Puerta del Sol Tours and Activities

Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol


The Puerta del Sol is where all of Madrid's roads meet, a central gathering point for madrileños, and home to some of its best-loved symbols.

Madrid lies dead-centre in the middle of Spain – and the Puerta del Sol lies dead-centre in the middle of Madrid. It's here that Spain's map-makers and road-builders placed their starting-mark, to be used for counting distances around the country. But the Puerta del Sol isn't just about geography and maps – there are other reasons why this square is considered the focal point of the country. Meetings, celebrations and marches are naturally drawn here. Over the last few years, it has been the rallying point for Spanish protests over the global recession and Euro-crisis.And for many centuries, it was here that couriers from across Spain – and its vast empire – would come to spread and gather news. Today the Puerta del Sol can appear a somewhat unassuming sliver of a plaza, one which doesn't even have a gate ('puerta' means gate or door in Spanish, and it was removed centuries back). It does, however, have a clutch of symbols which make it more important than appearances might suggest. The kilómetro cero plaque, marking the country's centre, is just in front of the old Post Office building, which now houses the office of the Spanish President.The heraldic symbol of Madrid – a bear leaning against a madroño (strawberry tree) – is here too, cast in bronze. Its odd pairing relates to the city's ancient past, when the Romans called the area around Madrid Ursaria, the land of the bears. Some reckon the fruit of the madroño was a favourite of the bears, because it often ferments on the tree. From that point of view, Madrid's bear-and-tree herald can also be seen as a symbol of the capital's love of a good-time.Yet another good-time icon found here is the neon Tío Pepe sign, hoisted high above the square, a long-standing advert for a famous brand of sherry (installed in the 1930s). the Puerta del Sol really comes to life at night, as the clubs and bars in the side streets throng with people. So if you're looking for a spot of entertainment in the capital, and a friend says "I'll meet you at the Bear," the omens are good that you'll be in for a great evening.

Plan a trip to see Puerta del Sol

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Relais & Châteaux Heritage Madrid
Palacio Tirso De Molina

Tours & day trips

See all 748 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 219 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 140 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 50 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 33 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Puerta del Sol Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Principe Pio
Hotel Principe Pio
3 out of 5
Cuesta San Vicente 14, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Principe Pio
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Emperador
B&B Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol
B&B Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol
3 out of 5
C/ Montera 10-12, Madrid, Madrid
B&B Madrid Centro Puerta del Sol
Hotel Regina
Hotel Regina
4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Quatro Puerta Del Sol
Hotel Quatro Puerta Del Sol
4 out of 5
Sevilla 4, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Quatro Puerta Del Sol
Hotel Liabeny
Hotel Liabeny
4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
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.