Gran Vía, Madrid

Not actually a neighborhood, Gran Vía is exactly what it name implies: The Great Avenue. Noted for its grand buildings that soar to the sky with majestic facades, shopping, theatres, theatres turned into discos, movie theatres that play the original language (V.O.) every branch of every bank. This great avenue also divides the older. historic city on the south side from the still impressive, but newer section to the northward.

Home to many great buildings and monuments, such as Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de España, this avenue will host everything from the parade of Tres Magos to Gay Pride to demonstrations of the political parties to free concerts.

You'll always find the sidewalks bustling with shoppers and the street with traffic. When you tire of shopping on Gran Vía walk north on c/Fuencarral and you will find lots of trendy stores (see our explanation here). Walk 10 blocks or so and you'll endreach the Glorieta de Bilbao. You might not make it that far (and there really is no reason to) because you will be tempted to see a couple of Madrid's most colorful neighborhoods: Malasaña on the right or take a left and you'll be dropped into the heart of Chueca. Both of these neighborhoods warrant a visit during the day and should not be missed at night.

Back to Explore Madrid