Discover the history of the 20th century in Madrid, doing an architecture tour with a local architect, from the rooftops with the best views of the city. We propose you an exclusive and unforgotteable experience. Enjoy an architecture tour from the rooftops with the best views of Madrid across Gran Vía. You will learn more about Gran Vía and its surroundings from the urban, historical and architectural point of view since it was conceived more than 110 years ago until its latest reform.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Circulo de Bellas Artes
- First rooftop with the most iconic views of the city where we will discover the urban development of the city while you have a drink. Likewise, we will discover the history of other buildings such as the new headquarters of the City Hall or the Cervantes Institute, Torres Blancas projected by the architect Saénz de Oíza or Colón Towers, with its spectacular structural system, projected by Antonio Lamela. You will discover the history of the city from the origins to our days with exclusive views from the best terraces in Madrid. After going down the impressive staircase of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and visiting the inside of the building, we will start walking along the first stretch of Gran Vía, stopping at Loewe, the luxury brand where Ava Gardner bought her exclusive bags before going to celebrate the premieres of her films with a cocktail at Museo Chicote. A bar that still maintains its original art-decó decoration, designed by Luis Gutiérrez Soto, where Pedro Almodóvar has celebrated his premieres in the 80`s.
Metrópolis Building
One of the most iconic buildings in Madrid
Museo Chicote
Art deco cocktail bar where Hollywood stars celebrated parties after the premiere of their films in Gran Vía. A bar that still maintains its original art-decó decoration, designed by Luis Gutiérrez Soto, where Pedro Almodóvar has celebrated his premieres in the 80`s.
Telefónica Building
The first Madrid skyscraper, whose cultural Foundation we will enter together. We will continue the journey down the second section of Gran Vía, getting to know the old Paris-Madrid Mall, the first luxury shopping center in Madrid. Later we will recall the missing Hotel Florida in Callao where Ernest Hemingway shared nights with international correspondents covering the Spanish Civil War, such as John Dos Passos.
Capitol Building
One of the most iconic buildings in Madrid, famous for its neon lights with the Schweeps brand on the top. From here you will enjoy the views of the third section of Gran Vía with its cinemas and musical theaters along wich we will walk together to Plaza de España where we will finish at the final rooftop. A secret spot where we will have a drink while I explain to you the project led Porras La Casta that has changed this square with the best views of Casa de Campo, Sabatini Gardens, the Royal Palace and the Cathedral in the background.
Ending Point
Rooftop at Plaza de España
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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.
Private Transport
Personal Expenses (Drink or snacks)
Gratuities
CIRCULO DE BELLAS ARTES ROOFTOP AND BUILDING +5,50€ /PAX
OPTIONAL
RIU HOTEL ROOFTOP
MONDAY TO FRIDAY TILL 5PM +5.00€/PAX
MONDAY TO FRIDAY AFTER 5PM, WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS +10€/PAX
First rooftop opens at 10AM.
Telefonica Building opens Tuesday to Sunday
On Mondays, Télefonica Building closes
On Saturdays and Sundays afternnon rooftops are too busy to enjoy the experience.
Mondays only mornings 9am-3pm
Thursdays from 11am
I am Emilio, I was born in Madrid a few years ago and I studied Architecture at the ETSAM of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. I have been working for 20 years carrying out very diverse projects. In 2018 I started working as a guide, as a complement of my work as an architect.
I love to travel and I love visiting buildings and cities that I have admired and studied before and I like to be explained by fellow architects from other countries who enrich the experience that makes those hours of exchange together unforgettable. I do it for all those who are interested in architecture by vocation, profession or mere hobby.
$359/ per group