Hotels near Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is Madrid's grand 17th-century royal square - a 129 by 94 metre rectangle ringed by 4-storey red-brick arcaded buildings on three sides and the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery House, 1590) on the fourth. The square has hosted bullfights, royal weddings, autos-de-fe of the Spanish Inquisition, and the proclamation of three kings. The Felipe III equestrian statue at the centre dates from 1616.

Free, always open. The arcade cafes are tourist-priced (EUR 5+ for a beer) but the people-watching is unbeatable. The Christmas market (early December to early January) and the Sunday stamp / coin market (10am-2pm) are local fixtures. Bocadillo de calamares (EUR 4) at Bar La Campana on the south arcade is the iconic Plaza Mayor lunch.

Pro Tip: Walk through Plaza Mayor at 8.30am for empty cobblestones. Exit through the Arco de Cuchilleros (south side) into Cava Baja - Madrid's tapas street. La Casa Hernanz (Calle de Toledo 18) sells handmade espadrilles since 1845.