When you visit Plaza de España Madrid, you're stepping into one of the city's most impressive urban spaces. This sprawling square sits where Gran Vía meets Calle de la Princesa, creating a natural gathering point that locals and visitors cross daily without always stopping to appreciate what's around them.

The centerpiece here is the Cervantes monument, a elaborate fountain dedicated to Spain's most famous writer. It's quite something when you see it up close - much more detailed than it appears from the street. The square itself covers nearly 37,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in the country, though it doesn't feel overwhelming thanks to its thoughtful design.

What really catches your eye are the towering buildings that frame the space. The Torre de Madrid and Edificio España dominate the skyline here, these mid-20th century giants that give the area its distinctive character. They're not everyone's cup of tea architecturally, but they certainly make a statement. More interesting to me are the older buildings tucked around the edges, like Casa Gallardo with its modernist details.

The square underwent major renovations in 2019, and the difference is noticeable. The gardens are more accessible now, with better pathways and seating areas where you can actually sit and watch Madrid go by. It's become more pedestrian-friendly, which was desperately needed given how many streets converge here - Bailén, Ferraz, Leganitos, and the busy Cuesta de San Vicente all meet at this point.

Discover all the secrets of Plaza de España with our comprehensive Madrid audio guide - there's more history packed into this space than most people realize, including why it was once called Plaza de San Marcial.

The location puts you right at the edge of Madrid's historic center, with the Royal Palace just a short walk down Cuesta de San Vicente. From here, you can easily head up Calle de la Princesa toward the university area, or dive back into the city center via Gran Vía. It's one of those places that works both as a destination and as a starting point for exploring other parts of the city.

The square feels different depending on when you visit. Mornings tend to be quieter, while evenings bring more energy as people use it as a meeting spot before heading elsewhere in the city.