Plaza de Santa Ana

One of Madrid's liveliest areas, filled with restaurants, cafés and tapas bars.

TravelCurious Tip

Come here to experience Madrid like a local - most tourists flock to the larger squares.

Classy Plaza

Plaza de Santa Ana was built in the 19th century on the site of an old monastery of the same name, which had been demolished in 1810. Its most iconic feature is on the square's western side: overlooking the plaza is the Reina Sofia, a 19th century hotel with a grand windowed façade that is famed as a favourite stopover for popular bullfighters. Manolete, considered by many the greatest bullfighter of all time, always stayed in room 220.

Smaller than Puerta del Sol and less pricy than Plaza Mayor, this is also a quieter spot to relax, where you're less likely to be bothered by any street performers. But there's still lots going on, with hundreds of surrounding tapas bars and vinotecas nearby, and the square makes a great starting point for night-time excursions in summer. On Sunday mornings, Madrilenian families stroll here to buy newspapers and loaves of bread.

It's also a beautiful place: many of the restaurants are decorated with elegant ceramic tiles. Two statues pay tribute to authors of the Spanish Golden Age, the playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca, and the poet and dramatist Federico García Lorca, who was killed by Nationalists during the Civil War.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Madrid
Jamon Serrano
Jamon serrano - Spanish ham - is a staple of many tapas and is a delicacy not to be missed.
Puerta del Sol
The centre of Madrid's New Year celebrations, and mile zero of Spain's network of roads.
Spanish Tapas
Tapas are small, flavourful plates, from tortilla and croquettes to jamón and gambas; shared with drinks in lively bars, a true local tradition.
Plaza Mayor
This colossal square has hosted a variety of events over its 400 year history, from street markets to public executions.
Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras is where literature, history, and Madrid’s lively modern life meet, a place to stroll, eat, and soak in the city’s cultural soul.
Mercado de San Miguel
A historic glass market near Plaza Mayor, is Madrid’s gourmet hub with tapas, wines, and delicacies in a lively atmosphere.

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