Puerta del Sol & Gran Vía★★
The Puerta del Sol is Madrid's navel — the square where all streets converge (literally: the Kilómetro Cero, the zero point of all Spanish national roads, is embedded in the pavement). Here stands the statue of the Oso y el Madroño (Bear and Strawberry Tree), Madrid's coat of arms. And here, on New Year's Eve, tens of thousands gather to eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes — those who manage all twelve will have good luck in the new year.
The square itself is not a beauty (it was completely redesigned and made car-free in 2022), but it is the energetic center of the city. Everything radiates from here.
Gran Vía ★★
Madrid's grand boulevard (1910–1929) stretches 1.3 km from east to west through the city — a parade of Belle Époque facades, cinemas, musical theaters, and flagship stores. The most beautiful buildings:
- Edificio Metrópolis — The iconic corner dome with the winged Victoria is Madrid's most photographed building.
- Edificio Telefónica — Spain's first skyscraper (1929, 89 m). During the Civil War, it was an artillery target because it served as a lookout tower.
- Edificio Capitol (Schweppes Building) — Art Deco jewel with the famous neon sign. Most beautiful at night.
At the western end of Gran Vía lies Plaza de España with the Cervantes monument (Don Quijote and Sancho Panza) and the recently renovated park — a pleasant oasis after the hustle and bustle.