The Plaza Mayor draws millions of tourists every year and is one of Madrid’s most famous attractions.
While it is not an architectural wonder like so many other attractions, The Plaza Mayor is the best place to experience Madrid’s welcoming atmosphere. Being popular with tourists and Spanish citizens alike, it is an excellent place to get to know other citizens of Madrid and interact with them.
The most recent incarnation of The Plaza Mayor was formed after a terrible wide spread fire back in 1790. It has been a public square in most literal terms throughout its existence, it’s been host to bullfights, politics, festivals and even public executions. To make your adventure into this piece of Madrid’s locale more exciting, a little history lesson before arriving would be well worth it.
Not large by some standards, it is nearly square at about 100m on each side, but it can hold nearly 50,000 spectators at a time. One will often find it crowded, considerably so in the summertime. To have a genuine Spanish adventure, the various festivals they have through out the years are a great chance to experience the culture.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are abound if you want to sit down and have lunch or dinner, or if you just want to relax with a drink for a while. There is a vast array of traditional Spanish foods that are affordably priced. There are also many souvenir shops were you can purchase something to remember your trip by.
The buildings surrounding the square provide convenient spots for those who want to look down on the events taking place below. If you have time, it is recommended to make your way to these buildings, as you will be out of the bustle of people and able to enjoy the sights and sounds the Plaza Mayor has to offer.
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