Architecture tour Gran Vía from its best rooftops 20thC

Great tour of Gran Via

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!

Overall very interesting and worthwhile tour

We enjoyed seeing the beautiful buildings along the Gran Via. The tour guide really knew his subject well. However, we felt that his opening talk about the history of Madrid was too long. To make matters worse, the weather was cold, windy and somewhat rainy. He needed to have a backup place to do his talks where we could be more comfortable when the weather wasn't cooperating. We also would have liked to see the interiors of more buildings and spend less time on the 2 rooftops.

A wealth of history and beautiful views!

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

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

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

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!

Excellent - a unique perspective on Madrid

Emilio is an excellent guide and as an architect and Madrid native is very knowledgeable about architecture but also about Spanish history. This was definitely our most memorable experience in Madrid.

Best Tour Guide I Ever Had

I gained a new understanding of the history and architecture of the city. I felt very comfortable exchanging ideas. After this tour I looked at the city with different eyes. can’t recommend this tour enough.

Engaging, absorbing, very informative

Emilio gave a very interesting and informative tour. His knowledge and passion for Madrid architecture was impressive and his sincerity makes the tour very engaging. It was very detailed, relevant and very expansive. We absolutely loved the tour and gained so much from it. This is the second tour we have done with Emilio, the first was a tour of the Lavapíes area, and it was as good as the first. I highly recommend Emilio as a guide. Thank you so much

Emilio the Architect

The tour began on the rooftop, proceeded down Gran Via, ending on a rooftop so we saw buildings from numerous angles. Very interesting and we enjoyed it!! A tad too long.

Delightful introduction to Madrid's history through its architecture

We enjoyed this tour of Madrid and thought it was a great introduction to the city and learning about its rich history. The buildings we toured were beautiful and we had a leisurely walk enjoying the uniqueness of each one. Emilio took his time with our group and answered all our questions. He provided a wealth of history about Spain and the settlement of Madrid. We especially appreciated the last stop that included a wonderful rooftop view of the city and the forest to the west. We also liked Emilio's booklet with old photos of Madrid so we could see how the buildings looked in prior years. We highly recommend this tour and it's a great way to spend some time in Madrid.

Fabulous view over Madrid from rooftops

We spent 4 hours with Emilio on various rooftops above the Gran Via. The views were outstanding, but even more so his explanation of the history of Madrid and its buildings. Emilio´s passion coupled with his knowledge makes this a fantastic experience, highly recommended.

Best Tour You Can Do in Madrid

Absolutely amazing tour of the architectural history of Madrid and it’s most fascinating buildings. Emilio has a great passion for the buildings of the city and is incredibly engaging. The small group setting lends itself to meeting fellow travelers and Emilio is a wonderful guide. Highly recommend you take advantage of this tour.

We hit the jackpot with Emilio!

My husband and I spent three very informative hours with Emilio,. We learned not just about Madrid architecture but also the history of Spain and contemporary life in Madrid. It was thorough and engaging.

Learned a lot about the history of Madrid

Great experience! Emilio was very knowledgeable, not only about the city’s architecture but also its history. I went on 4 different tours in Madrid (tuktuk, walking tour, etc.) and I learned the most on this tour. Now keep in mind Emilio’s accent is a little thick, so if you’re not good with accents it might be a little difficult to follow along in the beginning, but after 15 mins we get used to it. Plus he brought along a book of slides he made on the topic making it much easier to follow along. Now that we are visiting other cities on the trip, every time I look up at a building I would wonder what kind of architecture this is, does that mean it was built in century XX, etc. Emilio taught us not only about the architecture of Madrid, but also how to look at every city in Europe you go to through the lens of architecture. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Madrid 😊

The history of Madrid

The tour was fabulous. Only two rooftops, but lots of information on Madrid since the 9th century. Also a detailed review of the city's architecture with an emphasis on Gran Via. Note that the tour is approximately 3 hours long. Emilio is extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

Excellent!

Emilio is a very knowledgeable tour guide. Had an amazing experience as my first day in Madrid. Thank you!

Rooftop tour and history of Madrid!

Emilio is a well prepared and enthousiastic guide. He knows a lot of architecture and history of his city. We had a great tour!

Best views in Madrid!

Emilio was a wealth of information and knowledge. We enjoyed every bit, even though we had a cold, windy day. Highly recommend taking this tour!

Madrid Rooftop and Architectural history

Emilio had an architect background. He is full of knowledge. 3 hours of cramming history and by then end of the tour one would see all the buildings including Primark one differently. Gran Via 👌🏻 Do consider this tour if you like to know how it all started .

Interested in architecture? This tour is for you!

Emilio was our guide. He has extensive knowledge of the historical use of buildings along Gran Via as well as architectural expertise. We started and ended the tour on rooftops with spectacular views on each end of Gran Via. He spent a lot of time with us (more than expected). The tour was extremely interesting if you love architecture and urban planning.

Fantástico

Emilio is fantastic. I took a tour with him actually before the pandemic, but the site doesn't allow me to go that far back. I've owed him this review for a long time! He is personable, knowledgeable, accommodating, and patient. He went out of his way to gain special access to a tall building's rooftop. He's known and respected in the area. The views were fantastic. Emilio shared with me a fair amount of the history of Gran Via, the development, the redevelopment, the economy. It was all very interesting -- It was in the 90s F, so it was pretty hot. I highly recommend him!

A top experience

Highly recommendable. Great opportunity to experience Madrid in a different way with a personalized tour, we were only 4 people. Lots of details and interesting facts to know about the history and development of one of the most emblematic streets in Madrid and the urban development of Madrid itself. Very professional and caring, we actually finished way behind schedule because of the amount of details and things we saw. Indeed we had the chance to see an exhibit for free. Great value for money.

Excellent!

This is an exceptional chance to learn about things you simply cannot find out by yourself. Truly wonderful and Emilio is ever so helpful and very friendly indeed. We felt in good hands and learned so much!

Great & professional guided tour of Gran Via!

This tour hosted by our guide Emilio was the perfect way to get to know the lively area of the Gran Via of Madrid. From breathtaking bird eye views atop the terraces of some of Madrid's most iconic buildings to the discreet little boutiques where we discovered hidden architectural gems, every aspect of this grand avenue was commented and put in a historical context by our guide. Emilio is passionate about his city and he drew the overall picture but he also pimped up his tour with entertaining anecdotes and insiders' information. I would certainly recommend Architour for anyone interested in knowing the city better and from a different perspective, be it local, tourists from Spain or from abroad. Well worth the money, can't wait to book another tour on my next visit!

Excellent Summary in Theory and Practice of different architectural styles across time. Highly Entertaining

The visit starts with an excellent overview of the history of the city of Madrid. It is done with very nice and didactic slides at an exceptional place to view the city, the terrace of the "Circle de Bellas Artes". The visit has great stops such those at LOEWE and Telefonica where some hidden gems are viewed and some visits to great terraces. The end of the visit having a drink on some fantastic (and in some cases very well hidden that add a sense of discovery to the visit) terraces is really a great closure to a great tour".

Great way to learn about Gran Via area

This was an interesting tour - go if you want to learn about the history and architecture of Gran Via area. It's best to go in the morning as you'll probably avoid evening crowds.

Wonderful insight into the history and architecture of Madrid!

Emilio is a fantastic tour guide! He shares so much of his knowledge about Madrid with us, we really learned a lot. He took us into lots of fun, tucked away places that we never would have discovered on our own. Highly recommended.

Excellent Tour!

This was a really incredible way to see and learn about Madrid. We got a better understanding of the history of Madrid and how it played a part in the architecture and expansion of the city. The views from each location were spectacular. Emilio was a fantastic tour guide - very knowledgeable and friendly. It was a pleasure to spend the day with him and learn from him.

A really enjoyable, informative tour

I live in Madrid but Emilio opened my eyes to things I hadn’t seen or understood on Gran Vía that I have been down countless times. Neither dogmatic or boring Emilio gives you a clear picture of Madrid’s development (including amazing views from a number of rooftops) and that of Gran Vía. You come away having learnt about Antonio Palacios and the other architects of Gran Vía, how Spain/Madrid tried to express its self-image and hopes for the future through the facades of its “high street”. I hate a bad tour, this is a brilliant one. I will remember to look up in future. And I will look up more things about Madrid’s 20th Century architecture and urbanism. Many thanks

Perfect tour with friends

Celebrated my 40th birthday in Madrid and decided to book a tour with Emilio for my guests. It was a great choice. We walked over Gran Via and got to visit some of its landmark buildings getting an interesting introduction to the city and its people. All my guests love it and we all ended up having tapas and drinks with Emilio. A great start for a long night in the city.

On the top!

Emilio is a passionate that will allow you to discover the secrets of the late 1800s-early1900s transformation of Madrid. Despite his technical knowledge (he is an architect), he is never boring and has plenty of anecdotes to tell. He brings a fresh view to help you understand the real identity of the city, beneath the appearances of this glitzy and hectic city. The “cherry on the cake” is that Emilio will push secret for you doors that open to hidden beautiful places and take you on rooftops where you will embrace the whole urban landscape. A great experience!

Great tour

I have really enjoyed this tour with Emilio. I could visit places I probably wouldn't find on my own. Thanks

Best experince in Madrid

If you want to see the truth of Madrid, you have to take this tour with Emilio. I was Saturday morning. I can say it was one of the best guided tours. if you are lucky with good weather, everything will be great. 5*

Highly recommended!

We had a lot of fun while learning many interesting details about the history of Madrid and Spain intertwined with architecture. Highly recommended both for tourists of the city and locals who would like to learn more about where they live!

marvellous

I highly recommend this tour with Emilio. +The group is small. +Emilio as an architect knows what he is talking about and didn't only show the architecture but also connected it to the time when the buildings where built. +Views from the view points were marvellous. He isn't only knowledgeable and a nice guy, he also had some individual tipps for everyone in the group for further "explorations" I really enjoyed these hours and learned a lot!

Guide architecte passionné et passionnant. Très belle visite.

Guide architecte connaissant très bien son sujet et passionnant. Très bon niveau d'anglais. Très belle visite.

A unique experience and perspective

The tour was a total charm and unique experience, being able to see Gran Vía from above and below. I recommend this tour to anyone interested in architecture and urban planning. Thanks to Emilio for all the information and impulses about the development of the city, both in the past and present, that you have shared with us. I returned home with tired feet and a full and happy mind :)) until next time!

Interesting and recommended tour

Very interesting tour and very knowledgeable guide with the ability to combine the architectural aspect with historical and political events. The passion with which the details are told is appreciable. Recommended visit!

Muy muy recomendable

Un tour maravilloso, muy interesante. Soy madrileño y la verdad que deberían obligarnos a hacer este tour. Emilio se lo curró, lo tiene todo muy preparado y estudiado. El tour se hace muy ameno y agradable. Estuve hace dos días y ya se lo he recomendado a tres personas. La única pega: hubiese estado bien alguna azotea más.

Excelente recorrido por una calle excepcional

Esta ruta se efectuó en una mañana espléndida de sol, con una luz y una visibilidad de 10. Con esta coyuntura todo resultó fenomenal ya que en esta actividad son importantes las condiciones atmosféricas. El recorrido está muy bien estructurado, con un inicio el el Círculo de Bellas Artes que, aparte de las vistas desde la azotea, permite visitar varias dependencias del edificio. El final también tiene como aliciente la opción a rematar la experiencia tomando algo en el bar de la segunda azotea que se visita. El nivel de la información que proporciona Emilio es de primera, además de contar con material gráfico muy bien seleccionado que ayuda de manera importante a la comprensión de las explicaciones. Recomendable ir sin prisas, merece la pena olvidarse del reloj y dejarse llevar. La visita es una buena opción para conocer al aire libre la evolución urbana de Madrid y puede resultar de interés no solo para turistas, también para los locales que quieran descubrir las peculiaridades de su paisaje urbano cotidiano.

Tour fascinante

Vivo en Madrid y me encantó el tour. El guía es excepcional y muy accesible. Todo muy disfrutado y las informaciones tan documentadas ofrecidas son muy interesantes. A recomendar sin duda.

Tour Recomendadísimo

Me encantó, el Arq. Emilio fue excelente en su atención hacia mi familia y a mí, tuvo flexibilidad en cuanto a mi retraso del vuelo. Como arquitecta que desconoce la traza urbana y la historia de Madrd, fue una experiencia hermosa, me encantó. RECOMENDADO.

Fantástica experiencia para descubrir la arquitectura y urbanismo de Madrid

Si os gusta la arquitectura y el urbanismo, no dudéis, el tour con Emilio Orduña por la Gran Vía madrileña y sus azoteas os va a encantar. Una manera fantástica de conocer la transformación urbanística de la ciudad a lo largo de los siglos así como la evolución de la arquitectura. Muy recomendable!

Recordado 100%

Un tour increíble y muy profesional, aportándote una nueva visión de Madrid con unas vistas impresionantes. El mejor tour que he hecho en Madrid sin duda!

Un tour recomendable

Un tour fantástico y un guía estupendo Emilio nos explicó todo con detalle y de forma muy amena Lo pasamos genial y aprendimos mucho. Vimos la Gran vía con otros ojos! Genial

Muy interesante e instructiva

Ameno , es muy importante que la visita es de la mano de un arquitecto que es bien conocedor de la historia de Madrid

Conociendo la Gran Vía

Un gran paseo que permite conocer no solo la historia de la Gran Vía y sus edificios sino de Madrid en general. Lo mejor de todo que no se limita a ir dando datos uno detrás de otro sino que te hace realmente vivir la historia de Madrid.

Fantástica visita de la Gran Vía

Realicé el architour de la Gran Vía con Emilio. Fue casi como un tour privado pues éramos solamente tres personas. Esa fue la primera sorpresa agradable. Yo soy arquitecto y me interesaba conocer datos y aprender cosas en relación con los edificios y el diseño urbano. Los otros dos asistentes tenían un interés más general y turístico. Tanto ellos como yo encontramos satisfacción, pues el contenido de esta visita alcanza a todos los públicos. Fue muy interesante, didáctico, completo y ameno. Emilio prepara a fondo sus visitas, están muy bien documentadas, ilustradas (lleva una carpeta llena de ilustraciones y fotos), sabe muy bien de lo que habla, y pone pasión en transmitir sus conocimientos y compartir sus puntos de interés. Los lugares visitados son maravillosos, y especialmente bien escogidos para el desarrollo de su visita. Emilio fue, además, generoso con el tiempo que nos acordó, que sobrepasó ampliamente la duración prevista de la visita, que prolongamos de manera muy amistosa tomando un aperitivo, intercambiando anécdotas y vivencias. Por supuesto, recomiendo a cualquiera que tenga sed de conocimiento y ganas de pasar unas horas agradables visitando esta parte de la ciudad de Madrid, bien sea visitante o madrileño, que se anime a dejarse guiar por Emilio.

Architours gran vía

Increíble la visita. Emilio es muy profesional y el tour fue realmente ameno, con gran cantidad de contenidos interesantes