Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun), Madrid (must see)

The Gate of the Sun is the most famous public square in Madrid. The square gets its name as it was one of the gates in the medieval city's walls in the 15th century. There was a rising sun on the wall here since the gate was on the east side of town.

The square is the beginning of the radial network of Spanish roads. You'll find a plaque here marking kilometer zero (km 0) of the road system. The spot is considered the symbolic, if not actual, center of Spain. As such a well known social center, the square has seen its share of political protests and demonstrations over the years.

The square is dominated by the monument to King Carlos III and the famous bronze sculpture of "the bear and the strawberry tree". According to the legend, there were a large number of bears and strawberry trees in the nearby forests. Hence, bear together with strawberry tree has been the symbol of Madrid since the medieval time.

Another important attraction on the square is the Clock of the Gate of the Sun. It has been a long tradition in Spain that people greet new year by eating twelve lucky grapes to the twelve chimes struck by this clock at midnight. Spaniards believe that eating grapes on New Year's Eve would bring them luck. Much like Times Square is in the US, the New Year celebration from the Gate of Sun has been broadcast live since 1962.

Tips

Under the square is the hub of public transportation in Madrid. The Metro's Lines 1, 2, and 3 serve the area, so connections are easy with Madrid's commuter rail system and the central railroads that connect to the Chamartin and Atocha rail stations.

The side streets are residential, and this area is full of nightlife and entertainment options. Street music is typical here, and many bars and clubs don't open until after midnight.

****Food Walk****
While at the Gate of the Sun, you can have a chance to eat like a true madrileño in the number of family-run restaurants, authentic taverns and tapas bars abounding the area. Known to the locals for decades, these eateries are quite close by yet remarkably away from the trodden tourist paths. One such hidden gem is called La Mallorquina, renowned for its pastries, particularly the “roscón de reyes” (special ring-shaped cake for King's Day).