Wonderful square that seems to be the starting point to explore the area. Many places to shop and eat. We used it. As the starting point of the walking tour that Rick Steves has put together online. Fairly crowded for November but still a joy to take your time and simply walk around. Enjoy.

Came to Puerta del Sol for New Year's eve (both in the day and night time). Daytime it was crowded, but not generally bad. Night time, it was more crowded than expected to the point the crowd was controlled. Once the clock struck midnight, the fireworks came. Certainly nice to see, but not as big or vast as what you'd see in a waterfront. If your intention is to see the fireworks, come early before the crowds come and the station exits are closed

Since our hotel was just off of Puerta Del Sol we got to see and experience it at all hours of the day. Based on the crowds, it was the central heart of Madrid. Both locals and tourists gathered in large numbers to hang out, eat or drink, sightsee, shop (El Cortes Inglés was our favorite) and catch the metro or train. We even got to watch a band marching led by a banner printed with Rosario. Popular attractions were the Tio Pepe sign (at night), Kilometer zero marker, and the standing bear statue, and Oso y Madrono (touch the bear’s feet for luck). The statue of King Charles III stood in the center of a fountain, in recognition for the many that were built throughout Madrid during his reign. The weekends seemed to never end as people were wandering around and making lots of noise until the early morning hours. A caveat for those staying in hotels around Sol like us. Don’t miss visiting Sol.

A lively pedestrian-packed plaza in the heart of Madrid. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby including the large department store, El Corte Ingles. The iconic “Tio Pepe” sherry sign that’s dominated the Puerto del Sol for a long time is still there. It’s a short walk to the Plaza Mayor from here, also another major historic plaza of Madrid.

The Plaza is one of the busiest and most central gateways to the city of Madrid. Literally, Puerta del Sol faces the east where the sun rises and bathes under the sun all day. The massive square connects to all roads to Madrid, and is surrounded by many stores and landmarks. No tourist will miss it~ the location is where all roads begin, from 0 kilometer. You can hang out anytime, sadly no benches, the square is familiarly similar to NY Times Square where the midnight crowd’s still partying ’till dawn.

The Puerta del Sol is the center of the Iberian Peninsula. The Puerta del Sol is a famous plaza home to the iconic Kilometro Zero, the bear and strawberry tree statue, and the statue of Carlos III among other things. There are many shops in the Puerta del Sol as it is in the shopping district of Madrid. I highly recommend stopping by this iconic plaza.

Puerta del Sol means Sun's Gate. This popular square in right in the center of Madrid. It is the main hub of all transport. It is very popular with tourists and locals. The party atmosphere at this place goes on till early morning. Weekday or weekends does not make any difference over here. It is always crowded. One can come directly here from airport via metro. The major landmarks located here are Old Post Office, President Palace, Statue of Bear and Strawberry Tree, Kilometer Zero and Charles 111 Statue in the middle of fountain. No trip to Madrid is completed without visiting this amazing square. The vehicles are not allowed in this circle.