The Plaza de España is one of the largest squares in Madrid, within walking distance from the Royal Palace. If you are around, it’s nice to have a look here; but it’s not worth a trip. On the square are two of the tallest buildings in Madrid, the Torre de Madrid (142 m) and the Edificio España (117 m), as well as the monument to the writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) can be found. In 2017, the Madrilenians were able to express their views on the layout of the square, which resulted in gardens with olive trees and magnolias and a strong reduction in traffic flows.

Right in the heart of the city and with a metro station right underneath it, so it's easy to get to. The Plaza is relatively big, with a massive almost Soviet-esque hotel on one side (there's a glass balcony at the top that you can stand on if you want). There are statues of Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, as well as nice gardens and places to sit. Worth a visit.

Plaza de Espana is an expansive plaza at the end of Grand Via. It is near the Royal Palace and Jardines de Sabatini. My wife and I walked across the plaza two or three times on our way to Zara for my wife’s shopping and to meet our tour group for a bus day trip. There is a statue of Cervantes and of Don Quixote. There are also fountains and benches. It was enjoyable strolling through the plaza.