Puerta del Sol, Madrid

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This is indeed the heart of Madrid. Everyone comes here to ring in the new year for example. I wanted to see the last of the Tio Pepe signs, but it had gone :(

Certainly a happening place, and most places in Madrid radiate out from here.

Huge Metro interchange

This is often called the Time Square of Madrid. Tons and Tons of people hang out here at all times of the day. This is where your gonna find the guy who eats a sword or the statue guy. This place is surrounded by souvenir shops and bars and stores of all kind. Want to find some free entertainment then come here and you'll find it. Come here at night and there's a buzz in the crowd. A must see sight of Madrid, and don't forget to take a photo of the "Tio Pepe" sign that's been there since the early 1900's !!!!

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Puerta del Sol was the first place that I headed to after checking into my hotel.

I arrived by Metro, and the first thing that I saw on walking up the metro steps was the famous Tio Pepe advertising board

It was Saturday afternoon, and the place was buzzing with locals and tourists. As it was a month to Christmas, workmen were busy installing the Christmas lights and decorations. In front of me was a large Christmas tree.

The Puerta del Sol was one of the gates into the city - its most eastern point. As the city expanded, it is now considered the centre of Madrid city.

Around the square and on the many streets that lead off Sol like bicycle spokes, are many bars, restaurants and shops.

In the square were post card and souvenir stands, street artists, buskers, hawkers, locals queueing for lotto tickets, and a few beggars.

Probably one of the best times to visit this square is New Years Eve, when the citizens of Madrid pack tightly into the square, facing the clock above the Casa de Correos. It is tradition that a grape is eaten on each of the 12 chimes at midnight to bring good luck for the following Year. The celebrations are televised nationwide.

I passed through Sol a few times during my weekend break, and it was always busy both day and night. It never felt threatening though - I felt quite safe.

Part of the square is hidden by hoardings, this is where a new rail line and station are being constructed- it's work has been delayed due to unearthing archaeological sites.
UPDATE - my last visit was July/Aujust 09, a week after the new station opened.

This was probably the most I had in Spain, just roaming the streets of the Puerta Del Sol district. It is where all the action of Madrid is.
There are lots of local specialty shops and a big El Corte Ingles, so you won't have any shortage of shopping, or tapas.

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As Sue and I continued our walk in Madrid, having no idea of what we were really looking for but just taking in the sights, we noticed that the number of pedestrians was getting larger and larger. As usual, we don't do any planning when we visit a city so had no idea that this Monday, January 5th was actually a public holiday to celebrate the 'Three Kings', and things were starting to heat up!

I never found out until after returning to Canada that Christmas celebrations in Spain start much later than those in English-speaking countries and also continue onward a bit longer. Instead of Santa Claus stealing the whole show, in Spanish-speaking countries, the focus is more on the Baby Jesus as well as his parents and the Three Kings (Wise Men). Rather than Dec. 25th being the big day for gifts, the custom in Spain is to hold a Three Kings procession on January 5th and the children finally get the majority of their goodies on the Feast of Epiphany held the next day, January 6th. I had been wondering why the Christmas theme was hanging on for so long during our trip!

One of the main features of the Procession of the Three Kings is the showering of the crowds with gifts of sweets as they pass by. If we had stayed around a bit longer we too could have grabbed some of the 7,000 kilograms of sweets that were to be tossed from thirty passing carriages, according to the plans!

In the Sol area, near Plaza Mayor, we watched as preparations of a large stage and speakers were underway and thousands of citizens were getting into position for 'the big show' soon to come.

This bronze statue is the official symbol of the city. On September 2009 this statue was returned to its original location at the East side of square (this was location when it was placed here in 1967, so it has returned home). The symbol is interesting and it seems that there used to be many bears around Madrid. And strawberry tree seems to be have actually been a hack berry tree which was once in abundance around Madrid.

This is the most central square just a short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Long time ago it was one of the city's gates. The square is actually almost semi circular in shape and owes its current form to the major renovation between 1854 and 1860. Because it central location this is good area to stay, and there are many hotels, hostels, restaurants....On the square you will see building known as the Real Casa de Correos with famouse clock. The clock is the famous because all Spanish turn eyes to on New Years Eve, guzzling down a grape to each of its twelve chimes at midnight.

Puerta del Sol is probably the most central square in Madrid. On this site used to be one of the city’s gates which was decorated with the image of the Sun. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is on this square – the Bear and the Tree statue (El Oso y El Madrono) which is the symbol of Madrid. On one side of the square is the Real Casa de Correos which was built during the 18th century.