🏛️ At The Sun Places, we know that luxury is also written on cobbled streets and in squares with centuries of history.
That's why we invite you to discover Madrid's Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful public spaces in the world and the epicentre of the capital's social and cultural life.
With its 120.9 metres long and 93.06 metres wide, this rectangular square presided over by the equestrian statue of Philip III is the ideal starting point to explore the Habsburg Madrid.
The Sun Places invites you to explore it, staying in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid in the heart of the Barrio de las Letras.
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is much more than a tourist postcard; it is the silent witness to the city's history. Since its official inauguration in 1619 under the reign of Philip III, this emblematic rectangular space has been the scene of medieval markets, bullfights, royal festivities, proclamations and public executions.
Its arcades, continuous balconies and red brick buildings are one of the greatest examples of Spanish Baroque.
Today, Madrid's Plaza Mayor remains an essential meeting point for locals and the ideal starting point for any visitor who wants to soak up the essence of the capital.
The Sun Places wants this experience to be part of your stay.
With an area of 9,400 square metres, Madrid's Plaza Mayor is located just 300 metres from Puerta del Sol, next to Calle Mayor.
Over four centuries, it has suffered three major fires (1631, 1672 and 1790) that forced its reconstruction, with architects Juan de Herrera, Juan Gómez de Mora and Juan de Villanueva responsible for giving it its current appearance.
Today it is one of the most visited monuments in the capital and the setting for the most emblematic events on the Madrid calendar. Below, we tell you everything you can't miss in this magical corner of Madrid.
🏛️ History of Madrid's Plaza Mayor
The origins of Madrid's Plaza Mayor date back to the 16th century, when this place, known as "plaza del Arrabal", hosted the main market of the town.
In 1560, after having moved the court to Madrid in 1561, Philip II commissioned the remodelling of the square to Juan de Herrera, beginning the demolition of the old "manzana houses".
It was not until the reign of his son, Philip III, that the construction of the new Madrid's Plaza Mayor was completed following the project of Juan Gómez de Mora.
The result was a brand-new red-brick square, with lintels and continuous balconies that would become the nerve centre of the Court.
Madrid's Plaza Mayor had from its beginnings two very defined functions: on the one hand, to be a space dedicated to commerce and, on the other, a place for royal and popular celebrations.
Among these celebrations were bullfights (with a period of splendour in the 18th century), the Inquisition's autos-da-fé and public executions, which turned the square into a stage of power and social control.
🍽️ Gastronomic tradition in Madrid's Plaza Mayor: Squid sandwiches and century-old chocolaterías
If there is one smell that defines Madrid's Plaza Mayor, it is that of boiling oil where squid are fried.
The squid sandwich is a true emblem of the capital and its popularity is linked to the history and ingenious methods of fish preservation dating back to the 16th century.
From the 1950s onwards, this simple but delicious sandwich consolidated its presence in Madrid's culture, especially in the bars and establishments around Madrid's Plaza Mayor and emblematic places such as El Brillante, where it became the star product.
Among the most famous places to try it is La Campana, on Calle de las Botoneras, whose roots go back to a modest 19th-century tavern whose sandwich falls into the category of those that present serious difficulties for the first bite due to its overflowing amount of squid.
To sweeten the end of the day, there is nothing like going to the nearby Chocolatería San Ginés, open 24 hours since 1894, to taste its famous churros with chocolate. Madrid's Plaza Mayor is, without a doubt, the best setting for a gastronomic route that combines tradition and traditional luxury.
🎭 Exclusive events in Madrid's Plaza Mayor 2026
Madrid's Plaza Mayor continues to be the preferred setting for the city's major events. In addition to the traditional Old and Antique Book Fair (May and June weeks), the square hosts every year the impressive Christmas market, where its traditional wooden stalls and craft and gastronomy stands create a magical atmosphere.
Another deeply rooted tradition is the Drumroll on Easter Sunday, which brings together hundreds of attendees to celebrate the end of Holy Week.
On the elegance front, the Jazz & Spritz Nights cycle at the Café de la Plaza of the Pestana Plaza Mayor hotel stands out, offering intimate evenings with live jazz music on 23 May, 6 and 20 June 2026.
In addition, Madrid's Plaza Mayor has been the setting for top-level fashion events, such as the parade of Wes Gordon's new collection for Carolina Herrera in Plaza Mayor 2026, consolidating the square as a space of avant-garde and luxury.
For The Sun Places guests, our concierge service can manage invitations to these events and recommend the best options according to the time of year.
🎭 What Madrid's Plaza Mayor represents for the city and The Sun Places
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is the most universal symbol of the city. It is the space where history, tradition, gastronomy and modernity coexist in harmony.
It is the meeting point for locals and tourists, the place for major festivities and a showcase of the most authentic luxury. For the city, Madrid's Plaza Mayor is an invaluable heritage that attracts millions of visitors each year.
For The Sun Places, experiencing Madrid's Plaza Mayor is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences. That's why our Luxury Apartments in Madrid are located in the vicinity of this square.
In addition, Madrid's Plaza Mayor is connected to other major attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: the Barrio de las Letras, Habsburg Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel, the Cibeles and the Royal Palace.
All this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and Madrid's Plaza Mayor is the heart that pumps it all.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Madrid's Plaza Mayor
Friday: Arrival and first immersion
- In the afternoon, stroll through Madrid's Plaza Mayor and its arcades
- Dinner at El Campero de Madrid, just a step from the square, to taste the best almadraba tuna in a luxury atmosphere
Saturday: Culture, shopping and events day
- In the evening, attend a performance at Madrid's Theatres at the Teatro Español or the Teatro de la Comedia, both a few minutes from the square
Sunday: Relax and farewell
- Breakfast with churros and chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés
- Last stroll through Madrid's Plaza Mayor to buy souvenirs in its arcades
- Visit to the Royal Palace before returning
Ready to discover Madrid's Plaza Mayor with The Sun Places?
📞 Contact us and let us organise your perfect getaway.
But if you prefer other destinations, The Sun Places also has ready for you: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.