Plaza de Colon Tours

Plaza de Colon
Choose one or more items to build your trip:
See two distinctive monuments honoring Christopher Columbus and then spend the rest of the day discovering the sights and sounds of the busy Paseo de la Castellana.

Plaza de Colón is a square paying tribute to one of Spain’s most famous sons, the explorer Christopher Columbus, best known for his expedition to America. Come to the square to get a sense of the significance this famous figure continues to possess, even in 21st-century Spain. Then use your location as the starting point for exploring one of Madrid’s most interesting streets, the Paseo de la Castellana.

The 400th anniversary of Columbus’ most famous voyage was in 1892. The year afterward, this square was dedicated to his memory. Visit the square today and see the two different sculptures created in his honor. One is a traditional statue that towers over the square from a high pedestal with a pretty fountain flowing beneath it. The other is a more abstract cement structure made of huge, chunky blocks, loosely inspired by anchors and other nautical shapes and covered in quotes from great Spanish thinkers. These two artistic approaches demonstrate the importance Columbus has held throughout Spanish history, as visual styles have changed.

Find the entryway to the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa in the square. This respected arts venue hosts everything from ballet to puppet shows, so be sure to check what’s on before you come.

Look just beyond the boundaries of the square to discover the many sightseeing, shopping and entertainment opportunities offered by the Paseo de la Castellana. This long street runs right to the north of the city, starting at the Plaza de Colón. Walk its length and end up at the Cuatro Torres Business Area, Madrid’s financial center. Along the way, look for attractions as varied as the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, the open-air Madrid Museum of Public Art and the striking Kio Towers. By far the most famous attraction on this street, however, is the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid.

Get the subway to Colón station and you’ll emerge directly onto the historic Plaza de Colón itself. A visit to this part of town is the ideal way to acquaint yourself with some Spanish history while you enjoy Madrid’s more modern offerings too.

Plan a trip to see Plaza de Colon

Hotel Regina
Relais & Châteaux Heritage Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Plaza de Colon

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Plaza de Colon

Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Regina
Hotel Regina
4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Gran Versalles
Hotel Gran Versalles
4 out of 5
Covarrubias 4, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Gran Versalles
Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
5 out of 5
Hermosilla 2, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Calle Barquillo, 21, Madrid, Madrid
Only YOU Boutique Hotel
Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid
Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid
5 out of 5
Velazquez 8, Madrid, Madrid
Wellington Hotel & Spa Madrid
Barceló Emperatriz
Barceló Emperatriz
5 out of 5
Calle de Lopez de Hoyos, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Barceló Emperatriz
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.