Plaza de Oriente Tours

Plaza de Oriente which includes a park and heritage architecture
Plaza de Oriente which includes heritage architecture and a park
Plaza de Oriente featuring a statue or sculpture
Plaza de Oriente featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Plaza de Oriente which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people


Framed by grand works of architecture and decorated with pretty gardens, this regal square is an oasis of calm within a busy tourist area of Madrid.

Plaza de Oriente stands in Madrid’s historic quarter surrounded by an acclaimed theater and a royal palace. Spend time admiring the square’s sculpture collection, strolling its walkways and relaxing in its ornamental gardens. King Joseph of Spain, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, made plans for Plaza de Oriente in the early 1800s and in doing so demolished several medieval homes. Today the plaza stands as a reminder of the opulence of Spanish imperialism.

A wide promenade cuts through the heart of the square, at the center of which an equestrian statue of King Philip IV rises above a pond. Upon the advice of Galileo Galilei, the sculptor designed the horse with hollow front legs in order for it to maintain a reared stance. Gardens with topiary trees, geometrical patterns and fountains run either side of the promenade. Look for statues of 20 Spanish monarchs, which were originally made for the Royal Palace.

Additional gardens line the northern and southern edges of the plaza and their shaded lawns provide respite from the hot summer sunshine. Sit on a bench and watch the world go by as children have fun at the playground in Jardins de Lepanto. In the Jardines del Cabo Noval, the Monument of Cabo Noval pays homage to a patriotic Spanish soldier.

Attend ballet, classical music and opera performances at Teatro Real. If you can’t make it for a show then learn about its history, watch rehearsals and visit dressing rooms and technical areas on a guided tour. Restaurants with outdoor seating areas outside the theater offer plaza views and serve up delicious tapas.

Madrid’s ostentatious and 3,418-room Royal Palace runs along the plaza’s western side. Once the official residence of Spain’s royal family, it is now a venue for official occasions. Appreciate its luxuriousness on a guided tour of 50 rooms, some adorned with paintings by Francisco Goya.

Reach Plaza de Oriente by taking the metro to the Ópera station. From Plaza Mayor it’s just a 10-minute walk. Information about tours and events at the Royal Palace and Teatro Real is available on the official websites of the attractions.

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Best Lodging Options Near Plaza de Oriente

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Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

Hotel Nido Príncipe Pío

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Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
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Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
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Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

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Hotel Emperador

Hotel Emperador

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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.

Things to do near Plaza de Oriente

When visiting Plaza de Oriente in Madrid, be sure to explore the vibrant shopping scene, enjoy captivating theater performances, and immerse yourself in various entertainment options. This lively area offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences and leisure activities, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to soak up the local atmosphere while enjoying the charm of the city.

Shopping

For shopping near Plaza de Oriente, visit San Miguel Market, a vibrant public market just 0.3 miles away. El Jardin de Serrano, a family-friendly shopping center, is 1 mile away. If you're up for a drive, El Corte Inglés is a department store located 2 miles from the plaza.

Recreation

Explore Madrid Río, a serene recreation park just a mile from Plaza de Oriente, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. For sports enthusiasts, Palacio Vistalegre, located three miles away, offers exciting events, while Nuevo Teatro Alcala, two miles away, provides vibrant music concerts for entertainment.

Adventure

Experience thrilling activities at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, located 1 mile from Plaza de Oriente, where you can enjoy tennis and sports. For water fun, visit Aquopolis, a lively waterpark 10 miles away. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, only 1 mile away!

Nightlife

The nightlife around Plaza de Oriente is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Lope de Vega Theatre, dance the night away at Joy Madrid nightclub, or catch a romantic film at the Palacio de la Prensa Cinema, all within a short walk from the plaza.

Find the best attractions near Plaza de Oriente

In the heart of Madrid, Plaza de Oriente offers a wonderful blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the stunning Royal Palace and the beautiful plaza itself, while also enjoying the nearby church and charming streets. This vibrant area is perfect for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience and a chance to soak in the city's lively atmosphere.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant heart of Madrid on Gran Via, a bustling street known for its stunning architecture, high-end shopping, and lively atmosphere. Just 0.7 miles from Plaza de Oriente, it’s a perfect spot to soak in the city vibes.
  • Puerta del Sol: Visit Puerta del Sol, a central square only 0.5 miles away, where culture meets urban life. This iconic plaza features the famous "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" statue and is a hub for both locals and tourists, offering a taste of Madrid's rich heritage.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Located right next to Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Palace is a magnificent historic site showcasing opulent architecture and rich cultural history. Explore its grand halls and beautiful gardens, immersing yourself in Spain's royal legacy.

Best time to go to Plaza de Oriente

Visitor numbers around Plaza de Oriente is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Plaza de Oriente can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Plaza de Oriente falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Plaza de Oriente falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaza de Oriente

To save money during your visit to Plaza de Oriente, take advantage of the free public access to the square. Consider traveling in the off-peak months of January to February or August for lower hotel prices. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also lead to exclusive offers and rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Plaza de Oriente are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Plaza de Oriente about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Plaza de Oriente is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Plaza de Oriente is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Plaza de Oriente with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.