Gran Via Tours and Activities

Photo provided by National Tourist Office of Spain
Gran Via
Gran Via
Gran Via
Gran Via


Madrid’s famous shopping strip has boutiques and international brands, an exciting nightlife and an impressive display of early 20th-century architecture. 

The Gran Via is a shopping hub and a center for nightlife. Like much of Madrid, the strip celebrates the past while embracing the future: boutique stores and international brands are housed in some of Madrid’s most iconic heritage architecture.

The shops along the Gran Via represent a mix of styles and products. Local boutiques stand beside large international chains such as H&M and Levi’s. El Corte Inglés and a Real Madrid merchandise store are among the leading Spanish brand names represented. The Gran Via is also home to a number of cinemas, theaters, bars and clubs, earning it a reputation as Madrid’s “street that never sleeps.” Come in the day to shop and then stay for a meal, a show and dance into the next morning.

Walking down the street, you will see the bright signs and advertisements of a modern shopping district. Look up and you will see Gran Via as it looked in the early 20th century.

The Gran Via was planned as a means to connect Madrid’s northwest with the old town center. Four streets, two convents and a market were all demolished to make way for the new shopping district. This gave the architects of the time an opportunity to design large, ambitious buildings in the latest styles.

Spend some time slowly walking the street with your camera in hand. The Gran Via showcases international architectural trends such as art déco and beaux arts alongside some less familiar styles, including historicism and rationalism. Don’t miss the Edificio Grassy and the Edificio Metropolis, two of the most popular buildings along the street. The Edificio Grassy is easy to recognize because of its roof: a rotunda topped by two belvederes, or open sided galleries. The Edificio Metropolis is similarly recognizable with a huge statue of Goddess Victoria crowning its domed roof.

The Gran Via lies between the Plaza de España and the Plaza de Cibeles. It is easily accessible by metro, with a number of stations close by. Once here, explore the street on foot.

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Popular places to visit


Top Gran Via Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Regina

Hotel Regina

4 out of 5
Alcala 19, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Regina
Hotel Atlantico Madrid

Hotel Atlantico Madrid

4 out of 5
Gran Via 38, Madrid, Madrid
Hotel Atlantico Madrid
Hotel Liabeny

Hotel Liabeny

4 out of 5
Calle de la Salud 3, Madrid
Hotel Liabeny
Live It Gran Via

Live It Gran Via

2.5 out of 5
Calle Gran Vía 36, Madrid
Live It Gran Via
Gran View Apartments

Gran View Apartments

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Vía 48, Madrid, Madrid
Gran View Apartments
B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52

B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52

2.5 out of 5
Calle de Fuencarral 52, Madrid
B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52
Petit Palace Chueca

Petit Palace Chueca

3 out of 5
Calle de Hortaleza 3, Madrid, Madrid
Petit Palace Chueca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Gran Via

Gran Via in Madrid is a vibrant hub for visitors, offering a fantastic mix of shopping, art, and entertainment. Explore the bustling shopping centres and iconic shopping avenues, where you'll find everything from high-street brands to unique boutiques. Whether you're keen on indulging in retail therapy or soaking up the local culture, Gran Via promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit San Miguel Market, only 805m from Gran Via, where you’ll find local delicacies. El Corte Inglés and Milla de Oro, both 1.4km away, offer a mix of fashion and family-friendly options.

Recreation

Explore Madrid Río, a serene recreation park just 3.2km from Gran Via, perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls. For sports enthusiasts, Bernabéu Stadium offers an energetic vibe, also 3.2km away. Don't miss Sala La Riviera, a lively music venue only 1.6km away for an entertaining night out.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located 3.2km from Gran Via. For a unique adventure, take a ride on the Madrid Cable Car, situated 4.8km away, offering stunning views of the city and outdoors. Enjoy some friendly competition at Centro Deportivo Municipal Tenis Casa de Campo, also 3.2km from Gran Via.

Nightlife

In Gran Via, the nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Teatro Rialto and Teatro de la Zarzuela offer enchanting performances steeped in culture and romance, while Joy Madrid provides a lively nightclub atmosphere perfect for dancing the night away amidst the city's electric energy.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Gran Via

Gran Via in Madrid offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including picturesque squares, historic churches, and stunning buildings. It's a hub for culture and business, perfect for travellers seeking a rich urban experience. Don't miss the famous Gran Vía itself, along with the CR7-themed spots that celebrate the football legend's connection to the area. Whether you're after local culture or simply soaking in the city's dynamic atmosphere, Gran Via has something for everyone.

  • Puerta del Sol: A lively central square, Puerta del Sol is the heartbeat of Madrid. Just a short stroll from Gran Via, it buzzes with locals and tourists alike, featuring iconic landmarks and the famous Kilometre Zero marker. Experience the vibrant culture and energy of the city here.
  • Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum: This renowned art museum, only 644m away, boasts an impressive collection spanning centuries. From Old Masters to modern art, it offers a unique cultural experience that delights art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
  • Paseo del Prado: A grand boulevard, Paseo del Prado is lined with beautiful trees and historic buildings. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, showcasing stunning architecture and providing a glimpse into Madrid's rich urban culture.

Best time to go to Gran Via

The best time to visit Gran Via is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.8°F (7.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July81.3°F (27.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gran Via

For an affordable trip to Gran Via, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or August, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays are typically the least expensive nights to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options and take advantage of last-minute deals. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices, and consider package deals that combine your flights, accommodation, and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free attractions around the area!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gran Via are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Gran Via about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gran Via is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Gran Via is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customise your search based on your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You have the opportunity to save some dollars by combining your Gran Via hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.