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 Look for statues of 20 Spanish monarchs, which were originally made for the Royal Palace.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

Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Emperador

Hotel Emperador

4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía

Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía

3 out of 5
Gran Vía 43, Madrid
Room Mate Macarena, Madrid Gran Vía
Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Gran View Apartments
Hotel Principe Pio

Hotel Principe Pio

3 out of 5
Cuesta San Vicente 14, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Principe Pio
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 its vibrant surroundings, which offer a mix of shopping, theater, and art. Major attractions include the Royal Palace and the Teatro Real, perfect for sightseeing tours. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the gardens and don’t miss the chance to experience local culture and cuisine at nearby cafes and shops.

Shopping

San Miguel Market, located 0.3 miles from Plaza de Oriente, offers a vibrant public market experience, perfect for gifts and souvenirs. El Corte Inglés and Milla de Oro, both 2 miles away, provide a wider shopping selection, ideal for family and city vibes if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

At Palacio Vistalegre, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with various sports events that energize your spirit. For a serene escape, visit Madrid Río, where you can relax amidst nature. Finally, immerse yourself in entertainment at Nuevo Teatro Alcala, featuring captivating music concerts just a short distance away.

Adventure

At Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, enjoy exciting tennis matches and outdoor activities located 1 mile from Plaza de Oriente. For a thrilling experience, visit the Karting Carlos Sainz Center, also 1 mile away, where you can race go-karts. Don't miss the Madrid Cable Car, 2 miles away, offering stunning views and an adventurous ride.

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 film at the Palacio de la Prensa Cinema, all within a short stroll of the plaza.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Plaza de Oriente

Plaza de Oriente in Madrid offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for travelers. You can explore the beautiful square, admire the stunning architecture of the nearby Royal Palace, and visit local churches. This area is perfect for families seeking a blend of history and leisure, with plenty of attractions to enhance your visit, including the Madrid Palacio and surrounding streets.

  • Gran Via: Experience the vibrant energy of Gran Via, a bustling street filled with shops, theaters, and restaurants. This iconic avenue showcases stunning architecture, making it a perfect spot for people-watching and soaking up the city's modern culture.
  • Plaza Mayor: Immerse yourself in history at Plaza Mayor, a grand square that has been a social hub since the 17th century. Surrounded by beautiful buildings and lively cafes, it's an ideal place to enjoy local cuisine and cultural events.
  • Royal Palace of Madrid: Visit the Royal Palace, an architectural marvel and the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Explore its opulent rooms and lush gardens, offering a glimpse into Spain's rich history and royal traditions.

Best time to go to Plaza de Oriente

The best time to visit Plaza de Oriente is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No RainMostly 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 RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly 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 RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Plaza de Oriente

To save money while visiting Plaza de Oriente, plan your trip during the cheaper months of January to February or August, and book your hotel about a month in advance. Mondays tend to have lower rates compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter by price, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotels for extra savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings. Explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Plaza de Oriente about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Plaza de Oriente hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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.

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