Experience Madrid’s Gran Vía: the Street that Never Sleeps

The Architecture to Look Out For

Architecture and design enthusiasts, as well as photographers, will love Madrid's Gran Vía for the sublime photo opportunities it presents. The street owes much of its charm to the 1920s and 1930s Art Nouveau and Art Deco facades that adorn its historic buildings. Landmark structures include the Metropolis Building, or Edificio Metrópolis, designed by Jules and Raymond Février and completed in 1911. At 88 metres high, the Telefónica Building is an institution of sorts.

It was designed by Ignacio de Cárdenas in the Baroque Style and happens to be one of Europe's first skyscrapers. Other architectural highlights include the Capitol Building and the 1920s Palacio de la Prensa found on Callao Square. This lively square is also a hub for cinemas.

Visiting the Gran Via

The avenue starts at Calle de Alcalá, overlooking the nearby Plaza de Cibeles before ending in the grand Plaza de España. One of the main draws of the avenue is its generous selection of high-street shops and designer outposts. For a more alternative shopping experience, take a detour down the side streets where intimate boutiques, specialist shops and wine bars abound. Rates are often more reasonable here too.

For enticing dining options in the area, try Estado Puro on Plaza Cánovas del Castillo for tapas with a modern twist or Paco Roncero Restaurante, which boasts two Michelin stars, a stunning interior and a sumptuous menu.

The easiest way to get to Gran Vía is on lines 1 and 5 of the metro - simply alight at Gran Vía Station. It is also walking distance from the Puerta del Sol and Retiro Park. For shopaholics, the best time to visit is summer when the sales are in full swing. The run-up to Christmas can be especially magical, as the avenue bathes in the warm glow of Christmas lights and decorations.

First stretch: looking up

Most of the buildings on Madrid’s Gran Vía street are historic. It is very rewarding to look up and admire their modernist domes and balconies. 

The first stretch starts at the intersection with Alcalá Street. The Metrópolis Building catches the attention and can be best appreciated from the terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, which offers magnificent views of the center of Madrid.

Strolling through this avenue is strolling through the history of modern architecture and a hidden treasure is to be found: the baroque oratory of Caballero de Gracia. You can visit it by entering through a parallel street. 

At Gran Vía 12 you’ll find the well-known Museo Chicote. It is a cocktail bar founded in 1931 by Pedro Chicote and houses a collection of 20,000 bottles.

Second stretch: a lot of culture

The Telefónica Building, from 1928, stands out in the street’s second stretch. It is the first skyscraper in Europe and was bombed during the Civil War. An interesting fact is that both Hemingway and John Dos Passos wrote war chronicles from this building. 

The Casa del Libro is also located in this part of the street.

Third stretch: where musicals take over Madrid's Gran Vía

In this final stretch of the Gran Vía, the Capitol Building (also known as the Carrión Building), next to Callao Square, is a highlight. Its Schweppes neon sign was made famous in the movie "The Day of the Beast". Today it is protected and a modern icon of the Gran Vía, declared a “bien de interés cultural” (literally, asset of cultural significance) by the Government of the Community of Madrid in 2008. This building houses one of the area’s two historic cinemas. The other, the one at the Palacio de la Prensa, is just across the street. 

This area is referred to as Madrid's Broadway because its most important theaters, such as the Capitol, the Coliseum, and the Lope de Vega, specialize in musicals. "Mamma Mia" and "The Lion King" have been two of its most successful shows. This has turned Madrid into the third most important city for the genre, behind only New York and London. In addition, many other venues offer comedy shows and, occasionally, ballet, opera and concerts. 

The Gran Vía ends at Plaza España, where the Edificio España, once the tallest building in Spain, is located.

Look into the night from above

When the night arrives, Madrid’s Gran Vía street displays a world of lights and emotions. Be sure to take in some of the best views in the city from the Sky-Bar Picalagartos, a restaurant with 360-degree views and a rooftop, located on the ninth floor of the NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía hotel. 

Other options, such as Sky-Bar 360 also offer panoramic views of the city. Ella Sky-Bar, located on the tenth floor of the street’s number 42 building, is perfect for contemplating the city’s shining lights and breathtaking views.

Lula club is an excellent option for a livelier and more energetic atmosphere. In the heart of the Gran Vía, this place is famous for its music and vibrant party vibes.

Stay in the heart of the city center

To fully experience the beating heart of this vibrant city, there’s no better option than the NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía. With its sleek and modern rooms, the hotel offers easy access to Madrid’s top attractions. You can reach Puerta del Sol and the iconic Malasaña and Chueca neighborhoods in 5 minutes on foot. Follow the bright lights down the avenue to some of the best theaters and musicals on the “Spanish Broadway,” just minutes from the hotel. Lastly, you’ll be able to relax at its restaurant with stunning views while enjoying Madrid’s typical cuisine.

How to arrive

If you would prefer not to explore Madrid’s Gran Vía on foot, you can take lines 1 or 5 of the metro to Gran Vía station, lines 3 or 5 to Callao station or lines 2 or 10 to Plaza España. 

Visit Gran Vía to feel the pulse of Madrid.

Author:  María Martín Alcalá

Guest Relations at NH Collection Gran Vía

I love working as a Guest Relations because my job is to make people happy. Doing it in the city where I was born and being able to transmit my passion and love for it at the NH Collection Gran Vía, located in one of the busiest streets in Spain, makes it even more special. I feel grateful to be able to learn every day about other cultures, to be able to enrich each other and share knowledge and ways of life. Knowing the tastes and preferences of our guests gives me the opportunity to touch hearts and make their stay unforgettable in the heart of Madrid, so remarkable for its history, gastronomy and beauty, where everyone is welcome and there is always something to do, discover and enjoy. This role helps me to constantly reinvent myself and develop my creative skills to make our guests experience what it is like to really feel the famous Madrilenian saying: De Madrid al cielo.