Puerta del Sol, Madrid
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Puerta del Sol - by Tomás Fano (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Description
The Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid's central public squares, possibly the best known for serving as the Km 0 of the Spanish road network and the traditional Twelve Grapes countdown to celebrate the new year. Its origin can be traced to the 16th century as one of the gates in the city walls and is named after the rising sun painted over the east facing gate (Puerta del Sol means "Gate of the Sun"). Today it is a major tourist attraction but also a place of demonstration for the people of Madrid. Highlights include the old Post Office building (now housing the head of the regional government of the Autonomous Community of Madrid), the equestrian statue of Charles III of Spain, the Km 0 plaque on the ground, and The Bear and the Strawberry Tree (the heraldic symbol of the city).
Access & Transport
The square is directly served by the Sol metro and train station: L1, L2, L3 as well as C3 and C4. Note that the square has been pedestrianized since 2020.
Instructions & Recommendations
If you are in Madrid for New Year then you probably want to take part in the tradition and celebrate there. On an ordinary tourist trip, you are very likely to go past the square at the end or start of you day visiting the old city center simply by using the Sol station. There are plenty of other sights in the area such as the Plaza Mayor, the San Miguel Market or Calle Gran Vía.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete with few green spaces. Socially neutral as it helps preserve the city's architectural heritage but is also putting price pressure on residents and all businesses (and customers)
Conclusion
La Puerta del Sol complements the Plaza mayor as the city's main and most central square. There isn't anything extraordinary to see but it is still worth a look as part of a discovery of the neighbourhood.
Key positive
Very central and easy to get to (walk or metro)
Key negative
A bit crowded and pricey F&B / stores in the area
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 15m
est. visit time:1h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightOk