Madrid: «Welcome to Madrid» walking tour with a historian guide
4.92,441 reviews
A 2.5-hour walking tour of old Madrid with a guide who studied history: Plaza Mayor, the Habsburg streets, a city viewpoint and tips on where to eat. In English or Portuguese. Rated 4.9/5 from 2,441 reviews.
- 2 h 30 min
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- English, Portuguese
- Mobile ticket and instant confirmation
Practical details
- Duration
- 2 h 30 min
- Guide languages
- English · Portuguese
- Mobile ticket
- No need to print
- Instant confirmation
- Right after booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- No
- Minimum age
- No restriction
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24h before
Highlights
- One of the best-rated walking tours in Madrid (4.9/5 from more than 2,400 reviews)
- Guides with history degrees who live in Madrid
- Plaza Mayor, the Madrid of the Habsburgs and a viewpoint over the city
- Tips on where to eat, shop and what to see during the rest of your stay
- In English or Portuguese, with a private option
Other versions of this activity
Same activity, different format or price.
You're here
Madrid: «Welcome to Madrid» walking tour with a historian guide
2 h 30 min · 4.9 (2,441)
from €27
Madrid Jewish History Private Walking Tour
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from €249
Habsburg Madrid: Small-Group Walking Tour
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from €30
Private Madrid Walking Tour: Secrets and Must-Sees
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Our take
An excellent first-day introduction to Madrid: few tours have such a high rating with so many reviews. The stories are genuinely good, and the restaurant tips make up for the price. A strong choice for Portuguese speakers, who rarely get a guide in their language.
What's included
- 2.5-hour walking tour
- Local guide who lives in Madrid
- Recommendations for the rest of your stay
Not included
- Transport
- Food and drinks
Good to know
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Clothes for the weather
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
Things to keep in mind
- Best done at the start of your trip, to make use of the guide's tips
- Runs in all weathers
- Groups of up to 20 people, or a private tour for your group
Meeting point
Fuente de Orfeo, Plaza de la Provincia, next to Plaza Mayor (28012 Madrid)
The exact meeting point depends on the option and is shown on your voucher; the group tour meets at the Orpheus fountain, a few steps from Plaza Mayor. Nearest metro: Sol (lines 1, 2 and 3).
The experience
What you will see
The tour starts by the Orpheus fountain, a few steps from the Plaza Mayor, and walks through the small but very historic old town, the Madrid of the Habsburgs. The guide explains how an isolated hill in the middle of the plateau became a capital, and solves some local riddles along the way: why people avoided the Plaza Mayor for decades, which monument left the whole city open-mouthed and whether the most decisive "accident" in Madrid's history really was one.
There is a stop at a viewpoint for photos, and plenty of advice on Madrid's food and wine traditions and where to eat like a local.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Frequently asked questions
Which languages is it in?
When should I do it?
Is it a free tour?
Related reading on our guides
→ Madrid in 3 days: a curated route for a serious European visit
Madrid in 3 days, with judgment: the Prado, El Escorial, the Valley of Cuelgamuros, Chamberí, and what to skip. An honest itinerary, not postcards.
→ Madrid with kids: an honest guide by age (4 to 16)
Madrid with kids and teens: zoo, theme park, museums that work, outdoor plans, and common mistakes. An honest guide by age group.
→ Madrid in 1 day: a walking route from the Prado to the Temple of Debod, hour by hour
Madrid in one day on foot: the Prado at 10:00 (€15), Barrio de las Letras, Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace (€18) and sunset at Debod. Times, distances and budget.
If you book through this page, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we genuinely believe is worth it.
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