Near the center of Madrid, Sol is a lively hub for relaxed tapas bars, sidewalk cafes, and pedestrian shopping streets. It’s home to museums, theaters, and striking architecture along Gran Vía, as well as Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s lively main square, and the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, which has groceries, eateries, and wine bars, and comes alive at night.
Centro, Madrid, Spain Get directions
"Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid’s most iconic sites. The semi-circle plaza is dominated by the Casa de Correos, a baroque red-and-white building topped with a bell tower, and by two famous statues: “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree” and “The Equestrian Statue of Carlos III.” Being the main plaza of the city, it is a hub of activity for locals and visitors, with many hotels and plenty of shopping opportunities; in fact, the three most popular shopping streets in Madrid begin at Puerta del Sol: Preciados, Arenal, and del Carmen. The neighborhood is also home to several eye-catching pieces of neoclassical architecture, so be sure to interrupt your purchases to check out the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Royal Theatre." - MATADOR_NETWORK
