Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s center and Spain’s starting off point

The capital’s center has a new look

The new Puerta del Sol is debuting its renovation, offering a space that is even more organized, balanced and pedestrianized for the enjoyment of locals and the millions of tourists that visit the Kilometer Zero stone slab in Madrid, which marks the starting point of Spain’s national road network and the city’s symbolic center. The renovation project has granted a greater relevance to the square’s three main symbolic parts: the equestrian statue of Carlos III, the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, and the Mariblanca statue. It is an improved and attractive space for any passerby that approaches this iconic square.

The origin of this popular square in Madrid

The square’s history starts with a small gate in an old medieval wall located in this area, which featured a sun as a decorative element. It was located outside the city but, slowly, as the city grew, it became its center. This narrow space, which started out of the convergence of several streets, was enlarged through a renovation in the mid-nineteenth century. Even though it is remodelled every few years, it still maintains its identity of a meeting place, always full of life.

Casa de Correos and the Kilometer Zero

Right in the middle of the Puerta del Sol is the equestrian statue of King Carlos III, which faces the beautiful 18th century post office building called the Casa de Correos. It is currently the headquarters of the Community of Madrid. Opposite on the pavement lies a stone slab marking Kilometer Zero - this is where Spain's six National Roads begin. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, tapas bars, patio restaurants, and shops selling traditional Spanish merchandise. It's great for some exotic souvenir shopping.

The Twelve Grapes and Madrid's Own Bear

On December 31st at midnight, the square is packed with locals, who come from all across the city to participate in the customary Twelve Grapes ritual. On the strokes of midnight, each member of the crowd eats a grape each time the bell sounds. Twelve gongs, twelve grapes! The change of year from old to new is broadcast live to millions from here. 

The Puerta del Sol is also home to a 20-ton statue of a bear eating fruits off a strawberry tree. He is officially known as 'El Oso y El Madroño' (Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree). While legends abound regarding the origins of the bear, sculptor Antonio Navarro Santa Fe had no idea he was sculpting Madrid's future mascot, who would appear on t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia several decades later.

Around Puerta del Sol: the essential spots

There are many different sights to see near Puerta del Sol in Madrid. When you start exploring from here, the capital city’s true center, you’ll be able to reach can’t-miss streets like Calle Mayor, which is home to some stores that are over a hundred years old; the large and majestic Plaza Mayor, always full of life; Arenal street, which leads to Plaza de Ópera, and is just one step away from the Royal Palace of Madrid. There are also the different streets that lead to Gran Vía, like Montera or Carmen, where, among the crowds of people walking by, one can often find street musicians or artists. 

Stores, restaurants, churches filled with secrets and an outstanding museum, the Real Academia Bellas Artes de San Fernando, are all waiting for you in this unique square.

Nightlife

The area surrounding the Puerta del Sol is home to a good number of spots where to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife. We can highlight Café Berlín (c/ Costanilla de los Ángeles, 20) with its live jazz offer and La Fontana de Oro (c/ Victoria 1), which has Irish music. Flamenco enthusiasts will be happy to visit Cardamomo on Echegaray street and the historic Villa Rosa, which has been renamed to Tablao Flamenco 1911 (Plaza de Santa Ana, 15).

Getting Around

This square is perfectly connected with the rest of Madrid. To get here, take lines 1, 2, and 3 on the metro, and alight at Sol station. Lines 3, 50 and 51 of the bus will also get you there. The cercanías train has two lines that stop at Sol: C-3 and C-4. 

Sights like Plaza Mayor, Arenal Street, Calle Mayor, and of course, the classic El Corte Inglés department store are all a short walk away. A crop of hotels in the vicinity allows travelers to stay in the heart of the action. The plaza is a great place to watch locals and travelers blend in a fascinating mix. Come visit it!

Author:  María Martín Alcalá

Guest Relations at NH Collection Gran Vía

I love working as a Guest Relations because my job is to make people happy. Doing it in the city where I was born and being able to transmit my passion and love for it at the NH Collection Gran Vía, located in one of the busiest streets in Spain, makes it even more special. I feel grateful to be able to learn every day about other cultures, to be able to enrich each other and share knowledge and ways of life. Knowing the tastes and preferences of our guests gives me the opportunity to touch hearts and make their stay unforgettable in the heart of Madrid, so remarkable for its history, gastronomy and beauty, where everyone is welcome and there is always something to do, discover and enjoy. This role helps me to constantly reinvent myself and develop my creative skills to make our guests experience what it is like to really feel the famous Madrilenian saying: De Madrid al cielo.