El Oso y el Madroño
Warm view of the El Oso y el Madroño statue in front of the Real Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol

Itineraries

Walking routes from Sol

Three simple plans for using one hour, a morning, or an afternoon without losing the starting point.

Routes

Choose a route by available time

Every route starts at El Oso y el Madroño so meeting, orienting, and returning to Sol stay simple.

45-60 min

Sol in one hour

For visitors short on time who want to understand why this point concentrates so much of Madrid.

  1. 0 min
    El Oso y el Madroño

    Start at the statue and read the pedestal, bronze, and constant flow of people.

  2. 5 min
    Kilómetro Cero

    Cross to the plaque and place the square within Spain’s road geography.

  3. 20 min
    Plaza Mayor

    Walk along Calle Mayor to the arcaded square and loop back via San Miguel.

2-3 hrs

Historic centre without rushing

Connect Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Ópera, and the Royal Palace in one compact walk.

  1. Start
    El Oso y el Madroño

    Use the statue as a clear meeting point and starting marker.

  2. 35 min
    Plaza Mayor + San Miguel

    Combine historic architecture with an easy snack stop.

  3. 90 min
    Ópera + Palacio Real

    Extend the walk towards monumental Madrid and return via Arenal.

Half day

From Sol to views and letters

For a mix of civic symbol, Gran Vía, city views, and Barrio de las Letras.

  1. Morning
    Sol + Gran Vía

    Start at the statue and walk up to Callao for commercial Madrid.

  2. Midday
    Círculo de Bellas Artes

    Add an elevated view if the weather works and you want city context.

  3. Afternoon
    Barrio de las Letras

    Finish with quieter streets, cafés, and smaller squares.