🏛️ 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.
At 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 Madrid of the Austrias.
From its arcades, you can walk to the San Miguel Market, San Ginés Chocolatería and the Barrio de las Letras, creating a perfect itinerary through the most authentic and elegant Madrid.
The Sun Places invites you to explore it, staying at our Luxury Apartments in Madrid.
Its privileged location makes it the centre of a route that can include the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Retiro Park. 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 on this site, known as "plaza del Arrabal", the town's main market was held.
In 1560, after moving the court to Madrid in 1561, Philip II commissioned the square's remodelling project to Juan de Herrera, beginning the demolition of the old "casas de manzanas".
It wasn't until the reign of his son, Philip III, that the construction of the new Plaza Mayor de Madrid was completed following the project by Juan Gómez de Mora. The result was a brand-new square of red brick, lintels and continuous balconies that would become the nerve centre of the Court.
From its beginnings, Madrid's Plaza Mayor had two very defined functions: on the one hand, being 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. Today, Madrid's Plaza Mayor is the symbol of the capital's identity.
🍽️ Gastronomic tradition at Madrid's Plaza Mayor
If there is a smell that defines Madrid's Plaza Mayor, it's that of boiling oil where squid are fried.
The squid sandwich is an emblem of the capital and its popularity is linked to the history and ingenious methods of fish preservation that date 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.
Among the most famous places to try it is La Campana, on Calle de las Botoneras, whose roots date back to a modest 19th-century tavern whose sandwich falls into the category of those that present serious difficulties for taking the first bite due to its overflowing amount of squid.
To sweeten the end of the day, there's nothing like going to the nearby San Ginés Chocolatería, open 24 hours since 1894, to taste its famous churros with chocolate.
And if you're looking for a more complete gastronomic experience, the San Miguel Market, just a few steps away, offers a selection of the best products of Spanish gastronomy.
Madrid's Plaza Mayor is, without a doubt, the best setting for a gastronomic route that combines tradition and authentic luxury.
🎭 Exclusive events at Madrid's Plaza Mayor 2026
Madrid's Plaza Mayor remains the preferred venue for the city's major events.
In addition to the traditional Old and Antique Book Fair (weeks of May and June), 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 Easter Sunday Drumming, which brings together hundreds of attendees to celebrate the end of Holy Week.
In terms of elegance, 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.
Furthermore, Madrid's Plaza Mayor has been the setting for top-level fashion events, such as the runway show of Wes Gordon's new collection for Carolina Herrera at 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 depending on 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 venue 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 every 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.
Moreover, Madrid's Plaza Mayor is connected to other great attractions of the capital that we have explored in other articles: the Barrio de las Letras, the Madrid of the Austrias, the San Miguel Market, Cibeles, the Royal Palace and Retiro Park. All of 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, a stroll through Madrid's Plaza Mayor and its arcades
- Dinner at Casa Lucio, the temple of broken eggs, just a few minutes from the square
Saturday: Culture, shopping and events day
Sunday: Relax and farewell.
- Last walk through Madrid's Plaza Mayor and Cibeles 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 prepared 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.
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