Plaza Mayor & Old Town Walk

About This Activity

Plaza Mayor is Madrid's iconic central square, surrounded by uniform red-ochre Baroque buildings with 237 balconies overlooking the cobblestones. Built in 1619 under Philip III, it has served as a marketplace, bullfighting arena, and public execution ground. The walk extends through the Austria district to the Almudena Cathedral, the medieval Cava Baja street lined with traditional tabernas, and on to the Royal Palace gardens. Start early to beat tourist crowds. The square itself is free; the surrounding tapas bars are ideal for a mid-morning vermut.

Seasonal note: Year-round. The Christmas market fills Plaza Mayor in December. Summer evenings have outdoor concerts.