About Plaza de España
Situated at the heart of Madrid, Plaza de España is a popular meeting place and tourist destination. At around nine acres in size, Plaza de España is one of the largest squares in Spain. The plaza boasts several famous monuments and is surrounded by skyscrapers and some of the biggest attractions in Spain's capital.
Plaza de España dates back to the 18th century when it was the site of old army barracks. Over time, the square became an important area of the city due partly to it connecting two of Madrid's busiest streets, Gran Vía and Calle de la Princesa. During the early 20th century, King Alfonso XIII commissioned the construction of the Cervantes Monument in the center of the square. The monument was built to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Miguel de Cervante's world-famous novel, Don Quixote.
Plaza de España is the perfect base from which to discover the best of Madrid. You'll find many of Madrid's biggest attractions within a few minutes of the square, as well as upscale shopping malls, trendy restaurants, and classy hotels.
Things to do around Plaza de España
Plaza de España is a popular spot for several reasons — it's a convenient place to relax with friends, and provides an open area where you can escape large crowds. You also won't be far from many restaurants and cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy a snack or a coffee. So, drop your bags off at a luggage storage service near Plaza de España and get ready to explore the city's best sights.
- Take a tour of local architecture by visiting some of the sublime buildings near Plaza de España. Some of the exquisitely designed buildings you'll see include the neo-Baroque Edificio España and the modernist masterpiece Casa Gallardo.
- Watch the world go by at the Cervantes Monument. This pond and statue is a popular meeting place and features sculptures of famous literary characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
- Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the sky-high restaurants surrounding Plaza de España. A couple of popular options include the Ginkgo Restaurante and Sky Bar, and the Sky Bar 360.
- Discover Ancient Egypt at the Temple of Debod. This Egyptian temple dates back to 200 BC and was moved brick by brick from Egypt to Madrid.
- See how royalty lives at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Take a tour and see the Royal Kitchen and Royal Armory. Don't forget to watch out for the traditional changing of the guards!
Transit options near Plaza de España
- Madrid Metro Service (Plaza de España: 3 and 10)
- EMT Bus Service (3, 44, 46, 74, 75, 133, 138, C1, 14)
- City Bike Share (BiciMAD)
Luggage storage near Plaza de España
From tapas bars to world-famous museums and cultural staples, Madrid is the perfect place to soak up the best of España. Even if you start exploring this bustling metropolis from the center of the city, you'll be doing plenty of walking around Madrid's sun-drenched streets. Consider using a Bounce storage service near Plaza de España before setting out on your adventure. These facilities are located at nearby shops, hotels, and dry cleaners, making them easy to recognize. All you need to do is download the app and book your chosen storage location, and you'll be free to explore Madrid without having to tote around your suitcase or backpack.
Attractions and Activities near Plaza de España
- Gran Vía - Explore one of the most famous streets in Madrid at Gran Vía. Gran Vía is one of Madrid's major boulevards and provides tons of activities for locals and tourists. Search for some great deals at some of the Gran Vía's stores, including the second-largest Primark in the world. Locals refer to Gran Vía as "the street that never sleeps" due to its vibrant nightlife with many of the city's best clubs located along the strip.
Gran Vía also is known as Spain's answer to Broadway as it has several classy theaters that have hosted Broadway productions like The Lion King. Drop your bags off at a luggage storage service near Plaza de España, so you can shop for lots of new clothes along this trendy highstreet. - Museo Nacional del Prado - Many critics regard the Museo Nacional de Prado as one of the best art museums in the world. The museum has a collection of thousands of paintings and sculptures created by many world-famous artists. Museo Nacional del Prado is also known for having one of the best collections of works by local artist Francisco Goya.
Some of the famous pieces of art you'll see while delving into the museum's collection include The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez, and Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya. Large items of luggage are prohibited inside the museum, so ensure you check into a Madrid luggage storage service first. - Plaza Mayor - Plaza Mayor is the historic center of Hapsburg Madrid and one of the city's most beautiful squares. Plaza Mayor dates back to the 16th century and is encircled by exquisite gateways, colonnades, and three-story buildings. While visiting Plaza Mayor, ensure you admire some of the monuments, including the famous statue of King Phillip III on horseback near the center of the square.
If you fancy spending some time in Plaza Mayor, there are several restaurants where you can enjoy an alfresco meal. One of the best restaurants in Plaza Mayor is Sobrino de Botín. Sobrino de Botín is the oldest restaurant in the world, dating back to the early 18th century. This restaurant has served many famous figures over the years, including Ernest Hemmingway and even employed famous artist Francisco Goya as a waiter.