Are you planning a holiday in Madrid, Spain? Surely your itinerary is extensive since Madrid has a lot to offer tourists. A good place to start your tour is Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun). It is one of the most popular tourist spots in this beautiful city for good reason; at its center lies a slab that marks the spot where the six main highways of Spain transverse. It's also a good point to begin an exploration of this part of the old city.



Madrid, like many medieval towns of the 15th century, used to be surrounded by a protective wall and these gates were once the entrance to Madrid. At one time merchants and visitors passed through the gate and the area gradually grew to a meeting place for politicians from all over the world.

You will find a number of attractions located in its vicinity. Start with the sculpture of the bear eating fruit from the madrone tree and costa blanca beauty. Madrid is named after this plant and the bear is an important symbol for Madrilenos (people of Madrid). In front of the Regina Hotel, look at the statues atop the banks and the amazing architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Nearby are some of Madrid's most important buildings. You'll see a giant clock with clock faces on each side of the tower. Much like Times Square in New York, this is the place where New Year's celebrations take place. There are also other festivals held here including the popular Twelve Grapes celebration. In this area is also a statue of Charles III and the Mariblanca statue of Venus (original is in the Municipal Museum).

Since this has long been a political focal point, you may see protests in this area. They are usually loud and interesting to see but rarely is there any violence.

In this area are many shops, restaurants, and bars that are at their busiest late at night. If you're planning on a bar hop then know that locals don't usually hit the bars until well after midnight (dinner starts at about 10 or later). The areas are also surrounded by cafes and street performers which make for a pleasant people watching opportunity and a rest for your tired feet.

A trip to Madrid will surely be an experience you won't soon forget. Take your time, enjoy the Spanish atmosphere, and stroll through the center of Madrid starting at the Puerta del Sol.