Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor
4
About
Huge plaza packed with cafes, bars and tourists.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Sol
How to get there
- Ópera • 5 min walk
- Vodafone Sol • 5 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
9,173 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,502 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Margie DYork, Pennsylvania1,801 contributionsBeautiful plaza!Beautiful plaza, it's residential buildings are above cafes, restaurants and shops. The Casa de Panadería was once a main bakery and now Tourism office, with frescoes added in the 1900's. There are 9 entrances to the plaza. Early visit was a great time for pictures - by Noon it was filled with people.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 October 2023
- RjessMMMVancouver, Washington560 contributionsPeople watching plazaWonderful place to simply walk around and people watch. As with many central plazas in Europe it is rimmed with restaurants which tend to be more expensive and food that is not as great. You are really paying for the atmosphere. Would recommend walking the plaza, taking your picture and then find a place to eat that is away from the plaza. Lot of people selling misc items to the tourists so just be careful of your belongings. Enjoy.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- gliowstSingapore, Singapore55 contributionsPlaza Mayor (Madrid)The whole area not very huge but nice to walk about. The square itself was pretty to take photos but there were several restaurants where you could seat alfresco and admiring the square. The shops were mostly for tourists and selling repeated items, all at various range of prices for the same item.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 6 November 2023
- TorontoMusicman1,089 contributionsTackyAn architecturally nice looking plaza. Unfortunately it mainly caters to the tourists with tacky shops and overpriced restaurants. Many characters dressed in costumes and asking you to take a picture with them.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- RazorfishLittle Rock, Arkansas5,283 contributionsExpansive esplanade in the center of MadridMy wife and I walked through Plaza Mayor a few times during our trip to Madrid this past spring. It is a large square completely surrounded by buildings. It is popular with the tourists because of the cafes, bars and shops. You need to stop by Plaza Mayor at least once when you are in Madrid.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 November 2023
- TommoMelbourne, Australia56,725 contributionsMajor town square in MadridThe Plaza Mayor is a major town square in Madrid. It was first built in 1580–1619. It was remodelled in 1617. The Plaza has suffered 3 major fires in its history. There are ten entrances to choose. Its a lively square containing cafes, bars and restaurants.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 January 2024
- Stefanie HLincoln, Nebraska1,745 contributionsSo touristyYou should see the Plaza because it is the main square in Madrid; however, it is very touristy, and the restaurants around the perimeter should be avoided except for coffee. You can also find many characters there who will take a picture with you for tips. It's like Times Square without the lights!Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 January 2024
- Kayla T.Nashville, Tennessee5 contributionsMadrid’s historic heartbeat.Plaza Mayor, at the core of Madrid, is a charming square pulsating with history and energy. The uniform architecture and grandeur take you back to Spain’s Golden age. The lively atmosphere hosts diverse events and cultural celebrations, making it a dynamic hub. However be prepared for crowds and potential tourists traps in the surrounding eateries. Despite the occasional hustle, Plaza Mayor remains an essential visit for its historical allure and vibrant spirit.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2024
- GemsNIArmagh, United Kingdom662 contributionsStunning square with lots happeningBeautiful square with lovely architecture and lots going on. Great place to sit and people watch. Restaurants and bars around and down the streets just off the plaza. Just round the corner from the food market and lots of great places to eat.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 February 2024
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,556 contributionsSunday CollectiblesWe crisscrossed Plaza Mayor a few times as we wandered around Madrid. The plaza itself was huge and completely enclosed on all sides by apartments, which was an unusual feature. A large Christmas tree was still on display in January, a carryover from the annual Christmas Market. No matter the day of the week there always seemed to be a good number of people out and about or seated outside one of the many cafes and restaurants. Quite a different from the plaza’s history during the Spanish Inquisition. Sunday morning brought out a different crowd with sellers of coin, stamps and other types of collectible items. It was a nice change of scenery as we stopped to peruse at tables with unique items for sale.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
27,228 reviews
Excellent
12,049
Very good
10,088
Average
4,174
Poor
704
Terrible
213
Bruce G
Amherst, NH206 contributions
Nov 2019
Plaza Mayor is a lively and picturesque square that was once home to bull fights. Today it is surrounded by one large rectangular building. It has several ports at which to enter the plaza. The first floor is lined with restaurants and shops. The upper floors are either businesses or residents, but are not accessible, at least not that I could find. There is a huge statue in the middle. The plaza is used for things such as Christmas Markets and performances. While we were there in early November they were preparing for the Christmas Markets that would open later that month. It's beautiful and certainly a must see in Madrid. FYI, things open late in Spain. Some restaurants don't open until 1 pm for lunch. Most of the shops don't open until 11 am or later. Not to worry because nearby is Mercado San Miguel which opens early and maybe he best food hall I have ever visited.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco Duarte
Porto, Portugal1,492 contributions
Jul 2019
The Plaza Mayor of Madrid has been playing a social role that dates back to the Middle Ages, that is, an extraordinary space for social interaction. The "plaza mayor" comes from urban planning that combines living in society with beauty and magnificence. They are very similar and have themselves and in the various cities in which they were built. In essence, they are large open spaces in part and protected from sun and rain in another, with the construction of colonnades and balconies. The Plaza Mayor in Madrid is really big and it is the biggest of all. It was built by Philippe III in 1620 and in addition to fulfilling the role of increasing self-esteem and civic splendour, it is now a symbol of Madrid. Because it is essentially a large quadrilateral enclosed in its perimeter, it is a great stage over time for popular festivals, religious festivities, real events and military triumphs. People come together to talk, eat and drink in bars and cafes, as well as to enjoy open-air theatre, concerts and art exhibitions and book fairs. Most events in this square take place on weekends or festive seasons. In the centre of the square you can admire the statue of Philip III, a monarch far ahead of his time.
Written 27 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefania P
1 contribution
Aug 2020
My stay was simply amazing.
The hotel is in a great location and you can reach everything on foot.
The staff took great care of us and was super prepared regarding the healthy and safety procedures. Everybody was wearing the mask and hand sanitizer was always available.
The SPA is super new and we enjoyed a treatment there (highly recommended)
The style of the hotel is very edgy and for us the best part was the rooftop pool with a breathtaking view over the city.
We will certainly return there next time in town.
The hotel is in a great location and you can reach everything on foot.
The staff took great care of us and was super prepared regarding the healthy and safety procedures. Everybody was wearing the mask and hand sanitizer was always available.
The SPA is super new and we enjoyed a treatment there (highly recommended)
The style of the hotel is very edgy and for us the best part was the rooftop pool with a breathtaking view over the city.
We will certainly return there next time in town.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Borton World Traveler
New York City, New York1,064 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Come here to be part of this open square. People gathering around this plaza to sun bathe, people watch or to eat at nice expensive cafe restaurants. There is a tourist information center here for your questions. Lots of panhandling for your euros from “free gifts” to take a photo with costume performers. Come here and enjoy the scene
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly M
Bainbridge Island, WA242 contributions
Feb 2020
This plaza is enclosed by buildings on all four sides, most of which have interesting architecture as well as a bronze statue in the center. What is not pleasing about this plaza is the number of people dressed in character costumes trying to have a photo taken with you in exchange for a gratuity. I understand people need to make a living, just wish it was a culturally aligned means of doing so.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,831 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Early December 2019.
One of the prettiest open spaces in Spain. A gorgeous combination of imposing architecture, historical tales and vibrant street life. Grand arcaded building’s surrounding it on all four sides. Hundreds of locals and visitors milking about. There’s always something going on , whether it’s an impromptu street performance or the holiday Christmas market.
One of the prettiest open spaces in Spain. A gorgeous combination of imposing architecture, historical tales and vibrant street life. Grand arcaded building’s surrounding it on all four sides. Hundreds of locals and visitors milking about. There’s always something going on , whether it’s an impromptu street performance or the holiday Christmas market.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAMIAN McG
Southport, UK5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lots of restaurant in the square al provided standard fare. For the centre of a capital city centre prices were good.
Too many street hawkers..beggars
Some great calamari rolls at 6€..from many seller
Too many street hawkers..beggars
Some great calamari rolls at 6€..from many seller
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zabeth-fl
Orlando, FL112 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
My teenage son was very impressed in general with Madrid architecture and this building was one of his favorites. We had lunch and dinner there several times during our stay , prices are higher than other more authentic places and the menu it’s kind of repetitive across all restaurants but overall we have a great experience. The only downside is the beggars and the people trying to sell you random stuff inside the restaurant premises, it’s just weird and ruin the overall experience of the restaurant but you just have to ignore them and say a hard NO .
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angelmusicmaven
New York City, NY254 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
Generally best viewed if you sign up for one of the free walking tours so you can hear about the surrounding structures. Otherwise, it is basically the place you'll see the street performers and the city's homeless. The Christmas market is not any good compared to other european and even American cities. Go through on your way to somewhere else.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlom13
Melbourne, Australia82 contributions
Aug 2019
Plaza Mayor is a location you have to see when you visit Madrid. The sights and shops around there have some good souveniers, but I suggest you avoid eating here if you are after authentic Spanish tapas (as these dont have that)..
Grab a drink at one of the places in Plaza Mayor (be prepared to pay 2x or 3x times higher) and sit back and enjoy the experience.
Grab a drink at one of the places in Plaza Mayor (be prepared to pay 2x or 3x times higher) and sit back and enjoy the experience.
Written 22 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Correction to the tittle of my review on “Plaza Mayor.” The plaza I described in my review is actually the PLAZA DEL SOL. My apologies for any confusion. It was my first trip to Madrid, Spain.
Written 24 September 2018
Hope you enjoy it
They are very close any way
Plaza Mayor is the square one with no transit
Sol is the center of Madrid and subway station is Sol
Written 25 September 2018
Thanks for your insight to the Plaza. Can you recommend anywhere to stay close to the Plaza Mayor maybe off the side streets. Or is there another neighborhood that would be accessible to cafes, restaurants, museums, etc. Any input will be aprecaited. Thank you!
Written 9 April 2018
Where to stay is a tough question. There's such a variety of accommodation in all the European cities. Your best bet is to use one of the sites that shows prices and locations on a map, put in your criteria, and see what comes up. We stayed at a chain hotel a bit of a distance from Plaza Mayor, but, really, Madrid is so easy with great public transit and so walkable, you may want to change your plans to stay close to any specific attraction.
Written 9 April 2018
Yvette M
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Hi! Family Christmas vacation in Madrid and we have never been. Will be staying for 10 days and would like suggestions where to spend Christmas night? We arrive @ 9am.
Written 27 October 2017
You might want to consider the Hotel Claridge 4*. It is a bit closer to the Prado and St. Jeranimos. All said, there a lots of churches and taxis are clean, plentiful and in expensive so you might also consider Hotel Europa which is more centrally located.
Written 2 November 2017
alulrichs
Richmond, Virginia
I'm bringing my family (3 teenagers with parents) to Madrid for Christmas. We have never been to Spain before and will be staying 8 nights. Would you recommend this location (Plaza Mayor) for the Holidays or can you recommend another?
Written 5 September 2017
Plaza Major is a square where you can eat/drink at various different bars/restaurants right in the middle of Madrid. There's so much to do near here I would definitely include it on any Madrid list
Written 9 September 2017
Alguien sabe si todavía hay show de luces en la Plaza mayor? Y a qué hora es
Written 20 July 2017
no puedo decirte pues estuve de mañana, pero me han dicho que por la noche era incluso más bonita con lo cual puede ser que si. un saludo
Written 21 July 2017
Gustavo, obrigada pela dica da praça, mais algumas ? Estou indo pela primeira vez em abril com meu marido e vamos passar 5 dias.
obrigada
Written 18 February 2017
Olá Simone, moro em Sevilla e fui a Madrid umas 5 vezes, acho que 5 dias é muito para conhecer: você pode pegar 1 dia e ir para Segovia e outro pra Toledo. Em Madri não deixe de ir ao Museu do Prado, no Palácio de Cristal: no parque do Retiro, os Jardins do Palácio, comer uns tapas no Mercado e ver o por do Sol no Templo de Debod, pronto, já conheceu Madri. Boa viagem...Espanha é linda e se tiver mais dias disponíveis venha a Sevilla vai se surpreender.
Written 18 February 2017
Looking to stay in Plaza Mayor, Madrid for 5 nights in August.
Want to stay near good food, culture, and attractions.
Is Plaza Mayor the place to stay for a short time?
Lois
Written 4 April 2016
A lovely square, can't comment on the prices. Walking distance to most places.
Food will not be a problem, the metro is cheap and easy to use. Be aware of pick pocks the locals where there rucksacks to the front. Madrid is like a maze, pick up a business card at your hotel. So you can direct a taxi, ask for the price first. Madrid is a great place and you will have fun. Safe journey James
Written 4 April 2016
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