Plaza de Oriente, Madrid: statues, gardens and views of the palace

Updated on October 9, 2026

The Plaza de Oriente lies between the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Teatro Real. It is a free-to-enter garden square lined with statues of kings and dominated by the equestrian statue of Philip IV. It dates from the 19th century: work began under Joseph Bonaparte and was completed under Isabella II. Allow 20 to 30 minutes, longer if you settle at a café terrace.

Highlights

The square facing the palace

The open space in front of the façade lets you see it whole, which is impossible from calle de Bailén. The hedged paths lead the eye towards the entrance.

The equestrian statue of Philip IV

Pietro Tacca's bronze, based on a model inspired by Velázquez, shows the horse rearing, balanced on its hind legs. It was only placed here in the 19th century, under Isabella II.

The statues of kings

They depict Visigothic, Habsburg and Bourbon rulers. They were carved to decorate the palace but were never placed on its cornice.

The façade of the Teatro Real

Across the square, the theatre answers the palace. This is the best spot to understand the layout of royal Madrid.

Practical info

Tips

Prices checked in October 2026: free, open access. The gardens are municipal space: they may be closed or partly cordoned off during weather alerts, so do not count on a walk under the trees in strong wind. The square is very busy at midday and the café terraces around it cost more than those in nearby streets: keep lunch for a side street (see our guide where to eat near the Royal Palace). The ground is flat, which suits pushchairs and wheelchairs, unlike the gardens that slope down towards Campo del Moro.

How to get there

Plaza de Oriente, 28013 Madrid, between calle de Bailén and Plaza de Isabel II. Ópera metro station (lines 2 and 5 and the Ópera–Príncipe Pío branch), two minutes' walk. The Puerta del Sol is about ten minutes' walk along calle Arenal.