Walking down Gran Vía Madrid feels like stepping into the city's grand ambition from a century ago. This 1.3-kilometer stretch connects Calle de Alcalá with Plaza de España, cutting straight through the heart of the capital with the confidence of a street that knows it's important.

The whole project started in 1910 when Alfonso XIII inaugurated the works with a silver pickaxe, though it took until the mid-1920s to finish completely. Madrid was trying to catch up with the urban transformations happening in Paris and American cities, and Gran Vía was their answer – a wide, modern boulevard that would drag the city into the 20th century.

What strikes you first is the architecture. The buildings showcase everything from Vienna Secession to Art Deco, creating this eclectic mix that somehow works together. It's like walking through a catalog of early 20th-century revival styles, each building trying to outdo its neighbor in grandeur.

The street earned the nickname "Spanish Broadway" for good reason. The theaters and cinemas that once defined its nightlife are still there, though many have transformed into shopping centers over recent years. You can still catch the energy that made this place Madrid's entertainment hub, especially as evening approaches and the neon signs start lighting up.

If you need a break from the crowds and noise, duck into the side streets. Just off Calle Hortaleza, you'll find places like the Pérez Galdós bookstore, where books pile up to the ceiling and rare editions hide behind glass cases. It's one of those spots that reminds you there's still room for quiet discoveries.

Gran Vía runs through several neighborhoods in the Centro district, crossing major streets like Fuencarral and San Bernardo. The constant flow of people – locals heading to work, tourists with cameras, shoppers with bags – creates this permanent sense of movement that defines the street's character.

Discover all the secrets of Gran Vía with our complete Madrid audio guide and you'll understand why this relatively recent addition to the city became such an icon. The street represents Madrid's determination to modernize while keeping its own personality, something you feel with every step along its 25 to 35-meter width.