Metropolis Building and the start of the Gran Vía seen from Calle de Alcalá, with facades and sidewalk.

Gran Vía

Between Alcalá and the Plaza de España, the avenue gathers monumental facades, shops, cinemas and theaters that help stretch the walk into the night.

  • Neighborhoods and streets
  • Suggested time:1 to 2 h
  • Area:Sol–Gran Vía

About Gran Vía

On the Gran Vía, looking only at the shop windows means missing half the show. Facades, domes and rooftop figures compete for attention with cinemas, theaters and stores. Walk from Alcalá to Callao; continuing to the Plaza de España, the stroll gains another sequence of buildings.

At night, the neon signs add a layer to the scene. To include a musical, pick the show first and then adjust dinner; buying a ticket just because the theater appeared on your path is a particular kind of improvisation.

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Image credit

  • The Metropolis building announces the start of the Gran Vía: a good reason to look away from the shop windows.Photo: c1n3ma · Licença Pixabay · original

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