Look up, down, left and right - 360 degrees of Gran Via is a delight. This stunning street is the commercial lifeblood of Madrid and so boasts an exhaustive number of shops, theatres, hotels, restaurants and offices. The street's beauty is most apparent above the eyeline; the grand edifices that so dominate largely derive from the 19th century, where grand facades and regal brickwork were most definitely en vogue. However, the street wasn't actually finished in its entirety until 1929, by which time this 'Great Road' connected the Plaza de Espana and Calle de Alcala.
The Gran Via is dotted with a number of notable landmarks, the most famous of which include the Edificio Metropolis - designed by Jules and Raymond Fevrier and completed in 1911 - the Edificio Grassy - which was completed in 1917 and sits on a busy corner - and the Telefonica Building - an imposing skyscraper that is home to Spain's largest telecommunications company.
Today, the street teems with activity day and night and is home to Madrid's major flagship chainstores, exceptional restaurants, fast food outlets, luxury hotels, cinemas, exhibitions - anything that might tempt euros from your wallet or purse can be found here, with an emphasis on fun, quality, choice and convenience evident at every step.
