Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC | 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes

71 Reviews | Madrid
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (16-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Youth (11-15) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 10
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Please select a travel date and travelers to show booking options.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, Spanish
  • 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.
  • Circulo de Bellas Artes rooftop+building entrance +5.50€
  • Option to finish rooftop RIU HOTEL M-F 11am-5pm + € 5 M-F 5pm-23pm +€10 SAT-SUN-BANK HOLIDAYS + € 10 all day
  • Drinks on the rooftops are not included

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.

Meeting points

We will meet in fron of the entrance to the building at Calle de Marqués de Casa de Riera, 20

End point

Open in Google Maps

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.

Itinerary

  • 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.

    1 hour 15 minutes

  • N/A

    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.

    5 minutes

  • 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.

    20 minutes

  • Edificio Carrion

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

    5 minutes

  • 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.

    15 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

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

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

71 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    68
  • 4 stars
    3
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 68 reviews with 5 stars

Great tour of Gran Via

Published on Jun, 2024

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!

A wealth of history and beautiful views!

Published on Apr, 2024

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!

Madrid history, culture, and architecture

Published on Mar, 2024

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.

Uno de los mejores tours de Madrid

Published on Jan, 2024

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 !

Fascinating and well organised

Published on Jan, 2024

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!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Architecture tour Gran Vía from its bes ...
148549P1
time

3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
71
Self Guided Walking City Tour in Madrid
New On TravelOne
5520738P2
time

4 hours 10 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1
Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol ...
Special Offer
337960P2
time

2 hours 25 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,633
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Toledo Half or Full-Day Guided Tour from ...
2140JTEMA20
time

5 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
4,514
Madrid City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
2140MADRIDHOPON
time

1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2,959
Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour
5830WINETAPAS
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,917
Avila with Walls & Segovia with Alcazar ...
2140JTEMA11
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,795
Toledo and Segovia Full-Day Tour with an ...
22869P9
time

11 hours to 13 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,755
Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Sho ...
6646MORERIA
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
2,394
Welcome Tour to Madrid in Private Eco Tu ...
174938P8
time

1 hour to 4 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,999
Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour
2294ADVTAPAS
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,907
Devour Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Grou ...
Likely To Sell Out
39034P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,415
Segovia & Toledo Full Day Tour con Optio ...
8648P5
time

12 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,256
Spanish Cooking Class: Paella, Tapas & S ...
9161P1
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,155
Royal Palace & Prado Museum Skip the Lin ...
8512P81
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
936
Recently Viewed
Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge
48127P5
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
578
Side Lazy Day Boat Trip
9398P301
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
48
Tromso: Private Aurora Chase by Minivan
36601P15
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
11
Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Walkin ...
New On TravelOne
104357P481
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Split to Dubrovnik Private Tour with Loc ...
57066P21
time

8 hours to 10 hours

time Non Refundable
27
Full Day Sightseeing in Marrakech with a ...
New On TravelOne
117866P101
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Make Authentic Espadrilles in Barcelona
189147P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
157
An Audio Guide to Cambridge's Hidden His ...
110804P721
time

50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1
Total Game of Thrones Shore Excursion
69232P10
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
4
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with buffet L ...
New On TravelOne
5490638P5
time

13 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!