Worth a Journey

The World’s 100 Best Landmarks

Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Spain

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST LANDMARKS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 97 2026
Plaza Mayor

A central square in Madrid, Spain, ringed by arcades and red-brick buildings that took shape in the 17th century. Visitors sit at the bars and terraces, watch street performers in costume, and visit the Sunday coin and stamp market.

Highlights

  • Arcades around the square
  • Terraces under the arcades
  • Sunday coin and stamp market

Good to know

  • Little shade on hot days
  • Restrooms are hard to find
  • Keep an eye on belongings

Also in Spain

  1. Plaza de España N° 4 Plaza de España Seville Square
  2. Palau de la Música Catalana N° 38 Palau de la Música Catalana Barcelona Building
  3. Plaza del Pilar N° 43 Plaza del Pilar Zaragoza Square
  4. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao N° 56 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Bilbao Building
  5. Alcántara Roman Bridge N° 63 Alcántara Roman Bridge Alcántara Bridge
  6. Magic Fountain of Montjuïc N° 79 Magic Fountain of Montjuïc Barcelona Monument