Gran Via Madrid district, find out what to do and see?
One of the capital’s most central streets is Calle Gran Via, similar to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, where you’ll find a multitude of things to see and do.
Calle Gran Via is a great place to stay in Madrid’s city center, close to historic monuments such as the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral and the Temple of Debod.
Gran Via Street - Plaza de España
Located at the start of calle Princesa and calle Gran Via, this square is one of the city’s most famous. It is surrounded by three major hotels: the VP Plaza, the RIU Hotel and the Hotel Torre Barcelo. These three renowned establishments are excellent hotels in which to spend your vacation.
In the center of the plaza de España are the statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, in front of the monument to Cervantes. We recommend exploring the plaza de España from the Riu Hotel’s 360° rooftop.
360° Rooftop Bar Riu Plaza Espana - The best rooftop in Madrid
The Riu Plaza Espana hotel boasts one of the city’s finest terraces. A must on any stay in Madrid, its 360° view over Madrid and its glass walkway will leave you breathless. You’ll have an imposing view of the Plaza de España and the Calle Gran Via. You’ll also be able to see the towers of the business center and Madrid’s sierra.
Admission before 6 p.m. is 5€ per person, and 10€ after 6 p.m. (you won’t be able to use your admission to buy a drink).
Address: Riu Plaza Espana, Gran Vía, 84, Centro, 28013 Madrid
See a musical on the Gran Via
Madrid’s Calle Gran Via is famous for its many theaters and concert halls, where you’ll find major companies such as the Lion King and Cirque du Soleil.
Take advantage of your stay in Madrid to see a musical, a one-man show or a play.
Gran Via's best theaters and concert halls
To help you planning your stay in Madrid, we have selected the 3 best theaters and concert halls on Gran Via:
- Teatro EDP Gran Vía, Gran Vía, 66, Centro, 28013 Madrid
- Teatro Lope de Vega, Gran Vía, 57, Centro, 28013 Madrid
- Teatro Coliseum Madrid,
- Gran Vía, 78, Centro, 28013 Madrid
Eating tapas on the Gran Via
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and tapas bars in and around Gran Via. Discover our selection of the best places to eat tapas.
- Mercado de la Reina : C/ Gran Vía, 12, 28013 Madrid.
- Taberna de la Reina : C/ Gran Vía, 10, 28013 Madrid.
- Museo Chicote : C/ Gran Vía, 12, 28013 Madrid (restaurant famous for its founder Chicote).
- Hielo y Carbón : C/ Gran Vía, 31, 28013 Madrid (luxury restaurant).
Hotel calle Gran via
One of the best places to stay in Madrid is in the historic city center. You can choose from a wide range of hotels (palaces, 4-star hotels, 2-star hotels). Hotels near the Spanish main square are very close to the Royal Palace, and are generally more expensive. You’ll find cheaper hotels near Callao. To help you plan your stay, here are the top 5 hotels on Gran Via:
- Dear hotel: C/ Gran Via, 80, 28013 Madrid.
- Hyatt hotel: C/ Gran Vía, 31, 28013 Madrid.
- NH Collection Gran Via: C/ Gran Vía, 21, 28013 Madrid.
- Hotel Emperador: C/ Gran Vía, 53, 28013 Madrid.
- Hotel Gran Via By Melia: C/ Gran Vía, 25, 28013 Madrid.
For more information on hotels in Madrid, take a look at our guide to the city’s best establishments.
Faire du shopping calle Gran Via
Madrid’s Calle Gran Via is more than 1.3 km long, and offers a wide range of stores and boutiques. It’s the ideal place to buy a souvenir or find that postcard to send to friends, family or colleagues. You’ll find craft stores, ready-to-wear stores like H&M, Zara and Primark.
Drinks on a rooftop in Calle Gran Via
Calle Gran via is the best place to enjoy a sunny evening and a drink with friends. With its large number of hotels and rooftops, calle Gran via is the perfect place to watch Madrid from the sky. Some rooftops have swimming pools, while others offer 360° views over Madrid. Here’s a selection of Madrid’s best rooftops for a drink with friends in a trendy, cosy atmosphere:
- Jardin de Diana (Hyatt hotel): C/ Gran Vía, 31, Planta 10, 28013 Madrid.
- Círculo de bella arte: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid.
- Picalagartos Sky Bar: C/Gran Vía 21, 8ª y 9ª planta, 28013, Madrid.
If you prefer small, typical Spanish bars, you’ll find plenty of them in the narrow streets around Calle Gran Via.
Come and see the Christmas lights on Calle Gran Via
Christmas is one of the best times to visit the Spanish capital. Between culture and gastronomy, you won’t be disappointed. During the festive season, the city transforms itself and the Christmas atmosphere can be felt on every street.
You’ll have the chance to see the city’s illuminations, and sample turrón and traditional dishes. Calle Gran via is the busiest street, with magnificent illuminations every year.
For younger visitors, we recommend a trip to Cortylandia, where a show is staged from the facade of the Cortes Ingles.
Cortylandia: Calle del Maestro Victoria, 4, Centro, 28013 Madrid
Don’t forget to check out our guide to visiting Madrid in winter. You’ll find all the information you need to plan your stay in the capital.