Best Tours in Madrid
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Madrid
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Unveil the enchanting secrets of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with the help of this compelling in-app audio tour. Embark on an extraordinary journey where you'll not only admire breathtaking masterpieces but also gain profound insights into their hidden stories. Embark on an artistic journey spanning centuries and continents. From the Italian Renaissance to the Dutch Golden Age, from Impressionism to Pop Art, you'll encounter a breathtaking array of artistic movements, all brought to life through insightful commentary and anecdotes. Admire the masterpieces by some of the most famous artists in the history including Caravaggio, Renoir, Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali and learn the stories behind them. Gain a deeper understanding of the artists’ techniques, inspirations, and the historical context in which their works were created. Embark on an enlightening and awe-inspiring journey through the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and immerse yourself in the secrets, stories, and beauty of the world's most renowned masterpieces.

Discover the masterpieces of the Prado Museum with a help of this immersive in-app audio tour! Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through art history, where every painting comes to life with fascinating stories, hidden details, and expert insights. Gain a profound understanding of the renowned Prado Museum and its iconic collection. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be greeted by a world of artistic brilliance, and this audio tour will be your trusted companion, unlocking the secrets and treasures that lie within. Delve into the complex symbolism of Velázquez's Las Meninas and hear the whispered tales of Goya's hauntingly evocative Black Paintings, as you unravel the artist's profound vision of humanity. The tour will lead you through the centuries, allowing to witness the evolution of artistic styles and the influential movements that shaped the world of art. As you stroll through the hallowed halls of the Prado Museum, you'll learn the fascinating backstories of the artists themselves – their triumphs, struggles, and the inspiration behind their masterpieces. Gain insight into the techniques and innovations that revolutionized the art world and witness the impact these artists had on future generations.

Dive into Madrid's darker history with an in-app audio tour focusing on the city's ties to the Spanish Inquisition. This narrative is designed for inquisitive adult travelers interested in the cultural and historical intricacies of Spain's capital through the lens of its bygone era of religious trials and tribulations. Beginning at Plaza de Isabel II and concluding at the secret Inquisition Jail, the tour follows the shadows of the city's past, winding through six historically significant sites. The starting point sets the stage with an introduction to the founders of the Spanish Inquisition. The journey then takes a sobering twist in Plaza Mayor, where once severe judgments were witnessed. The tour glides through Plaza de la Provincia, touching upon the Black Legend, before reaching Palace of the Holy Cross, a former seat of grim control. Concluding at the Inquisition Jail marks a chilling remembrance of persecution. Along the way, immerse in vivid reconstructions of the past and sense the weight of history that shaped the city. From spine-tingling narratives at the Inquisitio, this audio tour facilitates a journey that entwines the threads of Madrid's somber history with the fabric of its current beauty.

At Liria Palace, visitors can experience the history of one of Spain’s most distinguished noble families, the House of Alba, through the documents, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and other works of art preserved within its walls. As they walk through its magnificent rooms, guests can sense the legacy of centuries past and discover not only the story of one of Spain’s most prominent families, but also some of the most significant events in the history of Spain and the wider world. The Palace’s historic and artistic collections have been assembled over more than five centuries through the patronage and collecting efforts of the Dukes of Berwick and Alba. The origins of these collections reflect the refined tastes and cultural interests of the Palace’s residents, who sought exceptional works of art to adorn their residences. Paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, prints, documents, and books, together with an extensive collection of porcelain and decorative arts, are displayed throughout the Palace’s rooms for the enjoyment of both their owners and visitors, creating a truly unique collection. Among its many treasures are masterpieces by some of the greatest painters in European art history, including Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Zurbarán, El Greco, Ribera, Rubens, Titian, Palma Vecchio, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Federico de Madrazo, and Franz Xaver Winterhalter.

This self-guided audio tour explores Madrid’s grand public spaces, royal landmarks, historic districts, and green retreats. It will especially appeal to first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the city, from monumental architecture to lively local neighborhoods. The route begins at Puerta del Sol, the symbolic center of Madrid, then leads to Plaza Mayor, the Almudena Cathedral, and the Royal Palace. From there, you continue to the Temple of Debod and Parque Madrid Río before turning back through the old streets of La Latina, the famous stalls of El Rastro, and the multicultural character of Lavapiés. In the second half, the walk moves east into the calm of El Retiro Park, with stops at the Palacio de Cristal, the Monument to Alfonso XII, and the Great Pond. The route then reaches the Prado area, where art, literature, and elegant boulevards shape the final stretch, ending near the western side of the city after a wide arc across central Madrid. Along the way, traveler will experience the energy of Madrid’s main squares, the contrast between royal grandeur and everyday street life, peaceful park landscapes, and memorable views of a rare ancient Egyptian temple in Spain.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores historic central Madrid through its royal squares, churches, and grand public spaces. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to the city’s old heart, especially travelers interested in architecture, monarchy, and layered urban history. Your route begins at Plaza de Isabel II, beside the Teatro Real, where the energy of modern Madrid meets a royal setting. From there, you walk to the Royal Palace of Madrid, an immense 18th-century residence still used for state ceremonies, then continue to Almudena Cathedral with its broad façade and colorful interior details. The route next slips into older streets to reach the Church of Saint Nicholas, known for its 12th-century Mudéjar tower, and the Cathedral Church of the Armed Forces with its rich marble decoration. The walk carries on to Plaza de la Villa, one of the city’s most atmospheric historic corners, then opens into Plaza Mayor, framed by long arcades and the equestrian statue of Philip III. After passing Plaza de Pontejos, the tour ends at Puerta del Sol, the bustling symbolic center of Madrid. Along the way, you will experience palace grandeur, quiet medieval lanes, church towers rising above tiled roofs, and broad plazas alive with voices, footsteps, and café life.

This self-guided audio tour is for curious travelers who want to discover Madrid through its museums, from natural history and literature to transport, fashion, and science. It is ideal if you enjoy learning as you walk and like seeing how a city tells its story through collections, buildings, and objects. Your route begins at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, where fossil displays, animal specimens, and a striking whale skeleton set the tone. From there, you continue to the ghost platforms of Estación Museo de Chamberí, the elegant rooms of the Museo del Romanticismo, and the Museum of the National Library. The journey then moves through the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the Naval Museum, and Lope de Vega Casa Museo, before heading south to the Railway Museum and the Madrid Planetarium. The final stretch turns west and north to the Museo de America and Museo del Traje, ending at the Museo Tiflológico de la ONCE. Along the way, you will move from dinosaur replicas to tiled salons, from old trains to star projections, and from seafaring charts to tactile models designed to be experienced through touch. Expect memorable moments such as standing in a preserved 1919 metro station, gazing up at historic locomotives under a station roof, and finishing with a fresh perspective on how people read, travel, dress, and imagine the world.

This self-guided audio walk explores royal Madrid and the city’s historic and artistic heart. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want grand landmarks, old squares, famous museums, and a clear route through the center at their own pace. Your route begins at the Royal Palace of Madrid, where the long stone facade, formal courtyard, and hilltop setting announce the power of the Bourbon court. From there, you pass the Almudena Cathedral, then step into the older city at Plaza de la Villa and the iron-and-glass Mercado de San Miguel. The walk continues through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, where Madrid’s busy urban rhythm becomes impossible to miss. In the second half, the tour shifts from royal history to art and elegant boulevards. You continue past the San Fernando Fine Art Royal Academy and the Círculo de Bellas Artes, then arrive at Plaza de Cibeles with its famous fountain and monumental buildings. The route finishes along Madrid’s great museum axis at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, the Prado, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Along the way, the most memorable moments include seeing palace stone gleam in the light, hearing square after square open around you, standing before some of Spain’s greatest art collections, and ending among shaded paths and carefully ordered greenery.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores historic Madrid through its royal squares, old streets, literary corners, and great public monuments. It is ideal for a first-time visitor who wants a clear, lively introduction to the city’s history, architecture, and cultural life. Your route begins at the Royal Palace of Madrid, where the grand limestone facade and formal setting announce the power of the Bourbon court. From there, you move to Almudena Cathedral, then continue into the busy heart of the city at Puerta del Sol. The walk carries you on to Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, where arcades, brick facades, and medieval traces reveal older Madrid. The second half of the tour leads you into Barrio de las Letras, the district once tied to Spain’s great writers, with a stop at Casa de Cervantes and the lively Plaza de Santa Ana. You then pass the Congreso de los Diputados, marked by its famous bronze lions, continue to the Neptune Fountain, and finish at the Prado Museum, one of Europe’s great art collections. Along the way, you will experience palace grandeur, cathedral domes, shaded squares, literary streets under your feet, and the striking sight of Madrid opening from royal ceremonial spaces to the museum boulevard.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores historic central Madrid through its Habsburg-era squares, markets, palace district, and dramatic viewpoints. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to the city’s royal past, everyday street life, and landmark architecture. Your route begins at Puerta del Sol, the busy civic center where Madrid’s energy is on full display. From there, you walk to Plaza Mayor, framed by red facades, arcades, and the equestrian statue of Philip III. The tour continues to Mercado de San Miguel, where iron-and-glass architecture shelters counters piled with tapas and sweets, then on to Plaza de la Villa, one of the oldest corners of the city. After that, you reach Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, where grand stone facades and ceremonial spaces reveal Madrid at its most regal. The walk then leads north to Plaza de España and ends at the Temple of Debod. Along the way, you will experience the contrast between crowded plazas and quiet historic corners, see medieval, Baroque, and neoclassical buildings within a short stretch, and finish beside an authentic ancient Egyptian temple set above the city. Expect memorable views, richly layered history, and the vivid sounds and colors of Madrid at street level.
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Insider tips for visiting Madrid
Ekaterina Kabanskaya is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Madrid on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Madrid.
When friends ask me about the best things to do in Madrid with kids, I always suggest a slow day in El Retiro. In Madrid, families actually use it like a giant backyard: I love renting a little rowboat on the lake, then walking over to the puppet theater near Paseo de Coches, where weekend shows are a local classic. After that, I usually stop for horchata or ice cream around Ibiza or Alcalá. It’s one of those attractions in Madrid that feels both iconic and easy. If you’re wondering what to see in Madrid beyond museums and formal tours in Madrid, this is the place where the city feels most alive.
When I want a break without going far, I head just outside Madrid to El Pardo or the Sierra de Guadarrama. They’re some of my favorite attractions in Madrid’s surroundings because they show a quieter side of Madrid that many visitors miss. In El Pardo, I like walking along the Manzanares near the old royal palace, especially in late afternoon when locals come out with children and bikes. If friends ask me what to see in Madrid beyond the center, I also suggest Cercedilla for pine forests and mountain air. Most tours in Madrid stay urban, but these nearby escapes feel much more local and personal.
When I visit Madrid for shopping, I usually split it by mood. For elegant boutiques and beautifully curated homeware, I walk around Salamanca, especially Calle Claudio Coello and the quieter corners near Jorge Juan. If I want younger local designers and vintage finds, I go to Malasaña, where streets like Velarde and Corredera Alta de San Pablo still feel creative rather than polished. In Madrid, I also like Salesas for small Spanish brands and concept stores, with a coffee stop on Fernando VI. If you visit Madrid and want shopping that feels like part of the city, these areas fit naturally into the best things to do in Madrid and any travel guide Madrid locals would trust.
In my travel guide Madrid advice, I always say late April to early June or September to mid-October. That’s when I most enjoy Madrid: the light is soft, terraces are full, and you can walk comfortably from Retiro to Las Letras without the heavy summer heat. If you visit Madrid in May, you also catch the San Isidro atmosphere, with chulapos, open-air concerts, and families out in the praderas. Autumn in Madrid feels especially local to me, when weekends stretch into long vermouth lunches. For me, that’s the sweet spot for the best things to do in Madrid without spending the day hiding from the weather.
For solo travelers, one of my favorite things to do in Madrid is simply spending an afternoon between Lavapiés and La Latina. Madrid is very easy alone because street life does half the work for you. I usually start with a coffee around Plaza de Lavapiés, browse tiny bookshops and art spaces on Argumosa, then walk downhill for tapas near Cava Baja before sunset. It’s one of those attractions in Madrid that isn’t really a monument, but a rhythm. If you’re deciding what to see in Madrid beyond formal tours in Madrid, this walk lets you feel the city without ever feeling isolated.
When people ask me for quieter attractions in Madrid, I often send them to El Capricho Park. It’s in the northeast of Madrid, a romantic 18th-century garden with peacocks, hidden little temples, and a mood that feels far from the center. I love going on weekend mornings, when the paths are still calm and the old palace catches the light beautifully. Another spot I recommend in Madrid is the small rose garden in Parque del Oeste, especially in May. If you’re wondering what to see in Madrid beyond the usual plazas and big tours in Madrid, these places feel intimate and wonderfully local.
When you visit Madrid, I always tell people to look beyond paella and try what locals actually order. Madrid is especially known for cocido madrileño, a rich chickpea stew traditionally served in stages, and bocadillo de calamares, which tastes best in the old center if you eat it standing at the bar. I also love callos a la madrileña in colder months, and for something sweet, bartolillos or churros on a winter morning. In any travel guide Madrid worth trusting, these dishes matter because they’re tied to daily life. For me, tasting them is one of the essential things to do in Madrid.
In my travel guide Madrid advice, I usually recommend at least three full days, but four or five lets Madrid open up properly. With three days in Madrid, you can enjoy the big sights and still have time for the city’s real pleasure: long walks through Retiro, aperitivo in La Latina, and a late dinner in Las Letras without rushing. If you visit Madrid for only one or two nights, you’ll see the surface but miss the rhythm. For me, the best things to do in Madrid aren’t only museums or landmarks, but those slow hours between them, when the city starts to feel familiar.