Plaza de Oriente

The Basics

The Plaza de Oriente was first imagined by Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon's older brother) while serving as king of Spain in the early 19th century, but by the time it was finished, Isabel II had taken the throne. Designed by architect Narciso Pascual y Colomer, the plaza is home to landscaped gardens, marked with 44 statues of prominent Spanish monarchs. The most impressive is that of Felipe IV astride his horse in the center of the plaza.

If you’re heading to explore the Royal Palace or stopping by on a guided tour of the city, the plaza is a nice place to stop and rest for a minute.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The plaza is illuminated at night, making a romantic place for a post-dinner stroll.

• The plaza is wheelchair-accessible.

• You’ll often find street performers showcasing their skills in the area.

How to Get There

The Plaza de Oriente is located between the opera house (also known as the Teatro Royal) and Royal Palace, close to Opera Metro. It’s walking distance from Plaza Mayor and other key sites in the area, or you can jump on the metro (line 2) or take a guided tour with transport provided.

When to Get There

The plaza is a public space that’s open 24 hours a day. In daylight hours, there are plenty of tourists and street performers, and at night there are sometimes local musicians playing.

Visit the Royal Palace

Filled with sumptuous antiques and plenty of gold leaf, the Royal Palace shows how Spain’s royal family once lived in luxury. They no longer live here full-time, although the palace is the official residence of the royal family in Spain. The grandeur of its more than 3,400 rooms needs to be experienced firsthand.