Welcome to Madrid: Private Half-Day Introductory Walking Tour

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: 

• Begin your tour at the vast Plaza Oriente at the mighty equestrian statue of King Philip IV in the heart of Madrid;
• Admire the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral de la Almudena  surrounding the square;
• Hear stories of the Royal family as you stand at the doors of the exquisite Royal Palace which served as a Royal Residence until the early 20th century;
• Stop in front of the magnificent Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), which is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world;
• Wander down the elegant boulevards, pausing by monuments, markets and other marvels! 
• Enjoy the vibrant buzz of Mercado de San Miguel, a bustling market to sample some of the best local food and wine;
• Stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city, admiring the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings with its elegant porticos;
• Head to Puerta del Sol, the geographical centre of Spain and another iconic square;
• See Puerta de Alcalá, a beautiful neoclassical monument and one of the most popular landmarks of Madrid;
• End your tour at Parque del Retiro, and discover its amazing lake, statues, thousands of trees and gorgeous palatial-style museums.

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.

Tour duration
3 hours

Type of tour
Walking tour: no transportation is included

Tickets included

• - English Speaking Guide

Other inclusions

- Gratuities optional
- Additional tickets are not included
- Food and drink are not included
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off are not included

Suitable for
Couples, Family, Friends

Attractions along this route:

Parque El Retiro
The green heart of Madrid, hosting an array of gardens and monuments.

Monument to Alfonso XII
An equestrian statue of the monarch in the centre of Buen Retiro Park, offering the best view over the lake.

Palacio de Cristal
The extraordinary glass and iron palace built to display the flora of the Philippines in 1887.

Plaza Mayor
This colossal square has hosted a variety of events over its 400 year history, from street markets to public executions.

Puerta del Sol
The centre of Madrid's New Year celebrations, and mile zero of Spain's network of roads.

Plaza de Oriente
A historic square with some fabulous sculptures, located right at the entrance to the Royal Palace.

Palacio Real
Home to an astounding art collection, this palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family and is today used for state ceremonies.