One of Madrid’s most famous tourist spots is Puerta Del Sol or rather “Gate of the Sun.”

The gates were once the entrance to Madrid. Like many medieval towns it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall and it is through the gates that entry to the city was gained. In this way, it was well known to traders and visitors from all over the world, and after the walls around Madrid were taken down, it stayed a meeting place. And for many in Madrid, it is still a great place to meet friends and family, both old and new.

Outstanding examples of Spanish architecture can be seen throughout the area and there are also various monuments and statues, a particularly famous one being a large sculpture of a bear eating the fruit of the madrone tree (the name ‘Madrid’ derives from the Spanish word for this plant and the bear is a powerful symbol for the Madrid citizens).

One of the city’s most important buildings is the House of the Post Office, the central focus for New Year celebrations; it is located there, as well as a paving slab where the six main Spanish highways originate. For these reasons, it is an excellent place to start exploring the city, as well as the entire country.

From Puerta Del Sol it is only a short walk to other popular attractions such as Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real, the Parliament is also nearby and the Metro is easily accessible from the area.

Madrid is a labyrinth of side streets and alleys where homes and little shops alike dot the sidewalks. You could spend your entire vacation just exploring these. If you can, try visiting the cafes and bars at night, when they are full of tourists and citizens of Madrid, since street performers entertain those that are there.

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