The Puerta del Sol also serves as a meeting point for many madrileños who gather below the clock that dominates the square in order to celebrate La Nochevieja (New Year's Eve).
It is a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes during the final countdown, one on each chime of the clock, and the New Year's celebrations are broadcast live on TV.
Nearest metro station: Sol (Lines 1 and 2).
Photos
A view from Calle del Carmen.
In the foreground is the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree, Madrid's coat of arms.
This is the Kilometer Zero marking on the ground from which all the main roads of Spain radiate.
It has faded away with time, but it still reads: "Origen de las carreteras radiales".
Photo taken in June 2006.
Sol metro station.
Accommodation, Lodging, Hotels, and Hostels near Puerta del Sol. Where to Sleep.
Hotel Victoria 4 **** - Calle Victoria, 4. - Next to Puerta del Sol.
Hotel Moderno *** - Calle Arenal, 2. - Next to Puerta del Sol.
Hotel Ateneo *** - Calle Montera, 22. - 100 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hotel Madrisol ** - Núñez de Arce 1, (Esq Cruz, 9). - 150 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hotel Europa * - Calle del Carmen, 4. - Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Esmeralda - Calle Victoria, 1. - 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Veracruz - Calle Victoria, 1. - 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Playa - Calle Victoria, 2. - 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Fuentesol - Calle Victoria, 2. - Cheap accommodation 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Aresol - Calle Arenal, 6. - 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.
Hostal Alhambra - Calle Espoz y Mina, 6. - 50 meters from Puerta del Sol.