Gran Via

The Gran Vía, in Madrid

The Gran Vía is the great emblematic artery of Madrid, nicknamed the Spanish Broadway. The Madrid audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this spectacular avenue, lined with monumental buildings, theatres and shops, facing the famous Metropolis building.

The monumental avenue and the Madrid Broadway

The Gran Vía is the main artery and one of the most famous avenues of Madrid. Cut at the beginning of the twentieth century through the old fabric of the town, in a great impulse of modernisation, it overturned the face of the capital. It is lined with a succession of monumental and spectacular buildings, mixing the styles of the era, which make it a true architectural showcase. Facing one of its ends stands one of its most famous images: the Metropolis building, crowned with a black and gold dome topped with a statue. Nicknamed the Madrid Broadway because of its numerous theatres and cinemas, lively with shops, hotels and restaurants, the Gran Vía never sleeps. It is one of the must-see promenades and the beating heart of Madrid life.

What to see

Here you wander along the great avenue cut at the beginning of the twentieth century, lined with monumental and spectacular buildings, facing the famous Metropolis building crowned with its black and gold dome, nicknamed the Madrid Broadway for its theatres and cinemas, lively with shops and restaurants. The Gran Vía is the beating heart of Madrid. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Gran Vía crosses the centre of Madrid, reachable on foot and by public transport, including the metro. It is a public avenue freely accessible; the shops, theatres, cinemas and restaurants have their own hours. It is lively by day as by night.

Why is the Gran Vía nicknamed the Madrid Broadway?

Because of its numerous theatres and cinemas, which make it a great axis of shows and entertainment; cut at the beginning of the twentieth century, this monumental avenue is lined with spectacular buildings, including the famous Metropolis building.

Where is the Gran Vía?

In the heart of Madrid, in Spain.