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Quote: Every night, starting around 9pm or 10pm, there are live bands playing in the plaza. This is a great place to meet people for night time activity, or just to people-watch and enjoy seeing the people of Madrid start to come out for the night. Puerta Del Sol is central to lots of restaurants, tapas bars, and clubs.
From journal Backpacker in Madrid
Quote: Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun) is in many ways the very heart of Madrid. A half-moon shaped confluence of ten streets, Puerta del Sol is highlighted by Kilometer Zero, a small plaque in the sidewalk demarcating the point from which all of Spain’s highway distances are officially measured. Several of Madrid’s most important streets originate at this junction, which used to mark the gated east entrance of the old city. Take Calle de Mayor west to Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Ville and Madrid’s City Hall. Follow Calle del Arenal to the Teatro Real (Opera House) and the Palacio Real. Calle de Alcalá to the east leads you the Plaza de Cibeles, the Parque del Retiro, and well, you get the picture. Landmarks other than Kilometer Zero also... Read More
From journal Madrid From Kilometer Zero
Quote: The city center of Madrid is not very large and it is easy to walk from one place to another. Puerta del Sol is literally the center of the city, and Kilometer Zero, the center of Spain’s road network, is located right here. Puerta del Sol means Gateway of the Sun and it is most certainly well lit and is one of the busiest places in the city; however it is no longer a city gate. There are a lot of shops and cafés, El Corte Ingles has three locations right here: one sells clothes, another electronic equipment, and the third sells books. Eight streets start here and come off like rays from the Puerta in different directions. The Puerta used to have a square shape, but now is shaped like a semicircle. The building on the left-hand... Read More
From journal Travels to Spain - Madrid, Part III
Quote: Somewhat reminiscent of Times Square in New York or Picadilly Circus in London, Puerta del Sol is the center of Madrid. Many major streets leading to most major sights originate here, including Calle Mayor, which leads to Plaza Mayor, and Calle Arenál, which will take you to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). It can be a bit overwhelming, with lots of activity and traffic, but it's a good starting place for shopping, eating, sightseeing, etc.Of course, the best thing to do in Puerta del Sol is welcome in the New Year. While the traditional New Year's celebration in Spain involves a quiet night at home with the family, a big meal, and twelve grapes to eat at midnight, there are still many people who brave the weather and go to Puerta del... Read More
From journal New Year's in Madrid