What to see in Madrid: Gran Via, Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza Espana

Gran Via

The Gran Via in Madrid is mostly occupied by shops – Zara and Mango as well as many other big-name Spanish brands can be found there. There is also a great selection of bars and restaurants surrounding the Gran Vía area including Café de Chinitas which is a flamenco restaurant in the grounds of a mansion and is one of the most famous tablaos (Spanish word for flamenco restaurants) in the world. It serves Mediterranean food such as fish and roasted vegetables and puts on a flamenco show every night. A full meal plus the show costs approximately €65 per person.

Plaza De Cibeles

The Gran Vía joins the Plaza De España (which we’ll talk about in a moment) with the Plaza De Cibeles – a famous square in Madrid, renowned for the Palacio de Cibeles and theCibeles fountain which portrays two lions pulling a chariot carrying the Roman Goddess of fertility. In terms of the design of buildings, Gran Vía is one of the most interesting streets in Madrid. However, it’s true that one has to look above the shops to appreciate any of the original architecture.

Plaza España

The Plaza Españais a large square and a popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike. This famous square is situated in the city centre, at the end of the Gran Vía. If you were to stand in the square, you would see two of Madrid’s skyscrapers as well as a monument dedicated to novelist Miguel de Cervantes. The royal palace is just a short walk from the Plaza España.

The important monument in Madrid, dedicated to the author of Don Quixote and located in the middle of the square, features a sculpture of Miguel de Cervantes himself overlooking bronze statues of Don Quixote and his armor bearer, Sancho Panza.