Madrid, Spain

Photo spot in Madrid

Plaza Mayor and the lanes of La Latina

A closed arcaded square in warm ochre, and behind it the oldest streets in the city.

About Plaza Mayor and the lanes of La Latina

Get directions

Plaza Mayor is a rectangle of uniform ochre facades with arcades running the whole way round, which means shade on one side at any hour and a covered fallback if it rains.

The arcades themselves are the better frame: repeating arches, warm stone, and enough depth to blur the far end. Under them you can shoot at noon in July, which is not true of anywhere else in central Madrid.

Leave by the Arco de Cuchilleros and you are in La Latina — Cava Baja, Plaza de la Paja, tiled bar fronts, narrow streets that fall away downhill. Sundays the Rastro market fills them; energetic for candid work, impossible for anything posed.

Best time to shoot

Early morning, or midday under the arcades

Tips

Avoid Sunday mornings unless you specifically want market crowds. Costumed street performers will ask for money if they appear in shot.

Ready to book?

Our concierge team will hand-pick 2-3 photographers who know Plaza Mayor and the lanes of La Latina — free of charge.

Norteira

Norteira

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