Gran Via is one of the most emblematic streets in Madrid. It has been the setting for numerous film shoots and is known throughout the world for its impressive and original architecture.
Coming to Madrid and not visiting Gran Via would be like going to Egypt and not visiting the pyramids. This historic street runs from Alcalá street to Plaza de España, in the heart of the city.
A Brief History of Gran Via
Its history spans more than a century and is steeped in a cultural and architectural legacy that has made it a symbol of modernity and progress. The works were inaugurated in April 1910 by King Alfonso XIII. The initial motivation for these works was to relieve congestion in the historic center due to the increasing traffic on streets such as Caballero de Gracia and Montera. The avenue had several names throughout its history, sometimes even different depending on the section in question. The avenue would not have the official unified name of “Gran Vía” until 1980 (a name it had in street language already in the 1960s).
What to see in Gran Vía: The must-sees
On Gran Vía we can find numerous places of leisure. The proliferation of theatres in recent years has made Gran Vía also known as Madrid’s “Broadway”. Enjoying a musical on Gran Vía has become one of the main leisure alternatives for all Madrid residents and all those who visit the city.
Madrid is spectacularly beautiful, and one of the best places to enjoy its views is from the rooftops of Gran Vía.
One of the best rooftops, which, although not actually on Gran Vía, is the terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, from which we can have privileged views of the Metropolis Building and its majestic dome. If we look out towards Gran Vía, we can see emblematic buildings such as Telefónica. On the other side, the Cibeles Palace, Torrespaña and the roofs of the Bank of Spain. We can also see the Cervantes Institute building, with its Ionic columns and caryatids; and to the north, the silhouette of Torre Picasso, the BBVA offices or the leaning towers of Puerta Europa. On clear days, we can even make out the Sierra de Guadarrama, to the north; and the Cerro de los Ángeles, to the south.
Activities on Gran Vía: Shopping and Gastronomy.
On Gran Vía we can make all kinds of purchases. On this street you can find national and international brands, such as Loewe, Adidas, Bershka, H&M, Huawei, etc.
And of course, to be able to enjoy our visit to Madrid we must be fully charged with energy, and for this there is nothing better than tasting the exquisite gastronomy that the city offers in any of the numerous restaurants or cafes that we can find on Gran Vía or in nearby streets.
The Madrid dish par excellence is, without a doubt, the “cocido”. This exquisite recipe can be enjoyed at the restaurant “La Bola”, located on the street of the same name, a family restaurant founded in 1870, famous for its Madrid “cocido”, which is prepared in the traditional way, over a slow fire in individual clay pots. The restaurant retains the charm of yesteryear, with its brick walls, its checkered tablecloths and its old photos.
And naturally, we cannot forget “Lhardy”, a historic restaurant located on Carrera de San Jerónimo, just a few meters from Puerta del Sol. At “Lhardy”, in addition to its exquisite “cocido”, we can taste its famous consommé, croquettes, puff pastries, etc.
Discover the surroundings of Gran Vía
Madrid is one of the European cities with the most cultural activity. In addition to enjoying films and plays, we can also find all kinds of bookstores, where we can find both the latest copies released for sale, as well as old editions.
Very close to Gran Vía, on Calle Hortaleza, we can find the Pérez Galdós bookstore, a historic bookstore where the volumes reach the ceiling, piled up in impossible stacks and the oldest and most delicate ones are kept in display cases.
Your accommodation on Gran Vía: Vitium Urban Suites
And naturally, to be able to enjoy everything that Gran Vía and its surroundings offer, we need the best accommodation, where we can get to all parts of the city in the fastest and most comfortable way.
And here, right on Gran Vía, at number 61, our luxury boutique hostel awaits you, where you can rest after a day of sightseeing and shopping in the city. All you have to do is call 91 116 41 44, where our staff will be happy to assist you and help you make your reservation.
Gran Vía and Vitium are waiting for you!