Try the local speciality here: Bocadillo de Calamares, a delicious calamari sandwich.
Just a few blocks from the Puerta del Sol, this square was built in the early 17th century under the reign of Philip III, whose equestrian statue stands at the centre. It is overlooked largely by three-storey residential buildings, with 237 balconies facing the plaza.
It is a grand and symmetrical space, with a distinguished surround of arcaded porticoes. The municipal Casa de la Panadería - supposedly named after the bakery that it replaced - dominates the north side, with painted façades and flanked by a pair of angular towers.
Today the plaza is primarily a popular tourist attraction, but in its time it has been used for bullfighting, markets, football matches, public executions and even autos da fé: the tribunals, tortures and burnings of supposed heretics during the years of the Spanish Inquisition.
Beneath its porticoes a number of traditional shops and eateries can be found; despite their rather steep prices, they make a great stop for some people-watching, and you can drink local wines as you drink in some history.
Embark on a 3-hour tour of the most emblematic and beautiful places in Madrid, see the most popular highlights of Spain’s stunning capital city, and discover what makes the city so special.
On your private tour, you will:
Madrid is a city of vast plazas, elegant boulevards, magnificent palaces, awe-inspiring Gothic churches, world-renowned art museums and vibrant, delicious food markets. It is also famous for its many green spaces and manicured parks.
This half-day welcome tour of Madrid is the perfect way to get familiarised with the city's history, culture, and architecture. It will take you through some of the most iconic places in Madrid, including the Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real, Palacio Real, Catedral de la Almudena, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, El Oso y el Madroño, Puerta de Alcalá, and the Parque del Retiro, one of Madrid's most beautiful parks.
Along the way, you'll learn about the significance and history of each landmark, and gain insight into what makes Madrid such a special and unique city, and by the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper appreciation for Madrid's rich history and culture and a greater understanding of why the city has become such a popular destination.
Explore the highlights of Madrid, Spain’s historic, vibrant and beautiful capital city on this half-day private walking tour, including entrance to the iconic Prado Museum.
On your private tour, you will:
Madrid, Spain's stunning capital, is a vibrant city famous for its elegant boulevards and vast, dazzling Plazas like the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, in the heart of old Hapsburg Madrid. You’ll see vibrant food markets, awe-inspiring cathedrals, and statues of famous Spaniards.
The city is also very green with expansive, manicured parks such as the Parque el Retiro, where you will enjoy a stroll along as you bask in the sunny Spanish climate under fabulous blue skies!
Spain has one of the oldest and proudest royal families in Europe, and it remains a working monarchy to this day. Learn all about the history of the Spanish royals, like Ferdinand and Isabella, Philip II and many others, whilst standing in front of the magnificent Royal Palace.
The city is also famous for being a cultural hub and is home to several museums – the most famous of which is of course the Prado, and your half-day highlights tour includes a fully guided tour of this repository of the best of Spanish art. Admire works by Goya and Velazquez, Bosch and El Greco among others – and let your guide know if you have any favourites or “must-sees”.
You will end your tour inside the Prado to continue exploring at your leisure, explore the gift shop and enjoy a well-earned coffee break at the café.
Madrid is a bustling metropolis that truly comes alive at night. From its stunning architecture illuminated by city lights to the vibrant energy of its bars and restaurants, an evening stroll through the historic centre is an unforgettable experience. On this private 2-hour guided tour, you’ll see a different side of the city’s major monuments and lively plazas. Our engaging route through Madrid de los Austrias, one of the city’s oldest and most significant quarters, offers the perfect opportunity to witness Madrid at its best and uncover its secrets with a passionate local guide.
On your private evening walking tour, you will:
Step into the magic of Madrid as the sun sets and the city’s historic centre comes alive with golden light and twinkling charm. Your local expert will provide an informative 2-hour journey through the heart of the city, where centuries of history, wonderful architecture, and vibrant culture await. Your adventure begins at our conveniently located meeting point, where you will get acquainted with your guide and set off into the Madrid night. Throughout your time together, your private guide will share fascinating insights, anecdotes, and local tips, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation of Madrid’s rich past and spirited present.
Your first stop will be the elegant Plaza de Oriente, where your guide will show you around the intricately arranged gardens and introduce you to the fascinating stories of Spain’s monarchs and the iconic statues that commemorate them. You will then head to the square's Western edge to get a closer look at Madrid’s Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe.
After taking in the palace and perhaps enjoying a performance from one of the many musicians that flock to the area at night, you will then proceed to explore Calle Mayor, the main thoroughfare of medieval Madrid that remains an important thread in the fabric of the city today. You will learn about significant events that have taken place along this grand promenade and pause to explore the Plaza de la Villa, a beautifully preserved square that transports you back several centuries to the early days of Madrid’s rise to prominence. As you admire its stately facades, your guide can explain the historical and architectural details of its 3 main buildings and reveal how it served as the city’s civic hub for centuries.
Your route will continue to the narrow, winding Calle del Codo, where you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s medieval urban planning. As you traverse the cobblestone streets of Madrid’s old town, your guide will regale you with stories of Madrileños of years gone by and how the city transformed after being named the capital of Spain in 1561. Of course, no tour of Madrid de los Austrias would be complete without a visit to the Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s most lively and historic squares. While you soak in the impressive architecture and electric atmosphere, your guide will tell tales of the happenings that have taken place within its walls over 400 years, from markets to bullfights, royal proclamations and even grisly executions.
Following your immersion into the stories of Plaza Mayor, your guide will take you over to Calle Arenal, a lively pedestrian street brimming with character. You will discover the architectural gems, buzzing nightlife, and delicious treats found along its path, including the beloved Chocolatería San Ginés, the quintessential destination for churros and chocolate. Last but certainly not least, you will make your way to the legendary Puerta del Sol, the geographical and historical heart of Madrid. Serving as a crucial meeting point since medieval times, Sol is quite literally Spain’s Kilometre 0, the location from which all major roads take their point of origin. Your guide will point out key elements of the expansive plaza and uncover the stories behind some of the iconic neon lights glistening atop the square’s main buildings.
Once your time together comes to an end, your guide will leave you with a wealth of insider tips for how to spend the rest of your time in Madrid. They can also assist with directions back to your hotel or to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants for an authentic taste of Madrid's world-famous nightlife. However you choose to spend the rest of your evening, this tour is an unforgettable way to discover Madrid under the moonlight.
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