7 ideas for guided tours in Madrid

On holiday in the Spanish capital? Discover our mini guide to find the best ideas for guided tours in Madrid.

Madrid is a cosmopolitan city full of life. Between its museums, its Retiro Park, its tapas and its many fiestas, you will not have time to get bored. If you want to know all the secrets of the Spanish capital, nothing like a guided tour. Thanks to a local community passionate about its city, you will discover several anecdotes about Madrid and its inhabitants. Guided tours are varied and varied in Madrid; different languages, different means of transport, different districts or different themes. It is up to you to choose what you want to discover. And to make the best choice, here are some ideas of guided tours in Madrid.

Madrid in a few words

Madrid is a dynamic and attractive city that brings together many historical monuments, museums and activities of all kinds. You cannot be bored in the Spanish capital.

• For history enthusiasts, the Spanish capital is a real treasure. The Museum Prado is the most famous of the city with thousands of works by European artists from the 14th to the 19th century. The Reina Sofia Museum welcomes more contemporary works, including the impressive Guernica by Picasso. If you don’t have much time, don’t hesitate to take a league pass that allows you to access the main activities of the city.
• In addition to museums, visitors can discover Spanish culture by surveying the different neighborhoods or emblems of the city such as Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Templo de Debod or Malasaña. If you want to breathe a little fresh air, walk in the Retiro Park of about 125 hectares.
• During your visit to Madrid, enjoy it to celebrate the Spanish rhythms. You will find bars at every corner of the street, offering cheap beers and delicious tapas.

Visit Madrid in French

Guided tours in Madrid is an excellent idea, yet it is necessary to understand everything! If you do not speak Spanish or English, know that many guided tours in Madrid are in French. Indeed, the Francophone community is very important in the Spanish capital. Several French people who are truly passionate about the city have converted to a tourist guide in Madrid.

In addition, the Spanish speak also very well the language of Molière thanks to studies in French high school or exchanges Erasmus . They will explain the secrets of their city with an almost perfect accent. You won't always make the difference!

Las Letras district

In the heart of the Spanish capital, the district of Las Letras is worth visiting during your stay in Madrid. This is where great Spanish writers or artists worked or resided. Today, the neighborhood is very bohemian with many shops and restaurants.

Guided tours in Madrid necessarily go through Las Letras. It is one of the emblematic districts of the capital. With its many pedestrian streets, you can move to Las Letras quietly while discovering the secrets of Madrid. During your guided tour, you will discover the houses of many artists, and especially their secrets. For example, Quevedo Góngora or Cervantes lived in this neighborhood.

During your visit, be careful where you put your feet. On the ground you can read extracts from the most famous Spanish works.

The must-sees of Madrid

Visiting Madrid is also visiting the historical monuments and museums of the city. Through guided tours in Madrid, you will discover all the details behind each building.

• Among the must-sees of the Spanish capital, there is undoubtedly the Royal Palace. During your guided tours to Madrid, you can enter the royal family residence. Visit also the city squares as Plaza Mayor. Also, do not pass next to its historic buildings such as the magnificent Palais de Cybèle or Cathedral of Almudena. You must also see it Debod Templo. It is an Egyptian temple dating from the Second Century before Jesus Christ.
• Madrid stands out for its amazing cultural and artistic heritage as evidenced by the Reina Sofía and Prado museums. Inside the latter, you will discover the largest exhibition of European paintings, with many works by Velasquez, Goya, Rubens and Ribera. Don’t miss the incredible Thyssen Museum or the fabulous Cerralbo Museum.

Historical visits

To discover Madrid and its history, nothing like historical guided tours. Relong to the period the Inquisition Spanish.

• You will start your visit by Plaza Mayor and you will explore the streets of the capital.
• On the way, you will pass in front of ancient cachots or monasteries.
• The guide will tell you terrifying stories about the old prison, its inhabitants and their crimes. He will also explain the torture and executions committed in front of a crowd of spectators.
• You will also discover the Court of the Holy Office which terrified Spain for centuries.

Flamenco

It is unthinkable to visit Spain without discovering Flamenco. This Andalusian dance of the eighteenth century is a real treat for the eyes. The dance is also part of Unesco’s intangible heritage.

If you want to know more about this art, you should go through a guide in Madrid. This one will explain the history and techniques of flamenco. In addition, he will take you to the best places to see a flamenco show. Unfortunately, they're not worth it!

So are you ready to leave you alone?

The Tapas

The tapas in Madrid are truly part of Spanish culture, and even more, it is a way of life. These are small snacks that come to accompany your drink at the hour of the air. Patatas Bravas, Jamon Ibérico, pimientos, croquetas , ... There are hundreds!

However, finding good tapas in Madrid is not always easy. Especially if we are just passing by. Many restaurateurs benefit from tourists to increase prices and offer low quality tapas. To taste the best tapas in Madrid, nothing like a guide to discover the good places. It will make you taste a wide variety of tapas more exquisite than others.

Free visits

Flights to Madrid are often cheap, and the cost of low living, Madrid is often an economic destination. That said, even if you do not want to spend too much money in Madrid, it is however possible to fully enjoy and discover the city.

For this, the Free tours are an excellent option. These are guided tours in Madrid free of charge. An experienced guide lets you discover the main places of interest in the city while telling you its history.

In general, the visit lasts about 3h to see a maximum of things. At the end of the visit, you can leave one tip to the guide according to your degree of satisfaction. So you choose the price.

The different ways to visit Madrid

On foot

Classical, but always effective, guided tours in Madrid are usually on foot. The centre of the capital is almost exclusively pedestrian. So you won't be bothered by car traffic.

On foot you will discover the bear of Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alcalà and many must-sees of the Spanish capital. Your guide will explain the history of the city and some more secret anecdotes. By visiting Madrid on foot, you will have full time to take pictures of every corner of the city.

The only thing you'll need is probably good shoes to be able to walk 2h or 3h to the discovery of Madrid.

By bus

Want to discover a maximum of things in Madrid in a minimum of time? The bus is the ideal solution. Tourist buses take you everywhere. Discover the main points of interest of the capital such as Plaza de Sol or the Museum del Prado. But you can also go much further like Santiago Bernabeú stage where Real Madrid plays.

It is a rooftop bus that allows you to admire the city while being comfortably installed. One. audio guide in different languages tells you the history of Madrid and the main centres of interest.

The bus includes 37 stops. You can go down to one of the museums in the city to visit. Once the museum is explored, you just have to go back to the bus to discover a new place. The bus ticket is valid 2 days with unlimited access .

Bike

For the most athletes, a guided tour in Madrid by bike combines physical exercise and discovery of the city. The perfect compromise! A guide takes you to discover the center of the capital and its surroundings. It will stop with you to explain some details of the history of Madrid and especially to allow you time to take pictures.

Although it is not necessary to be in excellent physical condition, it is important to know that some areas of Madrid are particularly inclined. So, prepare your windows!

In segway

For more originality, the guided tours of Madrid in segway are the right option. Visiting the Spanish capital with this new motorized transport is fun and funny.

Your guide takes you all over Madrid, from the city centre to the Retiro Park and the Rio. He knows the city on his fingertips, and will divulge all his secrets. In addition to being a tourist enthusiast, the guide also knows the operation of the segway. If you have never tried, she will explain how to take it in hand. In this case, it is best to arrive 15min before the start of the visit to train on the operation of the segway.

As soon as you're ready, the guided tour of Madrid can start!

You now know the best guided tours in Madrid. Good stay!