Puerta del Sol

This is Madrid's geographical and symbolic centre. Set into the pavement in front of the Casa de Correos, a plaque marks Kilometre Zero, the point from which Spain's radial roads are measured. The 18th-century building now houses the regional president's office, and its clock strikes the New Year's Eve chimes broadcast across Spain.

The square also has the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the city's emblem, and an equestrian statue of Carlos III. Calle Preciados runs off towards Callao and Gran Vía and Calle Arenal towards the Opera and the Royal Palace, which makes it a handy starting point for exploring the centre on foot.