We propose you learning something else about Gran Vía and surroundings from the urban, historical and architectural point of view since it was conceived more than 100 years ago until its recent last reform. We will start on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, projected by Antonio Palacios, where you will enjoy the best views of the city. Likewise, we will know the history of other buildings such as the new headquarters of the City Council or the Cervantes Institute, Torres Blancas or Colón Towers. After going down the impressive staircase of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and visiting the building inside, we will start walking the first stretch of Gran Vía, stopping at Loewe, the luxury brand where Ava Gardner bought his exclusive bags before going to celebrate the premiere of his films at Museo Chicote with a cocktail together with bullfighters like Luis Miguel Dominguín, as Almodovar has done later in the 80`s. We will visit the Telefónica Building, the first Madrid skyscraper, whose cultural Foundation we will access together. We will continue the journey through the second section of Gran Vía, knowing the old Paris-Madrid Mall, the first luxury shopping center in Madrid. Later we will remember the missing Hotel Florida in Callao where Ernest Hemingway shared nights with international correspondents covering the Spanish Civil War. From here you will enjoy the views of the third section of Gran Vía with its cinemas and musical theaters that we will walk together to Plaza de España where we will finish at the last rooftop. A secret corner where we will have a drink while I tell you the project that will change this square with the Casa de Campo, Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace in the background.
Other things to note
Access to the first rooftop is not included (+5€/pax).
It is offered as an option to finish the tour on the rooftop of the new Hotel Riu Plaza de España on the 27th floor with amazing views.
Access MON-FRI +5€/pax till 6pm (no queue) +10€/pax from 6pm (queue of 20-30min).
SAT-SUN +10€ ALL DAY (queues in the afternoon-evening)
I offer other rooftops at the end of the architous without paying an entrance.
The acces to all the rest of the buildings is included.
You can have something to drink on the rooftops where we will stop at the beginning or at the end of the architour as an option.
Posted By : Adomvatik
I consider it as "must do walking seminar" in order to understand the background of the streets, the buildings and the history of the city!
Our guide Emilio was great. His English was good. The tour and info provided accompanied us in the rest of days we stay in Madrid. We were a group of 4 and book a private tour (a little more expensive than booking in a group, but more convenient).
Don't miss!
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Posted On : 2024-06-05 11:14:33 
Posted By : Nadine_F
We enjoyed seeing the beautiful buildings along the Gran Via. The tour guide really knew his subject well. However, we felt that his opening talk about the history of Madrid was too long. To make matters worse, the weather was cold, windy and somewhat rainy. He needed to have a backup place to do his talks where we could be more comfortable when the weather wasn't cooperating. We also would have liked to see the interiors of more buildings and spend less time on the 2 rooftops.
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Posted On : 2024-05-08 11:22:51 
Posted By : Sepia_F
Circulo de bella artes was definitely a treat! So much history and colorful and brilliant designs and construction through out the tour. Emilio was great and hospitable!
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Posted On : 2024-04-22 10:03:53
Posted By : GT_T
Tour guide Emilio was the right guy for this itinerary: an initial overview followed by in-depth walking tour of Gran Via. Architectural highlights placed in historical and geographic context. This one is probably mainly for the aficionado or at least those with a casual interest in details of architectural style presented with social and historical relevance. Some stairs involved, so no good for strollers and probably not for those under about 15 yrs old anyway. This is not a “light overview,” instead is rather specific. Highly recommend for the right travelers.
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Posted On : 2024-03-21 17:56:33
Posted By : X8611HVjuanv
El tour de las azoteas de Gran Via es uno de los mejores tours que hemos hecho ultimamente. Emilio es un guia excelente, con un conociento enorme no solo de arquitectura pero tambien de la historia de Madrid y de España. Mi pareja es de Brasil y entonces Emilio nos dedico mas tiempo y nos explico la historia de Madrid desde la epoca Arabe para asi contextualizar mejor la historia y arquitectura de la Gran Via. Recomiendo este tour a todo el mundo, ya se sea de Madrid o de fuera.
The Gran Via rooftop tour is excellent. One of the best tours we have done in a long time. Emilio is a fantastic guide. His knowledge of Madrid's architecture and history is impressive. My partner is Brazilian. Knowing that, Emilio made an effort and took extra time to explain the history of Madrid since very beginning (Arabic times) and therefore contextualize better Gran Via's architecture and history. I strongly recommend this tour to anyone either from Madrid or not !
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Posted On : 2024-01-13 05:25:05
Posted By : Eugenia_C
Emilio is a brilliant guide, knowledgable and welcoming, and very organised. I found the tour fascinating and would not hesitate in recommending it. I learned so much about Madrid, from major milestones in history to intriguing anecdotes. Thanks Emilio!
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Posted On : 2024-01-07 13:19:05
Posted By : Thomas_Q
Emilio is an excellent guide and as an architect and Madrid native is very knowledgeable about architecture but also about Spanish history. This was definitely our most memorable experience in Madrid.
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Posted On : 2023-10-27 13:07:25
Posted By : Lisa_K
I gained a new understanding of the history and architecture of the city. I felt very comfortable exchanging ideas. After this tour I looked at the city with different eyes. can’t recommend this tour enough.
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Posted On : 2023-10-15 03:55:18
Posted By : R225FDlenaj
The tour was a total charm and unique experience, being able to see Gran Vía from above and below. I recommend this tour to anyone interested in architecture and urban planning. Thanks to Emilio for all the information and impulses about the development of the city, both in the past and present, that you have shared with us. I returned home with tired feet and a full and happy mind :)) until next time!
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Posted On : 2023-10-04 03:46:05
Posted By : Wunderlust27
Emilio gave a very interesting and informative tour. His knowledge and passion for Madrid architecture was impressive and his sincerity makes the tour very engaging. It was very detailed, relevant and very expansive. We absolutely loved the tour and gained so much from it. This is the second tour we have done with Emilio, the first was a tour of the Lavapíes area, and it was as good as the first. I highly recommend Emilio as a guide. Thank you so much
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Posted On : 2023-09-24 04:40:32
