AMBLE - EUROPE 2027 Tour
Irish band Amble brings their contemporary folk-rock sound to Madrid as part of their 2027 tour.
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Puerta del Sol
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Highlights of 2026
7
THE SHEEPDOGS - Out All Night Tour
Classic rock vibes from Canada: The Sheepdogs perform live at Sala But in Madrid.
DECLAN WELSH & THE DECADENT WEST
Vibrant Scottish indie rock with Declan Welsh & The Decadent West live at Sala El Sol.
Gonzalo Alhambra Live
Enjoy an intimate rock performance by Gonzalo Alhambra at Sala Vesta in Madrid.
Fantastic Negrito Live in Madrid
Experience the unique soul and blues sound of Fantastic Negrito live at Sala El Sol.
shame - UK & EU Summer 2026
British rock band shame brings their energetic summer tour to the iconic Sala But in Madrid.
The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) is the beating heart of Madrid and one of the most famous and bustling squares in Spain. Named after one of the gates in the 15th-century city wall, the semi-circular plaza took on its current appearance in the 19th century. Here you will find the 'Kilometre Zero' stone plaque set into the pavement, marking the official starting point for all six of Spain's radial national roads. The most prominent building on the square is the Real Casa de Correos (the former main post office), whose clock tower plays a central role on New Year's Eve. Millions of Spaniards gather here, or watch on television, to traditionally eat twelve grapes, one at each strike of midnight, for good luck in the new year. Another popular photo spot on the square is the bronze statue of 'El Oso y el Madroño' (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), the official heraldic symbol of Madrid.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Puerta del Sol · Flamenco · Teatro Muñoz Seca
- Nearby: Pozuelo de Alarcón (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 39 | 48 | 52 | 43 | 22 | 9 | 14 | 24 | 66 | 54 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Puerta del Sol is a public square and freely accessible at any time; you can see the Kilometre Zero stone and the famous clock of the Casa de Correos. The square is a lively meeting point and often used for events.
Typical hours
The square itself is open 24/7, so you can visit it at any time. The surrounding shops and restaurants have typical opening hours.
Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere in the square; the Casa de Correos with its clock is a popular photo subject. For crowd-free shots, an early morning visit is recommended.
Time needed
A visit to Puerta del Sol usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you only see the square. For a leisurely stroll with coffee at one of the outdoor cafés, allow an hour.
Combine with
The square is the starting point for many of Madrid's sights, such as Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía. You can explore the old town on foot, discovering numerous shops and tapas bars.
Getting there
Puerta del Sol is Madrid's transport hub and reachable by several metro lines (1, 2, 3) and numerous bus lines. It is also a 20-minute walk from Atocha station.
Insider tip
Come on New Year's Eve to Puerta del Sol to witness the tradition of the twelve chimes. Beware of pickpockets as the square is very busy.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Puerta del Sol (10)
Teatro Muñoz Seca
A theatre in Madrid, named after playwright Pedro Muñoz Seca.
🌐 teatromunozseca.es🕒 Mo-Th off; Fr 18:00-21:00; Sa 17:00-20:00; Su 16:00-19:00
Casa Museo del Ratón Pérez🏛 museum
The museum of the tooth mouse Pérez in Madrid, in a confectionery's basement, recommended from age 5.
Cortylandia
An attraction in Madrid, a seasonal amusement park on a department store rooftop.
Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando🏛 museum
A museum in Madrid, displaying the art collection of the Academy.
Capilla - Portada del arquitecto Pedro de Ribera
A chapel in Spain, its facade designed by architect Pedro de Ribera.
Museo de Calcografía Nacional🏛 museum
A museum in Madrid, exhibiting engravings and printing plates, with a Goya collection.
Parroquia de San Ginés
One of the oldest churches in Madrid, dedicated to Saint Ginés.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kilometer Zero located?
The stone slab is located on the pavement right in front of the Casa de Correos clock tower.
What does the bear statue symbolize?
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree are the official heraldic symbols of the city of Madrid.
Why is this square so important on New Year's Eve?
Thousands gather here to eat twelve grapes traditionally at the twelve strokes of the clock.
Are there many shopping opportunities there?
Yes, major shopping streets like Calle Preciados and Calle del Carmen start from here.
Is the square accessible to cars?
The square is now mostly pedestrianized and a central hub for the metro network.
Puerta del Sol: where is it located?
Puerta del Sol is located in Galicia, Spain.
Puerta del Sol: what is there to see?
Highlights include Puerta del Sol, Flamenco, Teatro Muñoz Seca.
Puerta del Sol: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Puerta del Sol: why is it worth visiting?
The Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) is the beating heart of Madrid and one of the most famous and bustling squares in Spain.
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