No travel guide to Spain is complete without a trip to Madrid, the nation’s capital. And no trip to Madrid is complete without a visit to Plaza de Cibeles, one of the mPlaza De Cibelesost awesome things that you can do in Spain. Keep reading to find out what to plan for when visiting Plaza de Cibeles.
The Best Way To Do It
Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid is one of the most popular free tourist sites in Spain. There are four main buildings surrounding the square, in addition to the famous fountain, so the most important thing to know before visiting is that it might take you longer than expected. Set aside enough time to see all of the buildings, because you’ll probably be very impressed once you arrive in the square and disappointed if you have to rush off before exploring properly.
Spanish football (or soccer) victories are celebrated in this square, which is definitely a sight worth seeing! If you don’t mind large crowds and a party atmosphere, visit the square during football season after the Spanish national team has won any game. This is generally between August and May, with breaks over Christmas.
Booking In Advance
You don’t have to book in advance to visit the square itself, but some of the buildings in the square are worth booking if you’d like to tour the inside. There is an entrance fee at the stunning Cibeles Palace, which is arguably the standout landmark of the square. While the first Wednesday of every month and other select dates throughout the year offer free entry, it usually costs 2 euro for adults to enter the palace. There are guided tours that you can book ahead of time and, similarly, you can purchase tickets online.
It costs 8 euros to enter the Palace of the Marquis of Linares, which you can book in advance online. The entry is free at the Buenavista Palace, where you can book a free guided walking tour.
What Else Is Worth Seeing Nearby
Trip Savvy’s complete guide to visiting Plaza de Cibeles outlines the several attractions in the square that are worth seeing. The main buildings to see include the Buenavista Palace, the Bank of Spain, the Linares Palace, and the Cibeles Palace. There is also the Cibeles Fountain, which is arguably the most famous attraction in the square. The fountain portrays the Greek goddess of fertility and serves as the heart of the celebrations when either Real Madrid or the Spanish national football team win.
There is also plenty to do nearby Plaza de Cibeles. The most famous street in Madrid, Gran Via, is located just to the west of the square, while two iconic museums lie to the south: the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Prado. Madrid’s most popular shopping district, Salamanca, is located to the north of the plaza.
Best Time To Go
When planning a visit to Plaza de Cibeles, it’s important to take the time of year into consideration. In the summer months of June and July, expect to face busy crowds as this is the height of the travel season. If you’d like to be part of the football festivities, then plan your visit for between August and May, taking into account that there is normally a break for Christmas. For those who’d like to avoid the crowds and soaring temperatures, plan to visit in fall or spring.
Does It Live Up To Expectations?
Plaza de Cibeles is one of Madrid’s highlights. The majority of tourists who have experienced it would recommend the plaza to others, even if you don’t plan to go inside any of the buildings. Simply absorbing the beauty of the architecture and the Cibeles Fountain is one of the best free things that you can do in Madrid!