Spain · CITY TOURS IN MADRID
Good city tours in Madrid fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
See Madrid from an open-top double-decker bus on historical and modern routes covering the Prado, Royal Palace, Gran Vía, Santiago Bernabéu, and more. Audio is available in 14 languages. You can also add a summer night route, join a 2-hour walking tour, and claim a drink at La Quimera flamenco tablao.
“Great way to see the city - the modern city tour was much shorter but still worth it.”
Ride Madrid’s open-top, air-conditioned double-decker bus on two panoramic routes covering royal Madrid, the Prado area, Gran Vía, Salamanca, Bernabéu Stadium, and modern landmarks. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, but the current service runs as a continuous panoramic tour rather than a hop-on hop-off bus.
“We loved the experience! We have been to this city before, but have never been to all the different neighborhoods and what each has to offer.”
Take a private electric tuk tuk through central Madrid with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. See the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Las Letras, Retiro, Prado, Puerta de Alcalá, and more. Choose 1 to 4 hours, with longer tours adding extra stops.
“As we were in the city just for several hours, that tour was a brilliat choice for us to meet the whole city and know the districts. We had stops near gardens and places of interest, so that we could take memorable photos. Our guide Clara was so kind to pardon us for being late, and gifted us with a superb two hours! Thanks for having an opportunity to meet this beautiful city of Madrid!”
Meet your English or Spanish-speaking host outside Bon Vivant tattoo studio on Calle de la Montera, 24. Hosts such as Ivan, Cristal, Miguel, and Dani lead a hands-on beginner class in sangria and chicken-and-seafood paella, followed by a shared meal and take-home recipes.
“Such a fun time! I went as a solo traveler and Crystal and Chef made sure I was included in it all!”
Travel from Madrid to Cuenca with a Spanish and English-speaking guide. Choose the city with its Hanging Houses and optional cathedral visit, or add the Enchanted City and Devil’s Window. Guides such as Fernando and Manuel bring local stories, humor, and clear explanations to this active day out.
“Our guide was dedicated and with sense of humor which brought every body together enhancing the experience”
See Madrid’s best-known historic sights in 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Maria or Ignacio. Walk from the Egyptian Temple of Debod through Plaza de España, the Royal Palace, Calle Mayor, San Miguel Market, and Plaza Mayor, with history, art, and local food tips along the way.
“The guide was super informative and give us an immersive insight view of Madrid. Great tour!”
Ride through Madrid with a private English- or Spanish-speaking driver, stopping at Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá, Paseo del Prado, San Miguel Market, the Royal Palace, and old neighborhoods. Choose one, 1.5, or two hours, and use guides such as Pablo, Majo, or Thomas for local tips.
“Cujo our guide was really chatty and friendly. she spoke ro us about the important areas and history. The Tuk Tuk was a more personal sight seeing event yhsn the hop on hop off... would recommend Cujo and the tour”
Ride through Madrid’s major sights with an English or Spanish speaking guide, passing Debod Temple, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Salamanca, Chueca, and Malasaña. The route covers about 15 kilometers, includes a multigear bike, and offers an e-bike upgrade for 10 euros.
“Amanda did a wonderful job telling us all about the history of Spain!”
Explore Madrid’s Royal Palace with a live English, Spanish, or Italian guide, seeing royal rooms, art, upholstery, and the Stradivarius Palatinos. Then walk through central Madrid to places such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Paseo del Prado. Small-group and private options are available.
“Tour was great. We went the day after a major holiday so it was packed. Our tour guide said it was the most people he’d seen since before Covid. “Skip the line” is a bit deceiving but more so because of the palace procedure, not the tour company. There was still quite a line for the group entrance because of how many people were in the palace. We had to wait almost an hour in our group line for people to exit so we could enter. Still, it was nothing compared to the regular entrance so still worth it.”
Spend eight hours traveling from Madrid to Toledo with a Spanish or English-speaking guide such as Laura, Antonio, or Julio. Walk the Jewish Quarter, enjoy free time for the cathedral and tapas, then visit a 200-year-old family winery for cellar lessons, vineyard views, three wines, and shared charcuterie.
“This was a great experience with Laura and Pedro! The bus was very clean and new. Toledo was amazing, so much culture and heritage and good tapas. Strongly recommend the cathedral. The winery tour was great and the wines very tasty. Laura was full of knowledge and very friendly.”
Ride through old Madrid with a Spanish or English-speaking guide such as Jose or David. After safety training, you’ll see Plaza Mayor, Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and Temple of Debod in 1 to 1.5 hours. The tour suits beginners and groups of up to eight, but children under 10 cannot join.
“Very good and informative, Jose was very accommodating and fun facts on the tour.”
Pick a city, a coastline or a kitchen.
