Calle de Alcalá in Madrid: what to see along one of the city's longest streets
Calle de Alcalá starts at the Puerta del Sol and runs east across Madrid for about 10 km. The stretch worth walking is short and done on foot: from Sol to the Puerta de Alcalá, about 2 km dotted with landmark buildings. It is the best architectural walk in the centre, linking old Madrid to the Retiro.
Highlights
From Sol to Cibeles
The San Fernando Academy (Real Academia de San Fernando), the Metrópolis building at the Gran Vía crossing and the Círculo de Bellas Artes with its terrace line the route.
Cibeles and the Puerta de Alcalá
The Cibeles Palace then the Puerta de Alcalá open onto the Retiro. At night the lighting gives the avenue its best look.
The Las Ventas bullring
Far to the east, the Las Ventas bullring is on this street too, but much further on foot or by metro.
Practical info
Tips
- The street is open to all; each building has its own hours and prices (see the linked pages). Walk from Sol toward Cibeles to keep the Retiro as your reward. To complete the walk, see the Gran Vía and the Paseo del Arte.
How to get there
Start at the Puerta del Sol (Sol metro, lines 1, 2 and 3). Further on, Sevilla, Banco de España or Retiro metro (line 2), or keep walking east.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
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