Plaza de Cibeles & CentroCentro (Palacio de Cibeles)

What to expect

Plaza de Cibeles is one of Madrid's best-known squares, a busy crossing of the Paseo del Prado, Calle de Alcalá and Paseo de Recoletos. At its centre is the Fountain of Cybele, installed in 1794 to a design by Ventura Rodríguez. Around it stand grand buildings, most of all the Palacio de Cibeles, which opened in 1919 as the central post and telegraph office.

The palace is now home to Madrid City Council and the cultural centre CentroCentro, which runs exhibitions and has a viewing terrace on top. From the square you mostly look and photograph, as traffic circles the fountain. A stop here takes 15 to 20 minutes, a little longer if you go up to the terrace for the view over the rooftops.

Don't miss

• The Fountain of Cybele
• Façade of the Palacio de Cibeles
• The tower with its terrace view
• Views along Paseo del Prado
• The grand buildings around the square

Tips for your visit

• Cross carefully; the roundabout is wide and busy, so use the pedestrian crossings.
• Go up to the rooftop terrace around sunset for the best light over the city.
• Walk on to Retiro Park or the Prado Museum, each about ten minutes away.
• The square is also where Real Madrid fans gather to celebrate titles, so it can be crowded on those days.