VISIT THE PUERTA DEL SOL

An emblematic square
Located right in the centre of Madrid, Puerta del Sol is a vast pedestrian square surrounded by historic buildings, shops and cafés. It is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, as well as a national symbol thanks to its famous monuments.

Why visit?
Puerta del Sol is the ideal starting point for exploring Madrid. It is home to a number of must-see symbols:
- The Kilometre Zeromarking the origin of Spanish roads
- The statue of theBear and Arbutus (El Oso y el Madroño), the emblem of Madrid
- The Casa de Correosthe seat of the regional government, famous for its clock that strikes the 12 strokes of midnight on New Year's Eve

A brief history and anecdotes
The Puerta del Sol owes its name to an ancient gate in the walls of Madrid decorated with a sun. Anecdote: every 31 December, millions of Spaniards watch live as the clock in the Casa de Correos strikes midnight, eating one grape per stroke for good luck and prosperity.

What can you do there?
- Take a photo at the famous Kilometre Zero point
- Admire the Bear and the Tree, symbols of Madrid
- If possible, attend the New Year's Eve celebrations in the square
- Stroll along the adjacent shopping streets (Calle Mayor, Calle de Alcalá, Calle Preciados)
- Use the Puerta del Sol as a starting point for exploring the historic centre

Where is it?
📍 Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain
👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice
- Accessible by metro (Sol station, lines 1, 2 and 3)
- Very busy: visit early in the morning or in the evening
- Make sure you stop off to watch the constant bustle of the square
- Ideal to combine with the nearby Plaza Mayor

To discover around
- Plaza Mayor
- Calle de Preciados (shopping street)
- Monastery of the Déchaussées Royales
- Calle de Alcalá & Gran Vía

Audioguide
🎧 Listen to our immersive description of the Puerta del Sol on History Guide City Madrid !
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