Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is the historic center of Madrid 

Plaza Mayor is in the middle of Madrid and looks like something from a picture. This grand space has been a market, a bullring, a stage for royal events, and a place for public gatherings. It is surrounded by uniform red buildings with iron balconies. 

It's now a hub of cafés, artists, and tourists who want to learn more. A bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich) is a popular dish in the area. Sit down at a rooftop café and watch the square come to life. There's always something going on here, from mimes to bands. 

A metal statue of King Philip III stands in the middle of the square. He paid for it in the 1600s. Every stone in this square has a story to tell, and it's still a place where people and tourists come together. 

Plaza Mayor is always both lively and timeless, whether you go during the Christmas market, on a sunny afternoon, or at night when the lights are twinkling. It's a great way to describe Madrid itself.