Plaza de Oriente Plaza

Address: Plaza de Oriente, Madrid, 28013, Spain

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public square)

Plaza de Oriente is a rectangular garden square in central Madrid, Spain, located directly to the east of the Royal Palace. It is a planned 19th-century urban space framed by cultural and royal buildings.

Visitors walk tree-lined paths, view the central equestrian statue of Philip IV and pass a sequence of sculpted figures and garden beds. The square is also bounded by the Teatro Real which lies on the opposite side from the palace, creating a concentrated cultural axis.

The plaza was arranged in the 19th century on land cleared for royal uses and landscaped to provide a formal setting facing the palatial façade. Statues and formal plantings were added over time to reinforce the site’s commemorative role.

Plaza de Oriente sits in Madrid’s historic core between the Royal Palace to the west and the Teatro Real to the east, within the city’s central barrio and a short walk from Ópera metro station.

• Royal Palace views: The square lies immediately east of the Royal Palace, offering clear views of the palace façade and central plaza landscaping.

What to See#

• Equestrian statue of Philip IV: An equestrian statue of King Philip IV occupies the square’s central axis and is a principal focal point for sightlines toward the Royal Palace.
• Teatro Real: The Teatro Real (Royal Theatre) borders the square on its eastern side and provides an architectural counterpoint to the palace-facing gardens.
• Central gardens: Formal gardens and a tree-lined central promenade feature statues and arranged plantings that run the length of the square.

Plaza de Oriente is in central Madrid adjacent to the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). The nearest metro stations are Ópera (lines 2, 5, R) and Plaza de España (lines 3, 10); it’s a short walk from both.

• Stand on the east side at dusk to watch the façade of the Royal Palace catch the sinking light.
• The underground parking beneath Plaza de Oriente can save a long loop when arriving by car; entry from Calle Bailén.
• Don't miss the bronze equestrian statues; their patina and placement were part of mid-19th century urban design.