• Brief description: This large square is presided over by two of the most important buildings in the capital: the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre). The square also contains a series of gardens and an interesting sculpture collection, noteworthy for the statue of Felipe IV (considered the first equestrian statue in the world supported solely by the hind legs of the horse) and the statues of different Gothic and Visigothic kings (they were sculpted for placement on the roof of the Royal Palace but were too heavy and had to be left in the garden). It is very typical (though somewhat expensive) to have a coffee in the famous Café de Oriente, with fantastic views of the Royal Palace (coffee: 3.15€; ham sandwiches: 2,50€). 
• Cost: free.
• Length of visit: 30 minutes.
• Hours: all day.
• How to get there: Metro Ópera (L2 and L5). If your hotel is in the vicinity of Plaza Mayor, you can walk.