, which was later adapted into a film, tells the story of two individuals who meet in the Puerta del Sol and form an unlikely friendship.
- “The Bourne Ultimatum” – This action film features a chase scene through the streets of Madrid, including a sequence that takes place in the Puerta del Sol.
- “The Night Manager” – This television series features a scene that takes place in the Puerta del Sol, where the main character played by Tom Hiddleston meets with a contact.
