The heart of MadridThe Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that encircled medieval Madrid: it got its name from the rising sun which decorated the entrance, as the gate was oriented to the east.Today a busy and vibrant spot at the centre of the city, Puerta del Sol offers a fine range of shops, restaurants and cafés down its side streets, an array of entertainments in the square (the typical street-performer cast of mimes, human statues and magicians vie for tourists' attention) and great opportunities for people-watching throughout.All road lead to Puerta del SolIn front of the Post Office, which serves as the office of the President of Madrid, is a plaque in the pavement marking the starting point of all the roads in Spain: they all radiate out from here like the rays of the sun. Its central and symbolic location has made the square a popular spot for protest and demonstrations in recent years. The square is also home to a famous clock, whose bells sound for the Spanish tradition of the eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year. The New Year's celebrations held in the square has been broadcast live on national TV since 1962. On the east side stands a statue of a bear and a madrone tree (madroño), the heraldic symbol of Madrid; another landmark is the huge neon-lit advertisement for Tío Pepe, a brand of sherry, which has dominated the square since 1936.

Tapas are a cornerstone of the city’s culinary and social culture in Spain. These small plates range from simple classics like tortilla española, croquettes, or patatas bravas to more elaborate dishes such as gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or thinly sliced jamón ibérico.  What makes tapas special isn’t just the food, but the way they’re enjoyed, shared among friends over drinks, hopping from one tavern to another in search of the best flavours. In Madrid, traditional tapas bars stand alongside modern gastrobars, creating a vibrant scene where old recipes meet contemporary twists. Eating tapas here isn’t just dining, it’s a way to experience the rhythm and spirit of the city. 

The Main SquareJust a few blocks from the Puerta del Sol, this square was built in the early 17th century under the reign of Philip III, whose equestrian statue stands at the centre. It is overlooked largely by three-storey residential buildings, with 237 balconies facing the plaza.It is a grand and symmetrical space, with a distinguished surround of arcaded porticoes. The municipal Casa de la Panadería - supposedly named after the bakery that it replaced - dominates the north side, with painted façades and flanked by a pair of angular towers. A place of the pastToday the plaza is primarily a popular tourist attraction, but in its time it has been used for bullfighting, markets, football matches, public executions and even autos da fé: the tribunals, tortures and burnings of supposed heretics during the years of the Spanish Inquisition.Beneath its porticoes a number of traditional shops and eateries can be found; despite their rather steep prices, they make a great stop for some people-watching, and you can drink local wines as you drink in some history.

Plaza de Ramales is a small, charming square located just a short walk from Madrid’s Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Though quieter than nearby landmarks, it carries a fascinating history. The square was once the site of the Church of San Juan Bautista, where the Spanish master painter Diego Velázquez was buried in 1660. The church was later demolished in the 19th century, but a plaque and a granite cross in the plaza commemorate the spot where his remains are believed to rest. Today, Plaza de Ramales is a peaceful corner with outdoor terraces, offering visitors a chance to pause and reflect while surrounded by echoes of Madrid’s artistic and royal past. 

Barrio de las Letras, also called the Literary Quarter, is one of Madrid’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods, celebrated for its mix of history, culture, and lively street life. The area takes its name from Spain’s Golden Age of literature, when writers like Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, and Góngora lived and wrote here. Walking through its streets, you’ll notice bronze inscriptions on the pavement with famous quotes, as well as plaques marking the homes of these great authors. Today, Barrio de las Letras blends historic charm with a bohemian spirit. Its pedestrian streets are lined with tapas bars, traditional taverns, boutique shops, art galleries, and theatres. Calle Huertas, the main artery, is especially vibrant at night. Cultural highlights include the Casa-Museo de Lope de Vega, where the playwright lived, and its proximity to Madrid’s Art Triangle (Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía museums). The neighbourhood also preserves 17th-century convents, palaces, and courtyards, creating a beautiful mix of old and new. 

Mercado de San Miguel is one of Madrid’s most famous culinary landmarks, located just steps from Plaza Mayor. Housed in an elegant iron-and-glass structure dating back to 1916, the market was originally a neighborhood food market and has since been transformed into a vibrant gourmet destination.  Inside, you’ll find dozens of stalls run by local producers and renowned chefs, offering everything from Iberian ham and artisan cheeses to fresh seafood, olives, and gourmet tapas. It’s not just a place to shop, but to savor, visitors can wander from counter to counter sampling delicacies paired with Spanish wines, vermouth, or cava. The lively atmosphere, combined with its historic architecture, makes it both a culinary and cultural highlight of Madrid.