Discover Madrid of the Austrias

🏰 At The Sun Places we know that luxury also has historical roots. That's why we invite you to discover Madrid of the Austrias, the original heart of the capital, where the grandeur of the Spanish Empire can be breathed in every stone.

This neighbourhood, which stretches from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace, is an open-air museum that preserves the urban layout and most emblematic buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries.

In 2026, Madrid of the Austrias remains the favourite destination for lovers of history, architecture and good food.

And to experience it with all the comfort, The Sun Places offers you our Luxury Apartments in Madrid, just a stone's throw from this world heritage site.

The name Madrid of the Austrias comes from the dynasty that reigned in Spain for more than two centuries (Charles I, Philip II, Philip III, Philip IV and Charles II). They were the ones who turned Madrid into a great European capital, building palaces, squares and churches that still amaze visitors today.

In 2026, this neighbourhood remains the main tourist attraction of the city, with millions of visitors walking its streets every year.

For The Sun Places guests, we recommend dedicating at least a full day to exploring Madrid of the Austrias, combining a visit to the monuments with a meal in one of its century-old restaurants and a drink in a traditional tavern.

Below, we present the must-sees.

🏛️What are the essential monuments of Madrid of the Austrias?

Madrid of the Austrias treasures some of the most visited monuments in Spain. These are the ones you cannot miss:

Plaza Mayor: It is the heart of Madrid of the Austrias. Commissioned by Philip III in the 17th century, it is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Its arcades house historic cafés and craft shops. In 2026, it remains the quintessential meeting place for locals and tourists alike

Royal Palace: The official residence of the royal family (although only used for ceremonies). It is the largest palace in Western Europe, with more than 3,000 rooms. The visit includes the Royal Armoury, the Pharmacy and the impressive halls of Charles III and Charles IV. It is the most visited monument in Madrid of the Austrias

Almudena Cathedral: Right in front of the Royal Palace, this neo-Gothic cathedral consecrated by John Paul II in 1993 is the only one in Spain dedicated to a legendary patron saint. Its museum and crypt, with a curious neo-Romanesque style, are must-see stops

Plaza de la Villa: It is the civic centre of medieval and Renaissance Madrid. It is home to the Casa de la Villa (former town hall), the Casa de Cisneros and the Torre de los Lujanes, where King Francis I of France was imprisoned. A charming corner within Madrid of the Austrias where you can enjoy a good Calamares Sandwich

San Miguel Market: Although the current building dates from 1916, the market is located in the heart of Madrid of the Austrias. It is the perfect place to take a gastronomic break and try quality tapas.

Plaza de Oriente: Gardens and statues between the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real. It offers the best perspective of the palace and the skyline of Madrid of the Austrias.

🚶What charming streets and squares does Madrid of the Austrias have?

In addition to the great monuments, Madrid of the Austrias is a maze of streets with centuries of history. Getting lost in them is one of the traveller's greatest pleasures:

Calle Mayor: It is the main artery of Madrid of the Austrias, connecting Puerta del Sol with the Royal Palace. Along its route we find historic buildings, traditional shops and century-old taverns.

Calle del Cordón: One of the narrowest and most photogenic streets in Madrid, famous for its arch that connects two buildings. It is a very Instagrammable corner of Madrid of the Austrias.

Cava de San Miguel and Calle de la Cava Baja: Known as the street of taverns and tapas bars. It is the area with the most gastronomic atmosphere in Madrid of the Austrias, perfect for a night of beers and tapas.

Plaza de San Miguel: Next to the market of the same name, it is a small square with arcades where there is always a lively atmosphere and terraces. A very lively place within Madrid of the Austrias.

Calle del Espejo: Famous for its old passageway and its tiles depicting scenes from the history of Madrid. It is one of those secret corners of Madrid of the Austrias that you should not miss.

Plaza de la Paja: One of the oldest and most charming squares. Here was the old medieval market. Today it is a quiet place with terraces and a Mudejar-style church (San Andrés).

🍽️ Where to eat in Madrid of the Austrias?

The gastronomic offering of Madrid of the Austrias is as varied as its history. Here you will find everything from the oldest restaurant in the world to Century-Old Taverns and signature cuisine proposals. Some essential recommendations:

Restaurante Botín (Calle Cuchilleros): Founded in 1725, it is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Record. Its suckling pig and roast lamb in a wood-fired oven are legendary. Eating here is a unique experience in Madrid of the Austrias

La Bola (Calle de la Bola): Tavern founded in 1870, famous for its Madrid-style stew, served in a clay pot over a low heat. It is a must-see to try the most traditional dish in Madrid of the Austrias

Restaurante Casa Ciriaco (Calle Mayor): Another Madrid institution, opened in 1925. Specialising in traditional cuisine and roasts

San Miguel Market: For standing tapas, with a varied and quality offering. It is the perfect option to try multiple flavours in one place within Madrid of the Austrias.

Restaurante Malacatín (Calle Ruda): Famous for its Madrid-style stew and its traditional atmosphere. A classic among the classics of Madrid of the Austrias

Taberna de Antonio Sánchez (Calle del Mesón de Paredes): Founded in 1830, it is one of the most traditional taverns. It offers traditional tapas and a unique flamenco atmosphere

Casa Lucio, if you are looking for a good Madrid reference with 1 Repsol Sun, world famous for its broken eggs

📜What is the history of Madrid of the Austrias?

The history of Madrid of the Austrias begins in 1561, when King Philip II moved the court from Toledo to Madrid. The city was then a walled medieval town, with about 30,000 inhabitants.

Philip II began the modernisation of the city, building the Alcázar (today the Royal Palace) and the Segovia Bridge. His son, Philip III, commissioned the construction of the Plaza Mayor. Philip IV continued the works and his son Charles II was the last of the Austrias.

During the 18th century, with the arrival of the Bourbons, Madrid of the Austrias ceased to be the political centre, but it preserved its layout and its most emblematic buildings.

In 2026, Madrid of the Austrias remains the most visited neighbourhood in the city, a living legacy of the period of greatest splendour of the Spanish Empire.

🎭 What does Madrid of the Austrias represent for the city and The Sun Places?

Madrid of the Austrias is the origin of everything. It is the neighbourhood that contains the historical memory of the city, its legends, its traditions and its most unique architecture.

For Madrid, it is its main tourist and cultural asset, a magnet for travellers from all over the world.

For The Sun Places, experiencing Madrid of the Austrias is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering complete luxury experiences. That is why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are strategically located near this historic neighbourhood.

Furthermore, Madrid offers many other luxury attractions, such as shopping on Serrano Street and the elegant Salamanca District, the culture of Madrid's Theatres, the elite sport of the Longines Global Champions Tour, the haute cuisine of the Michelin Starred Restaurants, the sparkle of Madridjoya, the classic cars of the IV Veteran Retiro and the luxury tapas of the Hotel Tapa Tour. Immerse yourself in the history of Madrid with us.

✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Madrid of the Austrias

Friday:

Arrival and first historical immersion