Madrid is a city that never stops. There is always something to see and discover. The great animation of its streets and the open character of its people make it a welcoming city and ideal to visit and enjoy at any time.
But if there is a special period in Madrid, that is Christmas. The city is bustling with activity and life and the Christmas spirit occupies every corner of the capital.
One of the most deep-rooted traditions, both for Madrid residents and tourists, is to visit the central streets, which look spectacular thanks to the Christmas lights, which make the capital of Madrid one of the most visited European cities.
And if there is an emblematic street in Madrid worth visiting, this is undoubtedly Gran Vía. Located in the city centre and excellently connected by public transport, it is the ideal starting point to visit the most important corners of the city.
Here are some of the ideal activities you can do in a couple of days on this legendary street and its surroundings:
Day 1: Christmas Lights and Markets
As we have already mentioned, one of the best plans for this Christmas is to go to the centre to see the lights that are put up especially for the Christmas season, and one of the best ways to do so is to do so on the Christmas bus, which offers you the chance to see the Madrid night from its open-top floor. Can you think of a better plan to enjoy Madrid at Christmas?
And also, very close to Gran Vía, we can find different Christmas markets, such as the one located in Plaza de España, where you can buy all kinds of sweets and Christmas products, as well as enjoy its ice rink, which delights children and adults. And of course, also very close to Vitium, you can visit the Christmas market located in Plaza de Mayor, where you can buy all the products to decorate your house, buy joke products, etc.
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Day 2: Christmas Culture and Traditions
One of the most deeply rooted traditions in Spain, both at Christmas and at any other time of the year, is buying lottery tickets. Very close to Gran Vía, at number 8 Calle del Carmen, is the legendary “Doña Manolita” lottery shop. It is a tradition for everyone who visits Madrid to buy lottery tickets at this historic shop, which has distributed “El Gordo” the most times throughout history.
Another Christmas tradition is to go downtown to do Christmas shopping. Gran Vía and its surroundings make up one of the most important shopping areas in Madrid, where we can find all kinds of shops where we can buy all the gifts for our family and loved ones, and for all budgets.
And of course, no Christmas is complete without a Nativity scene. As every year, we can visit the Casa de Correos, at the headquarters of the Community of Madrid, located in the heart of Puerta del Sol, its outstanding nativity scene. It will be on display from Monday to Sunday from November 29 to January 6, 2025 and is inspired by the Moroccan village of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.
Perfect Accommodation: Vitium Urban Suites
And the ideal place to stay on your visit to Madrid is undoubtedly Vitium Urban Suites. Our boutique hostel, located at 61 Gran Vía, has perfect public transport links so you can visit any point in the city. In our hostel, you can also enjoy different types of accommodation, as we have double-use rooms, with a double bed or two beds, so you can visit the city with your partner or friends. We also have triple-use rooms, perfect for families. And of course, ideal for enjoying as a couple, our suites with jacuzzi, where we can live romantic and unforgettable moments. Our hostel also offers you the possibility of having breakfast, so you can start the day full of energy and fully enjoy everything that Gran Vía and Madrid have to offer.
To book, just contact us on 91 116 41 44, where our staff will be happy to assist you and offer you all kinds of advice on your visit to Madrid.
We look forward to seeing you!