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Puerta del SolvsParque del Retiro
Both are rated highly by writers. Overall, Retiro Park ranks slightly higher than Puerta del Sol. Retiro Park comes in at 86 with praise from 6 sources like Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Michelin Guide.
Puerta del Sol
Fodor's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
Let's Go
Time Out
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
Frommer's
C. Mayor / C. Alcala, 28013 Madrid
From $0/night
Fodor's "Crowded with people but pedestrian-friendly, the Puerta del Sol is the nerve center of Madrid." Full review
Lonely Planet "The official centrepoint of Spain is a gracious hemisphere of elegant facades and often overwhelming crowds." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"It is here that the heart of the city beats." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "It is here that victories are celebrated and where masses of people come to greet the New Year." Full review
Let's Go "With the regional government situated on the southern end of the plaza, the Puerta del Sol has also been the site of major protests and political rallies." Full review
Time Out "It's the epicentre of Madrid and kilometre zero for all roads in Spain." Full review
Afar Magazine "Literally the heart of Madrid, Puerta del Sol serves as a bustling transportation hub, with all roads fanning out from from it like rays of the sun." Full review
i
Look for the kilometre zero (Km. O) plaque in the pavement on the southwest side marking the center of the radial network of Spanish roads.
Afar Magazine "To start your new year off right, look no further than the heart of Spain, Kilometer 0, in the Puerta del Sol (Door of the Sun). The tree (this year sponsored by the national lottery)..." Full review
Frommer's "Some visitors liken Puerta del Sol to New York’s Times Square, but we think that’s a canard because Puerta del Sol is smaller and friendlier." Full review
Parque del Retiro Fodor's Frommer's Lonely Planet
Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide
The Telegraph Afar Magazine
Independent Frommer's
Between C. Alfonso XII and Avenida de Menendez Pelayo, Madrid
From $0/night
Fodor's "Madrid's crowning park is a vast expanse of green encompassing formal gardens, fountains, lakes, exhibition halls, children's play areas, outdoor cafés, and a Puppet Theater." Full review
Frommer's "Originally a playground for the Spanish monarchs and their guests, this park extends over 140 hectares (350 acres)." Full review
Lonely Planet "One of the few vestiges of the 17th-century Palacio del Buen Retiro, this somewhat austere building overlooking the Parque del Buen Retiro is run as an academic library." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Madrid’s answer to New York’s Central Park is a warren of paths carved in green with a large, central man-made lake and plenty of space (330 acres) for lolling about." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"A green space where... you can row on the (artificial) lake under the indifferent gaze of King Alfonso XI, or join the locals running along the pathways." Full review
The Telegraph "Originally the gardens of a royal palace, the Retiro is now Madrid’s main park, with a boating lake, cafés and exhibition venues." Full review
Afar Magazine "The biggest park in the Spanish capital, Retiro is a great destination where you could spend the better part of your day." Full review
Independent "Madrid’s sprawling, elegantly faded green space, Parque de El Retiro, hugs the main avenue that leads to the city’s two biggest art museums as well as the main city station, Atocha."
Frommer's "It covers 140 hectares of lawns, lakes, and woodland...the park offers gentle recreational activities for everyone" Full review
