Calle Mayor (High Street), Madrid

Located on the northern side of the Town Square ("Plaza Mayor"), the historic High Street, or Calle Mayor, one of the oldest streets in the city, used to be the path for religious processions from the Royal Palace to the Monastery of Los Jerónimos. It also was the place where the guilds of silversmiths and jewelers concentrated. Nowadays, a trip down Calle Mayor offers a quintessential Madrid experience.

The street is lined with a diverse range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and shops, accompanied by the captivating facades of significant buildings. Notably, at number 88, a historic event unfolded in 1906 when an anarchist named Mateo Morral attempted to assassinate King Alfonso XIII and his bride by throwing a bomb from the top balcony of this building. Although innocent bystanders lost their lives in the explosion, the royal couple remained unharmed. To honor the victims, a monument now stands opposite the house.

For those who admire Cervantes, his birthplace at 48 Calle Mayor is a must-visit. Here, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum ("Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes"; Tue-Fri: 10am–5:30pm; Sat, Sun: 10am–6:30pm) showcases exhibitions dedicated to the celebrated author.