Plaza Mayor, Madrid: Address, Plaza Mayor Reviews: 4/5
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor
4
About
Huge plaza packed with cafes, bars and tourists.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Plaza Mayor
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Sol
How to get there
- Ópera • 5 min walk
- Vodafone Sol • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,257 within 3 miles

Ástor
1,604
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • European

El Ponientazo
99
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Spanish

Steakburger Arenal
1,065
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Barbecue

Restaurante Algarabía
1,198
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Healthy

Taberna 4 Tapas
76
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish

Restaurante DCorazon
2,824
198 ft$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • European

El miniBAR
2,383
0.1 mi$ • Bar • Mediterranean • European

Rosi La Loca
7,240
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Spanish • Contemporary

Metro Bistró - Plaza Mayor
1,802
366 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish

Arbonaida Bar
150
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
Attractions
1,045 within 6 miles

El Fadrí
2
0 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Mercado de Monedas y Sellos
43
37 ftFlea & Street Markets

Centro de Turismo Plaza Mayor
35
76 ftVisitor Centers

Casa de la Panaderia
235
98 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Museum of Mesonero Romanos
1
98 ftSpeciality Museums

Casa de la Carniceria
20
123 ftArchitectural Buildings

Calle Del 7 De Julio
6
194 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Mercado San Miguel
15,177
444 ftFlea & Street Markets

Calle Mayor
236
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Felipe III Statue
140
240 ftMonuments & Statues
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
26,744 reviews
Excellent
11,823
Very good
9,914
Average
4,103
Poor
695
Terrible
209
Fermin P
51 contributions
May 2019
This is the main square or plaza of Madrid, you can find some restaurants to have dinner or lunch, or I recommend to go for tapas to the Torre del Oro bar, is by the north-west corner of the square. You'll appreciate the bullfighting culture of Spain, and see lots of instances when the bull has been victorious...
In the plaza you can also see soccer fans gathering before a game, or street performers... grab a chair at a restaurant and enjoy people watching in the afternoon.
In the plaza you can also see soccer fans gathering before a game, or street performers... grab a chair at a restaurant and enjoy people watching in the afternoon.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David I
Madrid, Spain4 contributions
Dec 2019
More than 4 centuries of history are crammed into what is without question a harmonious must-see on any visit to Madrid. A good finishing (or starting) point for a wander round the classic Austrias (old city) district, you can relax at one of the terrace bars that spill over the cobbled centre, or wander around the arcades which sometimes play host to collectors' markets. There's even a tourist office smack in the square to check out what's on that week & get the gory details on a plaza once used for bull fighting & for burnings of heretics! Don't miss heading down the steps at the western end, thru the Arco de Cuchilleros, & then doubling back up the Cava de San Miguel street at the rear of the Plaza. On the left is the usually packed market of San Miguel (& its generally good but pricey tapas haunts). But on the Plaza side you will find various cellar bars (known as cuevas- caves) built into the lower floors, specializing in different tapas and frequently playing host to impromptu flamenco & guitar sessions.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew B
Madrid, Spain31 contributions
Jun 2019
Plaza Mayor is a lovely square in the heart of Madrid. Around the periphery are an abundance of restaurants offering typical food of the region. The choice is wide and the waiters are super keen to get you into their restaurant, but don’t feel pressured.
As with many Spanish locations, the area doesn’t really come to life until later in the evening. However it’s a great place to stop and have a drink and tapas and people watch before you head elsewhere for your actual dinner.
Be sure if you order a tapas sized portion, that’s what they bring you. We got caught as they served an actual portion (ración) and we were obviously charged accordingly. This also limited how many dishes we could try as we were too full!
If you’re here around lunchtime, try the little café on the corner closest to Calle Atocha, they have fantastic calamari rolls!!
As with many Spanish locations, the area doesn’t really come to life until later in the evening. However it’s a great place to stop and have a drink and tapas and people watch before you head elsewhere for your actual dinner.
Be sure if you order a tapas sized portion, that’s what they bring you. We got caught as they served an actual portion (ración) and we were obviously charged accordingly. This also limited how many dishes we could try as we were too full!
If you’re here around lunchtime, try the little café on the corner closest to Calle Atocha, they have fantastic calamari rolls!!
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jbv91
San Jose, CA331 contributions
Nov 2021
It is a beautiful square with restaurants and nice to visit when it's bright out. However, when I came here at night on a weekday (~10pm), none of the restaurants looked like they was open. I'm not sure if it's because of COVID hours, but I was hoping to see Christmas decorations and more people out enjoying the night in this square, but maybe it was too early when I visited during mid-November.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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 August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emily A
Madrid, Spain268 contributions
Jun 2021
Plaza Mayor might seem like a regular central plaza when you are standing in it, but I suggest walking around it on all sides and going to the information center in the north inside. Context of history will add extra sparkle to a place where everything from public hangings to military exhibitions to concerts occured over the ages. It is therefore rich in history and still intriguing. At Christmas the market is one of the best in Madrid, not to mention the lights! (Do be aware or wary of scams at peak tourist hours and season.) Best food can be found on the north, south, and east ends of the square.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dan C
Chicago, IL71 contributions
Mar 2022
The plaza mayor is an enormous internal Plaza surrounded by places to eat and low rise apartment buildings. The entire environment lends itself to socializing, centered around food.
Yes, it’s now probably more of a tourist attraction than a gathering point for Spaniards, it’s still very enjoyable.
Yes, it’s now probably more of a tourist attraction than a gathering point for Spaniards, it’s still very enjoyable.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Francisco Duarte
Porto, Portugal1,460 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 March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bruce G
Amherst, NH184 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 January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ionut-Brasov
Brasov, Romania36 contributions
Dec 2021
Encircled by somptuos buildings, with their predominant red colours is full of animation, day and night. Trully the largest square in Madrid. Do not miss the adiacent San Miguel Plaza, full of fresh fish, seafood and vegetable.
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Global815391
Kokubunji, Japan256 contributions
写真を間違えて掲載してしまいました。どうしたらよいですか?
Kaikoma
Tokyo63 contributions
問合せ先をお間違えでは?
Elwyn
Daly City, CA923 contributions
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.
Alfredo Garcia
Bayamon, Puerto Rico236 contributions
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
Sandra W
Benidorm, Spain11 contributions
Are there any fiestas held here?
fargofotos
Ranson, West Virginia65 contributions
Looks like this one takes place in May, 6-15th. I’m sure there are many more throughout the year.
Fiesta de San Isidro : May 6-15th.
Mary B
83 contributions
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!
Michael K
Halifax, Canada213 contributions
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.
M_Yvette9
Scranton, PA
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.
Oenedgar
Simpsonville, SC171 contributions
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.
alulrichs
Richmond, VA
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?
Liz D
Maidstone, UK28 contributions
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
Simone G
Rio de Janeiro, RJ93 contributions
Gustavo, obrigada pela dica da praça, mais algumas ? Estou indo pela primeira vez em abril com meu marido e vamos passar 5 dias.
obrigada
Ana T
Sao Paulo, SP317 contributions
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.
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
jamescu
Edinburgh, UK41 contributions
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Plaza Mayor
- We recommend booking Plaza Mayor tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 157 Plaza Mayor tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Plaza Mayor:
- Madrid City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off (From $26.55)
- Madrid Walking Tour at Sunset with Optional Flamenco Show (From $18.05)
- Madrid: The Spanish Inquisition Walking Tour (From $15.13)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Madrid Private Tour (From $69.02)
- Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour (From $84.95)
- Hotels near Plaza Mayor:
- (0.00 mi) apartment with fantastic view of Plaza Mayor Madrid
- (0.02 mi) PLAZA MAYOR DELUXE MADRID
- (0.02 mi) ROMANTIC PLAZA MAYOR DELUXE
- (0.02 mi) Madrid Centro La Latina Plaza Mayor
- (0.03 mi) Stylish Apt PZA MAYOR/La Latina 2BD* 2BT*, 6p max
- Restaurants near Plaza Mayor:
- (0.00 mi) Asador Restaurante El Bailarin
- (0.00 mi) Orio Gastronomia Vasca
- (0.01 mi) En Copa de Balon
- (0.01 mi) Torre Del Oro
- (0.02 mi) Plaza Mayor
- Attractions near Plaza Mayor:
- (0.00 mi) El Fadrí
- (0.00 mi) A Friend in the City
- (0.00 mi) Histohuellas
- (0.01 mi) My Way Tours
- (0.01 mi) Mercado de Monedas y Sellos