Puerta del Sol Tours and Activities

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


Stand at the very center of Madrid and feel the buzz as thousands of people meet and greet before a night out, gather for protests, or start out on a tour of the city.

Puerta del Sol, or “Sun Gate,” is Madrid’s beating heart. It was once at the eastern extremity of the city and the location of a medieval gate decorated with the rising sun, from which it gets its name. Today it’s the city’s main public square, hosting everything from political demonstrations to New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Stroll the square and admire the grand old buildings, gaze at the iconic statues and watch Madrileños go about their day. In the center is a statue of King Carlos III, who commissioned much of the city’s infrastructure and public works projects.

Turn your eyes to the Casa de Correos. The red and beige building was constructed in the 1760s and served as the city’s post office for several decades. It later housed the Interior Ministry and the police headquarters under Franco. Today it’s home to the Presidential Council of the Community of Madrid.

Look up to see the clock tower that all Spaniards turn to for the countdown on New Year’s Eve. It’s a local tradition to eat a grape for each of the 12 chimes at midnight. Find the Kilómetre Cero plaque in front of the tower building the plaque marks the center of Spain’s six national roads.

At the eastern side of the square is Madrid’s most famous statue, the Bear and the Madroño Tree. It’s the symbol of the city and is on everything from the coat of arms to taxi doors. Head over to the replica Mariblanca statue that marks the spot where a fountain once stood.

Puerta del Sol is surrounded by busy streets packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants. Choose a direction and start exploring. It’s the center of the city and the place where locals and tourists alike stop to get their bearings and plan their day.

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Best Lodging Options Near Puerta del Sol

Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

4 out of 5
Calle Serrano Jover 5, Madrid, Madrid
Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Gran View Apartments
The Madrid EDITION

The Madrid EDITION

5 out of 5
Plaza de Celenque 2, Madrid
The Madrid EDITION
Live It Gran Via

Live It Gran Via

2.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 36, Madrid
Live It Gran Via
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.

Things to do near Puerta del Sol

While in Puerta del Sol, immerse yourself in vibrant shopping, embark on guided tours, and enjoy major sightseeing opportunities. Don't miss out on photo tours capturing iconic landmarks, as well as ticketed attractions that highlight the area's rich history and culture. Explore various sightseeing spots and consider local travel excursions to make the most of your visit to this bustling heart of Madrid.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Puerta del Sol, visit San Miguel Market, just 483m away, for local delicacies. El Corte Inglés and El Jardin de Serrano are both about 1.6km away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the thrilling atmosphere at Bernabéu Stadium with a sports event, just 4.8km from Puerta del Sol. For relaxation, stroll through Madrid Río, a beautiful park 1.6km away, where you can unwind amidst nature. Enjoy live music at Sala La Riviera, also 1.6km away.

Adventure

Explore the Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, located 3.2km from Puerta del Sol, for some thrilling tennis matches. Experience breathtaking views on the Madrid Cable Car, also 3.2km away, perfect for family adventures. Alternatively, enjoy a game at Corbachotenis Tennis Club, situated 1.6km from Puerta del Sol.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Puerta del Sol! Catch a performance at the Royal Theatre for a cultural evening, try your luck at Casino Gran Via for a thrilling night, or dance the night away at Joy Madrid, a lively nightclub with great city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol in Madrid is a vibrant hub offering a mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore the lively piazza, charming streets, and historic churches that define the area. With its blend of urban energy and cultural significance, Puerta del Sol is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of Madrid. Don't miss the chance to soak in the atmosphere and discover the city's rich history right at this iconic square.

  • Gran Via: A vibrant street located 322m from Puerta del Sol, Gran Via is known for its stunning architecture, bustling atmosphere, and a plethora of shops, theatres, and restaurants. It’s a perfect place to soak up the city's lively energy.
  • Plaza Mayor: Situated 322m from Puerta del Sol, this historic square is a cultural hub, surrounded by impressive buildings and lively cafes. It’s an ideal spot to relax, people-watch, and immerse yourself in Madrid’s rich history.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Located 966m from Puerta del Sol, this majestic palace showcases Madrid's royal heritage. Explore its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens, offering a fascinating glimpse into Spanish culture and history.

Best time to go to Puerta del Sol

Visitor numbers around Puerta del Sol is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Puerta del Sol can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Puerta del Sol falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Puerta del Sol falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Puerta del Sol

To save money while visiting Puerta del Sol, take advantage of free attractions like Gran Via, Plaza Mayor, and El Retiro Park. The best time to visit is from January to February or August, when accommodation prices drop. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, especially on Mondays. For added savings, check Expedia for last-minute deals and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for discounts. Use their price filters to find eco-friendly options and compare room rates to secure the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Puerta del Sol are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Puerta del Sol is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Puerta del Sol is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Puerta del Sol is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To uncover the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay in Puerta del Sol with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.