Puerta del Sol Attractions & Landmark
Literally the Center of Spain
Madrid,
28013
Spain
Transport Options:
Train Available: Sol
Overview
Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) is the most popular and commercial area in the old town. Five hundred years ago it was just another city gate with an image of the sun drawn on it, hence its name. Nowadays, the square is famous for being the center of the national road network. The plaque on the pavement outside the old Post Office building denotes 'kilometer 0'. The distance between Madrid and every other part of Spain is measured from here. Thousands of revelers gather in the square once a year to await the chimes of the clock that officially announces the New Year.Open Hours
Mo to Su from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Puerta Del Sol really was the center of our Madrid visit. Everything in Old Madrid seemed to be just off Puerta Del Sol. Definitely NOT a place for peace and quiet (head to the Retiro for that) but a place you will find yourself repeatedly if you spend any time in Madrid.
This was my absolute favorite part of my trip. I loved all the shops and fountains. It was gorgeous and the weather was perfect while we were there.
I loved it, I'm going back, I would definitely recommend it. In fact I'm going to get my family to experience it. It caters for all.. unless peace and quiet is what you're after. Center of Spain.. close to discos, museums, shopping, art, culture, food, people, palaces.. quite the adventure.. plus!!! the metro is right there so whatever ime of day or night (o en la madrugada) u want to go you can.. The people were extremely helpful also.. Speking some Spanish helps.. :) though even without.. a lot of people understnad some english.. Great experience.. I going back soon.
I spend New Year's Day at Puerta de Sol and I had a blast. Yes, it was crowded but it's the center of Espana on New Year's. If you want quiet, go elsewhere, but if you want an experience to remember then welcome. I now call Spain home.
The Puerta del Sol is the "center of Madrid". There is actually a plate on the sidewalk that explains that everything else in Madrid is measured in distance to this spot. I read Frommer's Spain 2007 (EXCELLENT TRAVEL GUIDE!) and had great expectations for the city's center. However... When we went, there was construction going on near the main statue. I was so looking forward to taking a picture near it. Also, PLEASE try to exchange your American dollars for Euros BEFORE arriving. There is a money exchange place there that gave the WORST exchange rate of my entire trip. DO NOT EXCHANGE THERE! The shopping in the small shops for souvenirs is nice. Very nice vendors.
I loved the fact that this was in the middle of the funnest part of town. i loved it for that but i hated that they were in the running for the 2012 olympics so they remodling it it was a mess.
Ok, like a tourist and someone who had never been to Spain, Madrid and with friends (not family) It was great and I had a great time. I went to Puerta del Sol, took pictures, enjoyed my view, chill, relax!
We actually stayed at a hotel by "SOL". This is a very exciting area. The centre of it all. Everything that you would need and more is right in a 2 to 3 block radius and just off the Gran Via which can be a little noisy.
Nice location because it is in the center of the city. Close to mass transit. However, if you are looking for a more quiet location, this is not the place. Can be noisy at night.
the people is great very friendly and the place is really beautiful, my husband and I love the food and the party in madrid ,in our experience traveling to europe this is the best city
