Plaza De Santa Ana
Plaza De Santa Ana
4.5
About
Tapas bars and clubs line this scenic plaza, making it one of Madrid's most popular nightlife hotspots.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Huertas
Also known as Barrio de las Letras, Huertas was once home to prominent literary figures, Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega among them. The neighborhood is committed to celebrating its rich heritage: Calle Huertas itself is inlaid with quotes from celebrated authors, street names pay homage to them, and second-hand bookshops pervade. Huertas receives a fair amount of spillover from the center — side streets around Plaza Santa Ana take on a foreign party atmosphere at night, and you always see young backpackers navigating the streets — but as you descend into the neighborhood, everything becomes a little more cramped and slightly less refined, and takes on more of an underground feel. Live music is at the heart of Huertas: by night, its subdued bars are ideal for meeting friends, sipping cocktails, and chatting quietly while enjoying jazz or singer-songwriter performances.
How to get there
- Vodafone Sol • 3 min walk
- Antón Martín • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,353 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,503 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,813 reviews
Excellent
1,209
Very good
1,293
Average
257
Poor
35
Terrible
19
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Steve_of_N21
London, UK3,377 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was probably my favourite of all the Plazas we visited in Madrid. It is book ended by the Spanish Theatre at one end and the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel at the other , and then has tapas restaurants along both sides, all of which provide covered seating sections on the square itself. Due to the theatre it is also home to the monuments to Calderón de la Barca ( famous poet and writer of operas) and Federico García Lorca, one of Spains most famous poets. It’s lively at any time but really comes into its own after dark. It will not be the cheapest tapas or beers you have in Madrid, but it is worth the extras couple of euros just to enjoy the vibe.
Written May 29, 2023
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.
redhead_roaming
Seattle, WA2,858 contributions
May 2022
We knew this plaza was a good place to visit while in Madrid but we really didn't know too much more than that. On May 21st, 2022 (a Saturday), we were having dinner & a show nearby and we had extra time so we stopped by (around 8pm). It's definitely more geared towards people who want to sit down and have a meal but there are a couple playgrounds here. Our kids enjoyed playing for a bit before the rain came in. They playgrounds aren't huge but our kids, at the time, were not even 2 years old so the few pieces of equipment combined with the lower age range for these playgrounds was perfect for our kids. There were only a 2-3 other kids in total so that was the cherry on top.
Written April 22, 2023
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.
Francesco
Reggio Calabria, Italy14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Be wary of appearances. They smile at you and screw you. The tapeando menu is intended for 2 people (but the price per person is also specified, exactly half). When in doubt, I asked if the menu could apply to just one person, and the answer was: yes, of course. If I ask, it's clear that I want to eat for 1 and pay for 1. Result: I paid for 2 people, even if the waitress agreed with me while the rude manager refused to give me back what was due. Watch out for "misunderstandings" (this is how the girl justified herself) in favor of the manager... (first time it happens to me). That doesn't mean it won't go ahead, as a matter of principle and to safeguard the customer who, it is said, is always right. Not here.
Written January 1, 2024
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.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland31,125 contributions
Dec 2022
The Plaza de Santa Ana and the nearby small streets have hundreds of tapas bars, terrace cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
There are many striking buildings lining the square like Teatro Espanol and ME Reina Victoria Hotel.
Two statues pay tribute to two great Spanish personalities: the famous Spanish playwright Pedro Calderon de la Barca and Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet and dramatist killed by the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War.
This square is a pleasant place to just sit and watch the passers-by, have a refreshing drink at one of the open-air terrace cafes, or enter one of the many bars to sample tapas with a glass of wine.
There are many striking buildings lining the square like Teatro Espanol and ME Reina Victoria Hotel.
Two statues pay tribute to two great Spanish personalities: the famous Spanish playwright Pedro Calderon de la Barca and Federico Garcia Lorca, a poet and dramatist killed by the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War.
This square is a pleasant place to just sit and watch the passers-by, have a refreshing drink at one of the open-air terrace cafes, or enter one of the many bars to sample tapas with a glass of wine.
Written January 9, 2023
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.
Madrilenos per un giorno
Madrid, Spain58 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
Time to go out at night. Chat, laughter, music, tasty "raciones" and a good glass of "vermú" in your hand.
🔹The Plaza de Santa Ana is a square in the heart of Madrid, a few steps from Puerta del Sol.
🔹It houses the Teatro Español, the oldest in the capital, built in 1745. Here the works of the most important Spanish playwrights were staged.
🐂In the square there is the luxurious Reina Victoria hotel (lit here) where bullfighters used to stay before the bullfights.
🔹It is said that the famous bullfighter Manolete always reserved room 220 for you.
🎬The hotel also hosted scenes from the film “Talk to Her” (2002), written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
🔹Even the Tablao Flamenco 1911, one of the most famous places in the square, has increased its fame after being the setting for some scenes of the film “Stiletto Heels” by the same director.
🔹In the Plaza de Santa Ana you can also admire the statues dedicated to the playwright of the Siglo de Oro Pedro Calderón de la Barca and the poet Federico García Lorca.
If you have children, in the square you will find two fenced play areas. 🛝
You can make a stop or an aperitif, while they have fun on the slides. Nightlife is for everyone! 😄😄
🔹The Plaza de Santa Ana is a square in the heart of Madrid, a few steps from Puerta del Sol.
🔹It houses the Teatro Español, the oldest in the capital, built in 1745. Here the works of the most important Spanish playwrights were staged.
🐂In the square there is the luxurious Reina Victoria hotel (lit here) where bullfighters used to stay before the bullfights.
🔹It is said that the famous bullfighter Manolete always reserved room 220 for you.
🎬The hotel also hosted scenes from the film “Talk to Her” (2002), written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
🔹Even the Tablao Flamenco 1911, one of the most famous places in the square, has increased its fame after being the setting for some scenes of the film “Stiletto Heels” by the same director.
🔹In the Plaza de Santa Ana you can also admire the statues dedicated to the playwright of the Siglo de Oro Pedro Calderón de la Barca and the poet Federico García Lorca.
If you have children, in the square you will find two fenced play areas. 🛝
You can make a stop or an aperitif, while they have fun on the slides. Nightlife is for everyone! 😄😄
Automatically translated
Written September 16, 2024
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.
Ange_loves_travelling
Cairo, Egypt1,643 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Be sure to stroll to this square if you want to sit in the cozy cafe or rooftop bar or just wander the cozy streets of Madrid.
The square is located in the literati quarter, on the square monument to the writer. In the 16th century there was a monastery and then only a square. The white, beautiful building on the square is a hotel that has a cool bar.
You can have dinner right in the square. Cafe Tapas has delicious seafood paella.
A few minutes from the square, Casa Alberto is the oldest restaurant
Be sure to walk to this square if you want to sit in cozy cafes or in a bar on the roof of the hotel or just wander along the cozy streets of Madrid.
The square is located in the literary quarter, on the square there is a monument to the writer. In the 16th century there was a monastery here, and then only a square. The white beautiful building on the square is a hotel, which has a cool bar.
You can also have dinner right on the square. The Tapas cafe has delicious paella with seafood.
A couple of minutes from the square is the oldest restaurant Casa Alberto
The square is located in the literati quarter, on the square monument to the writer. In the 16th century there was a monastery and then only a square. The white, beautiful building on the square is a hotel that has a cool bar.
You can have dinner right in the square. Cafe Tapas has delicious seafood paella.
A few minutes from the square, Casa Alberto is the oldest restaurant
Be sure to walk to this square if you want to sit in cozy cafes or in a bar on the roof of the hotel or just wander along the cozy streets of Madrid.
The square is located in the literary quarter, on the square there is a monument to the writer. In the 16th century there was a monastery here, and then only a square. The white beautiful building on the square is a hotel, which has a cool bar.
You can also have dinner right on the square. The Tapas cafe has delicious paella with seafood.
A couple of minutes from the square is the oldest restaurant Casa Alberto
Automatically translated
Written September 23, 2024
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.
MDOGP
Dallas, TX1,225 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a nice square in the heart of Madrid, close to the Ateneo, the Royal Academy of History, and of course Teatro Nacional.
There are many restaurants and terraces just to relax.
This square was built during the Napoleonic invasion in Spain (1808-1813). It has a strong literary connection with the statue of Federico Garcia Lorca and Calderon de la Barca.
There are many restaurants and terraces just to relax.
This square was built during the Napoleonic invasion in Spain (1808-1813). It has a strong literary connection with the statue of Federico Garcia Lorca and Calderon de la Barca.
Written October 4, 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.
Juan Manuel V
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
The menu can be quite improved for €14.50, the chickpeas were watery without flavour, the pork tenderloin was quite scarce, barely three pieces of nothing. Only the potatoes were acceptable without further ado!!
As for the service, they did not serve the bread and it was quite slow, having to ask for attention between dishes. Bad service
Day 06/11/23
As for the service, they did not serve the bread and it was quite slow, having to ask for attention between dishes. Bad service
Day 06/11/23
Written November 6, 2023
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.
claudie62
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France1,478 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Pretty little place with lots of terrace bars. The taverns on the square and adjacent streets retain a pleasant old feel. Beautiful earthenware inside and out (Villa Rose tavern). Quotes from poets are engraved in the pavements. This is the “de las letras” neighborhood.
Written March 21, 2024
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.
Elena M
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
We sat down at 6:30 pm to have two Aperol sprits and two iced coffees and were asked if we were going to eat. We told them no, that we had already eaten and they told us that they only served meals or drinks, so we should leave.
In short, third world. That's how things are going very badly.
In short, third world. That's how things are going very badly.
Written April 13, 2024
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.
Los mercados que conozco del centro de madrid (san miguel, san idelfonso, san anton, san fernando y mercado de la cebada) están todos a 10 - 15 min caminando. Un saludo
Written April 30, 2018
AHC295
Kollund, Denmark
Hey guys, can you recommend the best place for tapas and wine at Plaza de Santa Ana?
Written April 25, 2018
vnees02
Indianapolis, Indiana
We will be staying at the Westin Palace Hotel. How far a walk is the Plaza de Santa Ana? Thinking of doing tapas lunch-what establishment would you recommend? Thanks
Written March 31, 2018
I would suggest going to the Mercado. The choice is amazing. The wine selection equally excellent.
The atmosphere is relaxed.
Food and drink choices for every taste.
Prices from acceptable to ridiculous.
Everything is so fresh.
Written April 4, 2018
They're all ok... Depends on how you like tapas or if you prefer raciones. I like the tapas at Lateral but the service sucks big time. If you feel like eating tapas somewhere else you can go to other places near Sol, like Alhambra, or any in Calle Álvarez Gato (or around there). I also like Txakoli and Orio but they're a little bit more expensive. Alternatively, choose a place in La Latina from Calle Cava Baja/Alta
Written August 19, 2016
We are booked into Preciados Hotel and would like to know what is nearby that location -
thanks much - jenni
Written January 21, 2015
You are not far from Santa Ana Plaza. You just have to get to Puerta del Sol and from there take Carrera de San Jeronimo (name of a street) and then take Calle del Principe to your right and walking down that street you will arrive to Santa Ana Plaza. Hope you have a great stay!
Madrid is wonderful!!
Written January 21, 2015
hi staying in hotel in santa ana for 2 nights looking for nice restaurant to eat dinner bit nervous about food as am very plain eater dont even like garlic but happy to have chick dishes or steak any ideas ?
Written January 6, 2015
We had dinner at one of the restaurants on the plaza (don't remember which one, but facing the big hotel it was on the right side). I had delicious grilled salmon and a salad. There are lots of "simple choices" with fish or chicken and vegetables. Enjoy Madrid!
Written January 7, 2015
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