The Gran Vía meaning ‘Great Way’ is a happening street in central Madrid, Spain. Sometimes referred to as the “Spanish Broadway”, it is one of the city’s most important shopping areas. With a large number of hotels and large movie theatres. And of course the restaurants and food joints. Hence we were quite excited about our first evening here. An evening exploring Gran Via in Madrid, where we had booked our hotel.

• 

The Iberia Airlines flight from Lagos reached Madrid at its scheduled time of 5 pm. In order to ensure that we wasted little time on commuting, I had booked a taxi pick-up from the airport. With our trusted partners Welcome Pickups, because of our pleasant experience with them on earlier occasions while traveling in Europe.

As we entered Gran Via, we noticed a protest procession and the road closed for traffic. Hence we left the cab and decided to walk a bit to reach our hotel.

• 

Gran Via

• 

The Gran Vía serves as a showcase of early 20th-century revival architecture, with architectural styles ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco among others. The construction of the Gran Via Avenue started in 1910.

Probably, Gran Vía is the most famous and popular touristic street in Spain. It was mostly dedicated to entertainment with many cinemas, theaters, musicals, night clubs and bars. Also known as ‘the street that never sleeps’, the street is lined with theaters, movie theaters, restaurants, and shops. H&M, Zara and Lacoste are just a few of the world-class brands that have a boutique here.

Hospedaje Romero – Our accommodation

Located on Gran Via 64, Hospedaje Romero Gran Vía is not exactly a hotel. It’s a private family home with rooms which are let out. Owned by a wonderful lady & her son, we had chosen a room with an attached bath & toilet. Also there are a few rooms available with shared toilet as well. However no breakfast is available for guests.

• 

Though the best part is its location. Because with three metro stations including Plaza de España station connecting to the airport, restaurants, shopping malls & many landmarks within walking distance, it’s the place to be in. Moreover you can watch the Lion King, the Cirque du Soleil, Les Miserables, a stand-up comedy performance, ballet or some great Spanish plays at one of the many venues on and around the Gran Vía. Therefore come let’s start by first checking out our resting place for the next four nights.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Traveling around Madrid

Metro

Although we preferred a cab from the airport to save time, the best way to go around in Madrid is using the vast Metro network. Because it is the fastest, most efficient and reliable way of getting around Madrid. Also being one of the largest metropolitan networks in Europe, it connects the entire city and a large part of the suburbs. It’s also undoubtedly the most practical and economical option to move from the airport to the center and vice versa.

• 

Boasting over 300 stations, the Madrid Metro currently comprises 12 metro lines. In addition there are 3 Metro ligero tram lines and a special Ramal line connecting Ópera and Principe Pío stations. Similarly for travelers visiting Madrid, Line 8 connects Nuevos Ministerios in the centre to Adolfo-Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport (20 mins to T4 and just 12 mins to T1, T2 and T3). Moreover the Metro runs from 6 am to 1.30 am, with trains departing every 2 minutes in the morning rush hour and every 15 minutes in the early hours (after midnight).

Metro Maps

Download the Metro map 
Download the Tourist Metro map 

Fares

The current fares are as follows:

Single Ticket (Metro Zone A and ML1) – Euro 1.5-2

10 Trip Ticket (Metro Zone A, EMT (bus) and ML1 ticket (Metrobús) – Euro 12.20

Ticket To/From Airport – Single ticket (*) + Extra Airport Fee – Euro 4.50-5; Extra Airport Fee- Euro 3

Buses

The other best option for travelers are the Buses. Run by EMT (the Municipal Transport Company), Madrid’s efficient bus service is composed of 2000 vehicles and over 200 bus lines. Monday through Friday, buses run from 6 am till 11.30 pm. They generally pass every 4 to 15 minutes, although frequency depends on the line and the time of day. On weekends and public holidays, they run from 7am till 11pm and tend to be slightly less frequent.

• 

After 11.30 the city operates night buses (known as búhos, the Spanish word for owls). They run till the early hours of the morning and the fare is the same as for daytime buses. There are 27 lines (N1 to N27), and they all start or end in Plaza de Cibeles. They run every 35 minutes from Sunday to Friday and on public holidays, and every 15-20 minutes on  Saturdays and on the eve of a public holiday.

Fares

Single Tickets – Valid for one trip only (the ticket must be purchased onboard) – Euro 1.50

10 Trip Tickets – Metrobús (valid on any EMT bus, Metro Zone A and ML1 tram) – Euro 12.20; Bus+Bus (valid for two bus journeys within one hour) – Euro 18.30

Taxis

• 

With over 15,600 taxis in Madrid, finding a free one on any of the city’s main thoroughfares is rarely difficult. Moreover all vehicles accept payment by credit card and can also be paid in cash.

Fares

Fares are based on a price per kilometre and a price per hour, which is applied alternately depending on the speed of traffic. Zone A applies to the city of Madrid and Zone B to the rest of the region.

The following rates are applicable:

• Journey Commencement (minimum fare): 2.40 € Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9 pm; 2.90 € Saturday and Sunday and at other times. Per km rates for Madrid are 1.05 € from Monday to Friday 7 am to 9 pm & 1.20 € on all other days. Night charges are applicable from 9 pm to 6 am.
• Journeys between the airport and the inner M30 area or vice versa, including those reserved electronically, are subject to a fixed rate of 30€. This fixed rate is exempt from all surcharges

Walking to explore Madrid

• 

The best way however to explore Madrid is to walk around. Central Madrid can be completely explored on foot. And for places a little away you could either use the metro or bus and then walk the neighborhood to discover. Just the way we are going to get out of our accommodation now, walk and experience some landmarks around Gran Via.

Landmarks around Gran Via

Metropolis

• 

Hotel Las Letras & Casino Militar

• 

Lope de Vega Theatre

• 

Lope Félix de Vega Carpio was a Spanish playwright, poet and novelist. He was one of the key figures in the Spanish Golden Age of Baroque literature. His reputation in the world of Spanish literature is second only to that of Miguel de Cervantes.

Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

• 

The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum also known as the Thyssen, is an art museum. Located near the Prado Museum, it is known as part of the “Golden Triangle of Art”, which also includes the Prado and the Reina Sofia national galleries.

Plaza Mayor

• 

The Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid. It was once the centre of Old Madrid and it was first built during the reign of Philip III. The Plaza Mayor is for the people of Madrid and tourists to shop, walk around, eat and enjoy the outdoors. There is a bronze statue of King Philip III at the center of the square. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.

• 

• 

Puerta del Sol

• 

Mercado de San Miguel

• 

San Miguel Market  or Mercado de San Miguel is the most popular market in Madrid among tourists since it is located in the centre of Madrid, within walking distance from Plaza Mayor. The market is not a traditional grocery market but a gourmet tapas market, with over 30 different vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, baked goods and other foods. Beer, wine and champagne are also available.

• 

Gran Via at night

We had a relaxed time at Puerta del Sol square just sitting around for some time with a soft drink in hand. It was approaching dusk while we were going around having a feel of San Miguel Market. And as the lights turned on, it was a new Madrid. With action on Gran Via and the buzz all around. Let’s experience it all.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Some indulgence with Cocktails

Gran Via has numerous bars, pubs and discos for an unforgettable night. But the one that I had planned from before was the legendary Museo Chicote, renowned for its cocktails. This place has in the past welcomed the biggest stars of Hollywood’s golden age. Now it continues to draw Madrid’s coolest crowds. Therefore it was time to relax over a drink or two. You too must try out this happening joint when in Madrid. And indulge with the cocktails that you wish to try.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Restaurants in Gran Via

• 

Gran Via is full of sit-out restaurants, fine dining restaurants, tapas restaurants, pizza parlors and take away food counters, which offer a wide variety in their menu to choose from. Since we wished to have some Tapas at a nice restaurant, we decided on Restaurante Vinitus.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Best Ice Cream in and around Gran Via

Although you would get ice cream in every restaurant in Gran Via where you are dining, fun at times is in having it elsewhere. In an ice cream parlor or just pick it up on the go. Almost next to our place at Gran Via 64 are these 2 parlors. Margherita, Gran Via 63 & Heladeria Palazzo, Gran Via 56. Then you also have within walking distance Amarino at Plaza del Callao & Gelato lab at Mercado dela Cebada. We settled for Heladeria Palazzo .

• 

• 

• 

Nightlife in and around Gran Via

• 

Some of Madrid’s best nightlife centers around Gran Via. Not far from the famous Kilometre Zero in the Puerta del Sol, you will find several of Madrid’s most famous night spots. One of the most emblematic clubs is Joy Eslava, which first opened as a theater almost 150 years ago and which has reinvented itself so that it is a permanent fixture on the circuit, now playing host to the city’s best DJs and a wide variety of live gigs.

• 

Another legendary nightspot in Madrid is El Sol, famous for its concerts, featuring the best line-up of national and international acts. Also close to Puerta del Sol, at the start of Calle Alcalá, Sala Cocó offers electronic sessions to suit all tastes throughout the week.

• 

Close to Puerta de Sol you will find other legendary clubs and venues, such as Morocco, a renovated icon of Madrid’s ‘Movida’ cultural scene; Stella, with its trademark industrial aesthetic; and Boite Live, which is very popular with the LGTBI community. Other fun options include Moondance, with several areas playing different styles of music.

Gran Via. It certainly is the most happening destination in the Spanish Capital, Madrid. Spend an evening discovering landmarks, squares, theaters, tapas market, food, nightlife and more. An experience that you would definitely remember for a long time. And if you are staying on the street, life couldn’t be better. Ideal for your night out till wee hours of morning.

If you loved spending the evening in Gran Via Madrid, PIN it for planning later!

• 

• 

• 

•