Quick answers

Walkative's walking tours are designed to give you a comprehensive overview of Madrid's key landmarks and their historical context from the outside. We will pass by iconic sites such as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, providing interesting details and stories about their architecture and significance. However, our tours do not typically go inside these buildings. This approach allows us to cover more ground and focus on the city's narrative without the time constraints of entrance ticketing and internal navigation.

Jerusalem is an ancient city built on hills, so this is a moderate walking tour covering approximately 2–3 miles. Expect uneven cobblestones and several flights of stone stairs. We recommend wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring the ancient alleyways.

Yes, the Old City is one of the most visited and highly secured locations in the world. Our professional licensed tour guides monitor local updates in real-time to ensure our route remains safe and enjoyable. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities as we navigate the diverse Four Quarters.

We aim to keep groups under 35 people, and we prefer groups of 15–20. When more people sign up, we bring in a second guide so the experience stays comfortable for everyone.

The key stops on this tour, including the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have no entry fee. Sites such as the Tower of David Museum or the Southern Wall excavations can be visited separately and entrance fees by the guest.

Madrid has an excellent public transportation system, primarily consisting of the Metro (subway) and an extensive bus network, making it easy to navigate. Walking is also a fantastic way to explore the city center and discover its charm, especially in areas with pedestrian-friendly streets. For our guided walking tours, we primarily travel on foot, allowing you to experience the city up close and appreciate its details. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for longer distances or greater convenience.

Entry inside the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque is currently restricted to Muslim worshippers only. However, our tour includes a strategic viewpoint where you can see the stunning Islamic architecture up close while learning about the deep Biblical history and archaeological significance of the Temple Mount area.

No, a visit to the inside of the Colosseum is not included since you need a ticket for this. Our guides can give you advise on where to buy tickets and on further information usefull for a visite inside the Colosseum.

Walkative offers a variety of walking tours designed to help you discover Madrid's authentic character. Our Free Tour of Madrid provides a comprehensive introduction to the city's key historical sites and vibrant atmosphere. We also offer specialized tours that delve deeper into particular aspects of Madrid's rich culture and history. We focus on providing engaging, factually accurate experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing, connecting you with local stories and hidden gems.

There is no fixed price and no hidden fees. We work on a Pay What You Wish model — at the end of the tour you decide how much the experience was worth to you.

We are not an aggregator. Every tour in our catalogue is either organised by us directly or comes from a partner we have personally vetted — by joining one of their tours unannounced. We focus on verified quality, not on the largest possible number of offers.

Our Free Tour of Madrid conveniently meets in a central and easily accessible location. The meeting point for the Free Tour is situated between the Royal Theatre (Teatro Real) and the Opera Metro Station. This area is a significant landmark and well-connected by public transport, making it simple for participants to find us. Look for our guides with the recognizable yellow Walkative umbrella to start your exploration of Madrid.

This specialized walking tour of 20th Century Madrid typically lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours. It begins near the Royal Palace and concludes in Dos de Mayo Square, a vibrant area in the Malasaña neighborhood. This ending point is convenient for those looking to continue exploring, as it's surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes.

In Madrid, as in many European cities, tipping is generally appreciated for good service but is not as obligatory or as high as in some other parts of the world. For free walking tours, it's customary to tip your guide based on the value you felt you received, as their payment often relies on these contributions. For restaurants, a small tip (around 5-10% for excellent service) is common, often by rounding up the bill. For other services like taxis, you can round up to the nearest Euro. There is no single confirmed answer for every situation, but showing appreciation for good service is always a kind gesture.

The tour traces 20th-century history through key Madrid landmarks. We will start near the Royal Palace, then proceed via Gran Vía, with stops at Plaza de España, Gran Vía, the Monument to Clara Campoamor, the Convent of las Comendadoras de Santiago, and finally end at Dos de Mayo Square. Each location provides context for Madrid's journey through the Second Republic, Civil War, Franco's dictatorship, and its democratic transition.

This is a walking tour covering a significant historical route from the Royal Palace to Malasaña. While the pace is generally moderate, guests should be comfortable walking for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with several stops. Please wear comfortable shoes. If you have specific accessibility concerns, we recommend contacting us beforehand to discuss the route details, as some areas may have uneven surfaces.

The '20th Century Madrid: War, Dictatorship & Democracy' tour is designed to be a continuous historical narrative, so there isn't a scheduled refreshment break during the tour itself. However, as the tour concludes in Dos de Mayo Square, a bustling area known for its lively atmosphere, you'll find an abundance of restaurants, bars, and cafes right at the ending point where you can relax and grab a drink or a bite to eat after the tour.

Walkative! tours generally operate rain or shine, as Madrid's history needs to be explored regardless of the weather. We encourage participants to dress appropriately for the forecast, bringing an umbrella or rain jacket if rain is expected, or sufficient sun protection on hot days. In the rare event of extreme weather conditions that make the tour unsafe, we would contact registered participants with alternative arrangements or cancellation information.