The Best of Madrid: Private Half-Day Tour including Prado Museum

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:

• See the main attractions of Madrid as you learn about the fascinating history of the city;
• Learn about the history of the Spanish royal family and its links to the Papacy as you stand outside the Palacio Real, the royal palace – considered the most important Baroque palace in Spain;
• See the astonishing Catedral de la Almudena;
• Stop by famous monuments and wander down elegant boulevards;
• Explore Plaza de Oriente, Teatro Real and the Market of San Miguel;
• Experience the grandeur and elegant atmosphere of the iconic Plaza Mayor, the beating heart of Madrid;
• Admire the myriad of stunning architectural styles in Madrid, from Baroque to Spanish Gothic;
• Enjoy a guided walk around the beautifully manicured Parque El Retiro;
• Arrive at the Prado Museum, and enjoy a guided visit to this treasure trove of art;
• Admire the world-famous Spanish masters such as Bosch, Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez;
• End your tour inside the museum, to continue at your own leisure.

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. 

Tour duration
4 hours

Type of tour
Walking tour: no transportation is included

Attractions along this route:

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

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.

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.

Prado Museum
Spain's premier art museum, with a treasure trove of works dating as far back as the 12th century.

Las Meninas by Velázquez
This enigmatic painting is one of the crown jewels of the Prado collection.

San Jerónimo el Real
A 16th century Roman Catholic church with royal connections, now used by the Prado Museum.