Beyond its iconic fountain—erected in 1780 and widely loved today—Plaza de Cibeles is flanked by several of Madrid's more stunning buildings, including Cybele Palace, Buenavista Palace, and the Palace of Linares. Walk due east and you'll find the must-see Puerta de Alcalá.
The plaza is free to visit, and easy to add-on to your stroll along the Paseo del Prado or Calle de Alcalá. Be sure to pair a visit here with one (or more) of Madrid's top museums. Three of the city's revered national art museums are located within walking distance: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. For an art experience in nearby Retiro Park, both the Crystal Palace and Velázquez Palace typically feature rotating exhibitions.
The Plaza de Cibeles is located in front of the Cybele Palace in central Madrid. The best way to visit is to take the metro—the 2 line runs to the nearby Banco de España station—or to hop on a guided tour. Many of the city's sightseeing tours, private tours, and even tuk-tuk tours pass the plaza.
This outdoor attraction is best to visit when the weather's pleasant and the sun is shining. Summers in Madrid are certainly sunny, but the heat can be overwhelming. In the springtime, you can enjoy pleasant weather but avoid the crowds of peak tourist season.
Directly in front of the Plaza de Cibeles you can find the Cybele Palace, a landmark building that once served as the city's post office. There are two activities to try here—visit the CentroCentro cultural space, and enjoy views from the 8th-floor observation deck. Though you pay a small fee to visit the palace’s tower, the panoramic vistas are well worth the price.
