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Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC

40 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 40 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Madrid, Spain
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

215 to 240 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Fundación Telefónica entrance
  • The visit led by a local architect who will give you the artistic historical context of the buildings, accompanied by plans and historical photos to understand the urban development of the city in each period.
  • Alcoholic beverages Drinks on the rooftops are not included
  • Option to finish rooftop RIU HOTEL M-F 11am-5pm + € 5 M-F 5pm-23pm +€10 SAT-SUN-BANK HOLIDAYS + € 10 all day
  • Circle of Fine Arts
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera
2, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Plaza de España
Moncloa - Aravaca, Madrid, Spain

We will end up in a secret terrace of a hotel where you can stay having a drink while enjoying the views the Royal Palace, the Cathedral or Casa de Campo forest.

What To Expect

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Circulo De Bellas Artes

We will start on the rooftop from where we will explain the urban and architectural development of the city while enjoying the best views of the city. Then we will go down the impressive staircase visiting the interior of the Antonio Palacios building.
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1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Museo Chicote

We will get into the art-deco atmosphere that Luis Gutiérrez Soto projected in 1931, where Hollywood stars such as Ava Gadner to Almodovar have celebrated the premieres of their films in Madrid.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Edificio Telefonica

We will visit the interior of the first skyscraper in Madrid, knowing how it was when it was built in 1929 and its last reform in 2012.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Edificio Carrion

We will learn about the history of the 1933 building with the famous Schweppes neons and its surroundings in Plaza del Callao.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plaza De Espana

We will finish on a rooftop at Plaza de España with amazing views of the Royal Palace, the Cathedral,. the Royal Theater and Casa de Campo forest. You could stay having a drink while you enjoy the views.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-148549P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
40 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 40 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
37
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Fundación Telefónica entrance
  • The visit led by a local architect who will give you the artistic historical context of the buildings, accompanied by plans and historical photos to understand the urban development of the city in each period.
  • Alcoholic beveragesDrinks on the rooftops are not included
  • Option to finish rooftop RIU HOTEL M-F 11am-5pm + € 5 M-F 5pm-23pm +€10 SAT-SUN-BANK HOLIDAYS + € 10 all day
  • Circle of Fine Arts

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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Activity name