Plaza de Espana Tours

Flanked by two of Madrid’s tallest skyscrapers—the Torre de Madrid and Edifico España— Plaza de España sits at the western terminus of Gran Vía in the heart of the city. A statue of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra stands at the center of the square, with smaller statues of Don Quixote de la Mancha and his sidekick, Sancho Panza, at his feet.

The Basics
Day and night, the Plaza de España is a popular meeting spot for locals. Tourists often find themselves here to rest on benches and snap a few photos. Many sightseeing tours of the city pass through the Plaza, which also serves as a starting point for some guided Segway and walking tours. The square also features a fountain and pond, as well as a wooded area, making it a popular spot for picnicking and people-watching.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plaza de España is a must for first-time visitors and Cervantes fans.
• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, particularly in summer.
• The plaza and its corresponding Metro station are booth wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There
The plaza is accessible via the Plaza de España metro stop (Lines 3 and 10), which also serves the nearby Palacio Real (Royal Palace).

When to Get There
Plaza de España is always open and often lively, so there’s never really a bad time to visit. Pick a clear day in spring or fall (the shoulder seasons) for the best weather. If you’re visiting in summer, come first thing in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the afternoon heat.

What’s Nearby
While you’re in the area visiting the Cervantes Monument at Plaza de España, carve aside some time to walk to the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest castles, which has some 3,000 rooms. The somewhat out-of-place Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod) is also a short walk from the plaza.