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Historic Madrid Free Tour

Price:
You choose
Basic Information
Total time
2 h 15 min
Meeting point
Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III. Look for a yellow-orange umbrella.
Category
Walking Tour,
This tour is provided by our partner

Tours Tilla

About

Madrid was once a capital of the powerful Spanish Empire, whose influence reached every continent. A city that changed hands many times and eventually became the capital thanks to the Habsburgs, who moved the capital here from the stately Toledo (a city combining Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), but truly blossomed under the Bourbons. Here the decisions were made that resulted in colonial conquests (like the one of Christopher Columbus) and the expansion of the empire further and further. A mix of amazing architecture funded by far-flung expeditions that always attracted poets and artists – Cervantes, Velázquez, Goya and Picasso to name but a few. Here sits one of the world’s greatest museums, the Prado.  


On our tour, we will explore the oldest parts of Madrid. We’ll start at the symbolic entrance to the city, the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate), from where we’ll head into Madrid’s narrow streets. Expect the Spanish Inquisition (although no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!) and a solid dose of historical knowledge about the city, from the Habsburgs and the Bourbons up to the dark times of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. But it will be much more than a historical lesson. We will also learn where the bullfights – corridas – were held and why native Madridis call themselves “Gatos” (Cats). You will also get to know what you have to do to become a Cat. We will show you what the local people eat and where they drink, that is a must as nowadays Madrid is considered to be one of the European culinary hotspots.


Today, its old grandeur faded away somewhat, but Madrid is still a vibrant and captivating metropolis. A place that despite being colder than most of Spain (it’s located at an altitude of 667 meters!) still exudes a hot Spanish soul! Experience it yourself by going to a party in Madrid or attending a Real Madrid match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu! But most of all by joining our tour, learning its history and getting to know the true soul of Madrid!


On this 2 h 15 min tour we will see and discover:



  • Puerta del Sol square – the beating heart of the city

  • why calamari is so important to the Madrid diet

  • Plaza Mayor – the most recognizable square of Madrid

  • the oldest restaurant… in the world!

  • Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral

  • …and much, much more!


After visiting Madrid do check our tours in other Spanish cities: Seville and Cordoba!  


Additional Important Information
Included
  • professional local guide 
Ticket Message

This tour is organized in cooperation with our local partner, Tours Tilla!

  • Meeting Point: Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III. Look for a yellow and orange umbrella.
  • Start Time: Participants are expected to show up 10 min before the start time.
  • Language: English, Spanish
  • There is no need to print your booking confirmation.

Thank you for choosing Walkative & Tours Tilla! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

 
Meeting Point
Puerta del Sol, in front of the statue of Carlos III. Look for a yellow-orange umbrella.

BOOKING RULES
Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option, if it's available, or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.



Top

Rated 5 out of 5
1 week ago

Tip top

Francois de Framond

Top

Rated 5 out of 5
1 week ago

Tip top

Francois

Melissa is great!

Rated 5 out of 5
2 weeks ago

Melissa is very energetic, good humored and well versed in what you need to know about Madrid. Thank you so much! 🦸‍♀️💃🙏

Piret

2 and a half hour worth of tour in Madrid w/ Bruno!

Rated 5 out of 5
3 weeks ago

The best Madrid tour experience is when you are guided by this amazing man name, Bruno! We usually don’t talk about Bruno 😁 but once you get to be part of his Historic story about Madrid, you will surely remember his name and Madrid with a twist! 💪💪💪

Jojo Salvadoe

Martino bravissimo

Rated 5 out of 5
1 month ago

Un piacevole tour nel centro storico di Madrid. Martino è stato gentilissimo e divertente!

Stefano

This tour is also available as
a Private Tour.

Private tour