Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor
Make your way to Madrid's iconic cobbled square and stroll past artists' stalls, listen to local street musicians, or sit down in the porticos to enjoy a coffee.

Once a marketplace, then a bull-ring and even an execution square, Plaza Mayor has transformed and evolved significantly through the ages. Felipe II commissioned a public square to be built here, which was completed according to the designs of the architect Juan Gómez de Mora in 1619. Having been destroyed by a series of enormous fires, it was finally rebuilt in 1790 and has managed to survive in this incarnation until the present day.

There's no need to come here with any specific purpose. Just have a wander and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the classy residential buildings that border the plaza. The square is dominated by the Casa de la Panaderia, which, in the past, housed Madrid's bakers' guild, and which today provides a home for the tourist information centre. At the centre of the square you'll find the statue of Felipe III atop his horse, the work of Giambologna and Pietro Tacca. The piece was made in 1616, but it was only placed in the square in the 19th century as a result of all the building work and repairs being undertaken here.

Plaza Mayor is now a favourite place for artists to come and sell their work and for street performers and musicians to show off their skills. It's also a popular place for public celebrations to take place check out local tourist information resources to see what's going on during your visit.

The walkways that run around the square provide a break from the sunshine, and are lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants. You should be aware, however, that the restaurants here can be quite pricey.

Plaza Mayor is in a district called Las Austrias which is an interesting area to walk around. The square itself is accessible via Ópera and Puerta del Sol metro stations, and is not far from the Casa del Ayuntamiento and the Royal Palace. It's always open, and the restaurants serve until late into the evening.

Reviews of Plaza Mayor

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
251
" "5 - Excellent 43.88111888111888%
4 - Good
274
" "4 - Good 47.9020979020979%
3 - Okay
44
" "3 - Okay 7.6923076923076925%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.34965034965034963%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.17482517482517482%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
6 Jul 2019

expensive drinks on the actual square - cafe/bars just of from this are a cheaper option

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Jun 2019

Dinning here is expensive, but we preferred the quieter streets leading to the square. Much better value.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Jun 2019

Lively and plenty of eating and drinking options

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Jun 2019

Loads of eateries some a little pricey - better options off the plaza - so busy but it was building up to champions league final!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
1 Apr 2019

Unpleasant in the evening as it turns into the city's cardboard city. It should be one of Madrid's main attractions, but sadly will be remembered for the beggars and homeless and the resultant grime.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Nov 2018

Lots of homeless people sleep here on an evening which is off putting.

Popular places to visit


Top Plaza Mayor Hotel Deals

Intelier Palacio de San Martín
Intelier Palacio de San Martín
4 out of 5
Plaza San Martin, 5, Madrid, Madrid
Intelier Palacio de San Martín
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Regina
Hotel Regina
4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Francisco I
Hotel Francisco I
4 out of 5
Calle Arenal, 15, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Francisco I
Hotel Principe Pio
Hotel Principe Pio
3 out of 5
Cuesta San Vicente 14, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Principe Pio
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Madrid Gran Via 25 Affiliated by Meliá
Hotel Madrid Gran Via 25 Affiliated by Meliá
3 out of 5
Gran Via 25, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Madrid Gran Via 25 Affiliated by Meliá
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.