Alcalá street is the longest street in the city of Madrid. Strolling along it during the day and at night, enjoying its lights, is a real experience. However, if you had to choose a stretch from its whole length, which includes its main attractions, it would be the one closest to the area of Puerta del Sol or Plaza de la Cibeles. Here you will also find the most famous gateway of all Madrid, the Puerta de Alcalá. Located in the centre of Plaza de la Independencia next to Retiro park, Puerta de Alcalá, is one of the most important symbols of the city of Madrid. Among the points of interest in the area are: Alcalá street, one of the oldest streets in the capital whose construction dates back to the 15th century; La Casa de la Aduana, headquarters of Spain's Ministry of the Treasury, or the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts (in the part closest to the Puerta de Sol); the Casino of Madrid or the spectacular building of the Bank of Bilbao with its striking façade. Others main attractions in the area are the Alcázar Theatre or the Metropolis building, and not forgetting its intersection with the famous Plaza de la Cibeles and Plaza de la Independencia.
Puerta de Alcalá is known worldwide. Not only for being full of history, giving its name to a song or due to its spectacular structure, but also for often being the perfect stage for major events, as was the case of the international singer Shakira who presented her new record next to the arches. Its location in the middle of traffic and its great popularity, makes it a place with a lot of vehicle traffic. If you go by car through the area of Puerta de Alcalá, you have several public car parks available in the vicinity where you can easily ensure a parking space from your mobile phone. Reserve your parking space in advance online in ElParking and avoid any difficulties when you need to park in Puerta de Alcalá.
