The Puerta del Sol is the natural starting point for discovering Madrid. Its status as kilometre zero and its location in the heart of the historic quarter mean that numerous tours, free tours and activities begin here or pass through the square along their route.
From walking tours of Habsburg Madrid to nighttime routes of mysteries and legends, visits to the great museums or flamenco shows, these are some of the most recommended experiences that have Sol as their setting or meeting point.
Recommended tours and activities
Starts at SolFree walking tour of Madrid
The city's most popular walking tour starts in Puerta del Sol, beside Kilometre Zero, and explores the landmarks and legends of historic Madrid.
2 hours · Free (booking required)
Book on Civitatis
Starts at SolMadrid mysteries and legends tour
An evening walk through the old town, starting near Sol, to discover the capital's darkest crimes, mysteries and legends.
2 hours
Book on Civitatis
Starts at SolFree tour of the Golden Age and Literary Quarter
Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo take centre stage on this walk through the Literary Quarter, next to Puerta del Sol.
2h 15m · Free (booking required)
Book on Civitatis
Guided tour of the Prado Museum
A short walk from Sol, discover the masterpieces of one of the world's finest art museums with a guide and skip the queues.
1h 30m
Book on Civitatis
Guided tour of the Royal Palace
Discover the rooms and gardens of Western Europe's largest palace. Many old-town walking routes connect it with Puerta del Sol.
1h 30m - 2h
Book on Civitatis
Flamenco show at Torres Bermejas
A few minutes from the square, enjoy flamenco singing and dancing at one of Madrid's most iconic tablaos.
1 hour
Book on CivitatisBookings are handled by Civitatis, an independent activities platform. Times and prices may vary; check each activity for up-to-date information and the exact meeting point.
Why start at Sol
Meeting at the Puerta del Sol is easy: it is perfectly connected by metro and Cercanías, simple to find, and has unmistakable landmarks such as the Casa de Correos clock, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and the Tío Pepe neon sign. That is why so many guides choose the square as the meeting point to begin their tours of central Madrid.
Frequently asked questions
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Keep exploring
History of the Puerta del Sol
From medieval gate to the symbolic centre of Madrid: the history of the Puerta del Sol, its great 19th-century renovation, the arrival of transport, its monuments and its role as a gathering place.
LeerThe great renovation that created the Puerta del Sol
The 1857-1862 renovation that created today's Puerta del Sol: the competing designs, the demolitions, Lucio del Valle's arc of buildings and the cost of the new square.
LeerKilometre Zero
The Kilometre Zero plaque, in front of the Real Casa de Correos in the Puerta del Sol, marks the historic origin of Spain's six radial highways. Its history since 1856 and today's compass rose.
LeerWhy It Is Called Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol was once a gateway into medieval Madrid, decorated with a sun. Discover how that vanished gate gave the square its name.
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