Edificio Metropolis, Madrid

Attraction, Historic Building and Notable Building in Madrid

Edificio Metropolis
Edificio Metropolis
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Diego Delso

Edificio Metropolis is one of Madrid's most recognizable corner buildings, standing right where Gran Vía begins at the junction with Calle de Alcalá. With its ornate white façade, sculpted details, and dramatic dome crowned by a winged figure, it's the kind of landmark you'll spot once and then keep noticing in photos of the city.

Because it's primarily admired from the outside, it's perfect to include on a walking tour through central Madrid: pair it with a Gran Vía stroll, a loop past Cibeles, or a museum-and-parks day that starts near Banco de España. For the best views, linger on the surrounding sidewalks and nearby plazas where you can frame the dome against the city's grand boulevards.

History and Significance of the Edificio Metropolis

Edificio Metropolis dates to the early 20th century, when Madrid was modernizing and Gran Vía was transforming the city's urban identity. The building's French-influenced Beaux-Arts style and theatrical corner design were made to be seen, turning a practical office building into a statement piece at one of the capital's most important intersections.

Part of its fame comes from the dome and the sculpture that crowns it. Over time, the figure on top has become a visual shorthand for Madrid itself—an instantly recognizable silhouette that anchors countless postcards, travel videos, and nighttime cityscapes.

Today, the building's significance is less about going inside and more about how it shapes the experience of central Madrid: it's a meeting point, a navigation marker, and a classic “you are here” moment when exploring Gran Vía and the elegant streets around Alcalá.

Things to See and Do in the Edificio Metropolis

Start by circling the building slowly and looking up: the façade is packed with decorative flourishes, sculptural groupings, and layered architectural details that reward a second glance. The corner placement is part of the magic—this is architecture designed to perform at a busy crossroads.

Photography is the main event here. Visit in late afternoon for softer light on the white stone, then come back after dark when the building is illuminated and the dome feels even more dramatic. If you enjoy architecture, this is also a great stop to compare styles along Gran Vía, from early 1900s grandeur to later Art Deco and modern storefronts.

Finally, use Edificio Metropolis as a springboard for a compact walking route: head toward Plaza de Cibeles for monumental Madrid, or walk west along Gran Vía for theaters, shopping, and classic street life.

How to Get to the Edificio Metropolis

Madrid is served by Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), with frequent metro, bus, and taxi connections into the center. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Madrid on Booking.com.

If you're arriving by train, Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Madrid-Chamartín are the main stations; from either, you can reach the Gran Vía/Alcalá area quickly by metro or taxi. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving into central Madrid is possible, but traffic and parking are challenging; consider using a public garage and finishing by foot or metro. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Edificio Metropolis

Where to Stay Close to the Edificio Metropolis

Base yourself in central Madrid (Gran Vía/Alcalá/Sol) to walk to major sights and keep transit time minimal.

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid Chosen for a top-tier luxury stay steps from the building, with an unbeatable central location for museums, shopping, and evening walks.

The Principal Madrid Hotel Included for its boutique feel near Gran Vía and the kind of rooftop atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a night-photography plan.

Hotel Regina A reliable, well-located option on Alcalá that makes early-morning photos and quick returns to your room very easy.

Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid Picked for design-forward comfort and a slightly calmer vibe while still being walkable to Gran Vía and the Metropolis corner.

Room Mate Macarena Great for travelers who want to be right on Gran Vía for shopping, theaters, and an energetic, late-night city feel.

Is the Edificio Metropolis Worth Visiting?

Yes—Edificio Metropolis is absolutely worth a stop because it delivers a high “wow” factor with almost no time commitment. It's one of those landmarks that makes Madrid feel like Madrid, and it fits naturally into routes you'll likely be walking anyway.

Honest Pivot: If you prefer attractions you can tour inside (museums, palaces, viewpoints you can climb), this may feel too quick—more of a photo stop than a full activity. In that case, treat it as a scenic waypoint on the way to Cibeles, the Prado area, or a Gran Vía evening out.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (5,984)

Travelers rate Edificio Metropolis extremely highly overall, describing it as a must-see Madrid symbol. Reviews consistently praise the ornate Beaux-Arts design, the striking dome and winged statue, and how photogenic it is—especially when illuminated at night. The most common downside is that it's primarily an exterior landmark (not a typical interior visit), and the busy intersection can make lingering or getting unobstructed photos a bit challenging.

Sveto Rakovic
a month ago
"One of the symbols of Madrid. Personally, without the sculpture on top of the building, it would be like many in Madrid, but the sculpture is sopowerful that it turned the entire building into an attraction!..."
Jhon Kensington
2 months ago
"The Metropolis Building is one of Madrid's most photogenic and iconic structures. The Beaux-Arts architecture is absolutely stu ing, and thebuilding's distinctive dome topped with a winged statue makes it instantly recognisable. It's particularly gorgeous at night when beautifully illuminated. The building sits at a prominent corner location where Gran Vía meets Calle de Alcalá, making it impossible to miss. Whilst you can only admire it from the outside as it's an office building, it's still thoroughly worth seeing. The golden details and sculptural elements are exquisite. The only slight drawback is that the surrounding area is always extremely busy with traffic and pedestrians, which can make photography challenging. Nevertheless, it's an architectural gem and represents the grandeur of early 20th-century Madrid perfectly. Definitely include it on your walking tour of the city centre...."
Jason Madi
a year ago
"The Metropolis Building in Madrid is absolutely stu ing. When you see it, you instantly know you are in Madrid. Its elegant architecture, intricatedetails, and golden dome make it one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. Whether during the day or lit up at night, it is a breathtaking sight and a must see for anyone visiting Madrid...."

For Different Travelers

Edificio Metropolis works best as a flexible, low-effort highlight: you can drop by for a minute, or build it into a longer architecture-and-city-lights walk. It's also a handy meeting point in the center, especially if your group is splitting time between museums, shopping, and nightlife.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “spot the statue” element and the drama of the dome, especially if you turn it into a quick scavenger hunt for sculpted details. Keep the visit short and pair it with a nearby park break or a treat stop along Gran Vía.

Because it’s at a busy junction, the main family challenge is street safety and crowd management. Choose a calmer time of day, hold hands at crossings, and pick a safe corner to pause for photos.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a classic Madrid photo moment—particularly after dark when the building is illuminated and the streets feel cinematic. It's an easy add-on before dinner in the center or a nighttime walk toward Cibeles.

If you like architecture, linger and compare the building's ornate style with the changing façades along Gran Vía. It's a simple stop that still feels special, especially when you time it with evening lights.

Budget Travelers

This is a perfect budget-friendly highlight: you can enjoy one of Madrid’s most iconic sights without paying for entry. It also pairs well with self-guided walking routes that connect multiple landmarks in a single outing.

To keep costs down, plan your route so you’re walking between nearby attractions rather than hopping in taxis. Bring a snack and treat the stop as part of a longer, free city wander.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the building reflects Madrid’s early-20th-century transformation and the ambition behind Gran Vía’s development. It’s a quick but meaningful example of how architecture was used to project modernity and prestige.

To deepen the context, combine this stop with a walk past Cibeles and into the Prado-area “Golden Triangle of Art,” where the city’s cultural institutions and monumental avenues tell a broader story.

FAQs for Visiting Edificio Metropolis

Getting There

Sevilla and Banco de España are both convenient for reaching the Gran Vía/Alcalá junction on foot. From either stop, it’s a short, straightforward walk.
Yes, it’s one of the most natural landmarks to include because it sits right at the start of Gran Vía. It also connects easily to Cibeles and the Prado-area sights.
Very easy—the dome and statue are visible from multiple approach streets. Use the Gran Vía and Calle de Alcalá intersection as your navigation cue.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to see it because the main experience is viewing it from outside. Treat it like a landmark stop on a city walk.
In general, it’s not set up as a public interior attraction. Plan your visit around exterior viewing and nearby sights.
Not as a standard visitor experience. If you want skyline views, consider dedicated rooftops and viewpoints elsewhere in central Madrid.

Visiting Experience

Focus on the corner design, sculpted details, and the layered ornamentation across the façade. The building is full of small decorative elements that stand out when you slow down.
Both are great: daytime shows off the stonework, while night lighting makes it feel dramatic and iconic. If you can, do a quick pass at each.
It can be, especially in the evening and on weekends because it’s a major photo stop. If you want cleaner shots, try earlier in the morning.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many central Madrid walking tours pass through this junction because it’s such a recognizable landmark. It also works well as a meeting point for self-guided routes.
Start at Edificio Metropolis, walk to Plaza de Cibeles, then continue toward the Prado-area boulevards. You’ll cover several of central Madrid’s most photogenic spaces.
Yes, it’s a convenient pre- or post-museum stop if you’re heading toward the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, or Reina Sofía areas. It helps break up the day with a quick outdoor highlight.

Photography

Try shots from the corners of the intersection to capture the building’s wedge shape, and step back along Calle de Alcalá for a longer perspective. Night shots work especially well when the lights are on.
A wide lens helps capture the full façade from street level, while a short telephoto is great for isolating the dome and statue. If you’re using a phone, use 2x–3x zoom for cleaner details.
Late afternoon into sunset often gives the most depth and warmth on the façade. After dark, the illumination creates a classic Madrid night-scene look.

Accessibility & Facilities

You can enjoy the building from nearby sidewalks without needing stairs, but the intersection is busy and can feel hectic. Choose a comfortable viewing spot and allow extra time for crossings.
There are occasional places to pause in the surrounding plazas and along nearby streets, though not directly “at” the building. Consider pairing the stop with a café break.
No dedicated restrooms for the building itself. Plan to use nearby cafés, department stores, or museums.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, Gran Vía and Alcalá are packed with cafés, bakeries, and casual spots within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to turn the stop into a short break.
Definitely—especially at night when it’s illuminated and sets the mood for an evening out. From here you can walk toward Gran Vía’s dining and theater areas.
Yes, you’ll have plenty of options in the surrounding blocks, from traditional Spanish to more modern menus. Reservations help on weekends.

Safety & Timing

The area is central and well-trafficked, but it’s still a big-city setting. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of pickpockets in crowds.
Go earlier in the morning or visit on a weekday. You’ll get more space for photos and a calmer street experience.
Plan a short stop and then move on—this is best enjoyed as part of a walking route. If you’re photographing at night, allow a few extra minutes for traffic-light cycles at crossings.

Nearby Attractions to the Edificio Metropolis

  • Gran Vía: Madrid's famous boulevard for architecture, shopping, theaters, and nonstop street energy.
  • Plaza de Cibeles: A monumental square with the iconic fountain and one of the city's grandest photo backdrops.
  • Puerta del Sol: The city's central hub, great for people-watching and connecting to multiple walking routes.
  • Plaza Mayor: A historic, arcaded square that's ideal for a classic Madrid stroll and a quick coffee stop.
  • Museo Nacional del Prado: One of the world's great art museums, easily reachable from the Metropolis area on foot.

The Edificio Metropolis appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Madrid!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: C. Alcalá, 39, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Madrid: 2 km
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