🍽️ At The Sun Places, we know that luxury is also enjoyed in squares with history, where culture, tradition and a great atmosphere come together.
That's why we invite you to discover Plaza de Santa Ana, one of Madrid's most charming and characterful corners. Located in the heart of the Barrio de las Letras, this square is a meeting point for locals and visitors seeking culture, good food and elegant leisure.
Surrounded by century-old theatres, luxury hotels and iconic terraces, Plaza de Santa Ana is a must-stop for lovers of the most authentic and sophisticated Madrid.
The Sun Places invites you to explore it, staying in our Luxury Apartments in Madrid.
Plaza de Santa Ana is much more than a square; it is a symbol of Madrid's cultural and social identity. Its name comes from the old convent of Santa Ana, which occupied the site where the Teatro Español now stands.
Over the centuries, it has witnessed historical events, neighbourly courtyards, taverns frequented by writers and bullfighters, and the hustle and bustle of Madrilenian life.
Today, Plaza de Santa Ana is a renovated, elegant and vibrant space that attracts a cosmopolitan crowd throughout the day and night. It is the ideal starting point to explore the Barrio de las Letras, with its cultural, gastronomic and leisure offerings.
The Sun Places wants this experience to be part of your stay.
Plaza de Santa Ana is the heart of the Barrio de las Letras and one of the centres of the Madrid nightlife scene. Its theatres, restaurants and terraces make it an ideal destination for a day of culture and leisure.
Below, we tell you everything you can't miss in this emblematic square.
📜 History of Plaza de Santa Ana
The history of Plaza de Santa Ana dates back to the 17th century, when the convent of Santa Ana was built on the site now occupied by the Teatro Español.
After the Mendizábal confiscation (1835), the convent was demolished and the Teatro del Príncipe (now Teatro Español) was built. The square was urbanised in the 19th century, taking on its current form.
During the 20th century, the square declined, but it resurged with force in the 1980s as one of the epicentres of the Movida Madrileña.
In 2024, Plaza de Santa Ana underwent a major renovation that has improved its accessibility, lighting and street furniture, making it an even more pleasant space for strolling and leisure.
Today, it is one of the squares most loved by Madrileños and a top tourist attraction.
🎭 Teatro Español: The cultural heart of Plaza de Santa Ana
The Teatro Español is the oldest public theatre in Madrid and one of the most important in Spain. Its origins date back to 1583, although the current building dates from the 19th century.
Throughout its history, it has been the stage for the most important premieres of Spanish dramatic literature, from Lope de Vega to contemporary authors.
The Teatro Español has two auditoriums: the Main Auditorium (capacity 800) and the Margarita Xirgu Auditorium (capacity 200). Its programme is one of the most carefully curated in the capital, with a mix of classics, contemporary authors and international productions.
For theatre lovers, attending a performance at the Teatro Español is an essential experience.
The Sun Places can manage ticket purchases and recommend the best shows of the season.
☕ Terraces and gastronomy at Plaza de Santa Ana
Plaza de Santa Ana is famous for its terraces, many of which are charming and offer a varied and high-quality gastronomic offering. Some of the most emblematic establishments are:
- Terraces of the Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria: The most exclusive with the best views. Ideal for a drink at sunset.
- Museo del Jamón: A Madrid classic with a lively terrace, ideal for tapas and trying their famous ham sandwiches.
- Casa González: A century-old restaurant (founded in 1902) with a terrace on the square. Specialising in traditional Madrid cuisine.
- La Viuda: A trendy cocktail bar with a small terrace, famous for its gin and tonics and creative tapas.
- El Pescador: A fish and seafood restaurant with a very busy terrace.
- Bresca: An Italian restaurant with a cosy terrace, perfect for a romantic dinner.
The gastronomic offering at Plaza de Santa Ana is so varied that you can eat everything from a quick tapa to a haute cuisine meal, including traditional dishes and international cuisine.
It's one of the best places in Madrid for al fresco tapas.
🚶 Surroundings of Plaza de Santa Ana: Barrio de las Letras and Plaza Mayor
Plaza de Santa Ana is the ideal starting point to explore the Barrio de las Letras and other nearby points of interest. Just a few steps away are:
- The Barrio de las Letras: Its cobbled streets and plaques with verses by Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo are an open-air museum.
- The Plaza Mayor: Just a five-minute walk away, it is one of Madrid's most emblematic monuments.
- The Cibeles: The city's iconic landmark, about a ten-minute walk away.
The location of Plaza de Santa Ana is unbeatable for exploring Madrid's historic centre on foot, enjoying its squares, streets and monuments.
🎭 What Plaza de Santa Ana represents for Madrid and The Sun Places
Plaza de Santa Ana is a symbol of Madrid's cultural and social identity. It represents tradition (with its Teatro Español and century-old taverns) and modernity (with its designer hotels and trendy cocktail bars).
It is a space where locals and tourists mix in a cosmopolitan and elegant atmosphere, seeking culture, good food and quality leisure. For The Sun Places, discovering Plaza de Santa Ana 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, allowing you to walk to its main attractions.
In addition, Plaza de Santa Ana is connected to other major attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: the Barrio de las Letras, the Plaza Mayor, the Cibeles and the El Retiro Park.
All this makes Madrid a unique destination in the world, and Plaza de Santa Ana is one of its most charming and vibrant corners.
✨ The perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Plaza de Santa Ana
Friday: Arrival and first contact
- In the afternoon, stroll around Plaza de Santa Ana and its surroundings
- Dinner at Casa González, tasting their traditional Madrid cuisine
Saturday: Culture and terraces day
- In the afternoon, explore the Barrio de las Letras and the Plaza Mayor
- In the evening, dinner at the Hotel ME Madrid Reina Victoria (The Level restaurant) and then drinks at the Radio Rooftop Bar, with the best views of Plaza de Santa Ana
Sunday: Relax and farewell
- Brunch at the Mercado de San Miguel
- Last stroll through Plaza de Santa Ana for a vermouth on one of its terraces
Ready to discover Plaza de Santa Ana 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.