Madrid is a beautiful city and much of its character is provided by its streets, which have been able to evolve and reinvent themselves without losing a pinch of its charm. Strolling through the different streets of Madrid is a pleasure; some have appeared in the lists of the best in Europe and the world. There are wide, narrow, small, and large, with traffic, pedestrian, with history, magnificent views, charm and beauty.
Discover in a walk through its most emblematic and enchanting streets, the spirit of this beautiful city.
7 wonderful streets of Madrid
1. The Great Way
La Gran Vía is the most charismatic and well known street in Madrid. A street downtown but young, since its construction began in 1910. The objective was to decongest in center and to make it reality it was necessary to demolish more than 300 houses.
Nowadays it is one of the nerve centers of Madrid, a great avenue always lively and full of people, perfect to walk its fashionable shops and to rest in some of its bars and cafes.
It has been known for decades as the “Broadway Madrid”, since many cinemas dotted the Gran Vía and all the big premieres took place in them. Today, however, there are only a few movie theaters and a theater.
2. Alcalá Street
Calle Alcalá is one of the longest in Madrid. It is born in the same Puerta del Sol and extends to the northeast of the city. It is very attractive to tourists for its monuments and also because it is very commercial.
Among the most emblematic monuments that adorn this street is the source of Cibeles , in the place where it crosses the Paseo de la Castellana. Very close to this source, where it celebrates its Real Madrid titles, is the Puerta de Alcalá. Then the street continues, directing the steps of the traveler to areas as important as Goya or O’Donnell Street, to reach the bullring of Las Ventas.
3. Calle de José Ortega y Gasset
It is one of the most beautiful and pleasant streets in Madrid, and is also one of the most exclusive and expensive in the capital . Here you can find shops of large and luxurious fashion brands.
4. Calle Zurbano
Zurbano Street has been recognized in some international media as one of the best streets in Europe to live . With a very seigneurial appearance, Zurbano is located in the neighborhood of Chamberí.
It starts near the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, and flows into Goya, is a long street and is commonly compared to Park Avenue in Manhattan for its cosmopolitan atmosphere hotels and luxury restaurants . Along the street Zurbano or nearby there are several museums such as Sorolla, the Museum of Wax or the Natural Sciences.
5. Paseo de la Castellana
The Paseo de la Castellana is one of the arteries that crosses the city . With its more than six kilometers in length is one of the longest streets in Madrid and the busiest.
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A singular street, since in it we can find buildings of all types: from centennial mansions to immense and modern skyscrapers, as well as commercial centers, office buildings or museums.
6. Espírito Santo Street
A typical and picturesque street that crosses from east to west one of the liveliest neighborhoods of Madrid, Malasaña. Modern cafés and shops are alternated with old and traditional shops.
It is one of those streets of Madrid colorful and lively at any time of the week , its houses have characteristic balconies and the graffiti decorate some of its walls. Right in the middle we find the Plaza de Juan Pujol, perfect for drinking something on one of its terraces.
7. Recoletos Walk
The historic Paseo de Recoletos is one of the most beautiful places in Madrid, without doubt one of the main tourist avenues. Although only 500 meters in length, it is perfect for strolling at any time of the year, especially in summer, where its lush trees protect and shelter.
Recoletos is located between the Castellana and Paseo del Prado, forming the great cultural axis of the city. Much of its buildings, palaces, houses, even some church like that of San Pascual, were built in the 19th century.
The center of the walk, which is pedestrian, is adorned with gardens, fountains and statues. As it is a boulevard, it has terraces such as Recoletos, Café El Espejo or the terrace of Café Gijón .
“Madrid is to have a gabán those shelters much and with which one can go calm until to the burials with relente. Madrid is not admitting the Gothic. Madrid is improvisation and tenacity. Madrid is to stay cheerful without money and not know how you could buy what you have at home. “
The streets of Madrid have much to do, each with its own charm and personality, tell stories, moments and experiences of those who travel. Strolling through the most emblematic streets of Madrid is an experience you will not forget.
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