17 AMAZING Tours in Madrid [December 2024]

Welcome to the capital of Spain – to the heart of Spanish culture and artistic heritage. Where the Old Empire is most prominently reminiscent of what once was. With there being so much life and vibrancy all around, you’ll never be short on things to do in Madrid!

Tours in Madrid, Spain, are as unique and varied as they come. You could be going on a tapas food tour at one moment, and experiencing a live Flamenco dance the next!

There’s history, art, nature, and culture all around you! So, it pays to know which tours should be top of your priorities. Let us help you make an informed decision. Below you’ll find some of our best tours of Madrid that you can enjoy during your travels.

#1 – Tour Madrid’s Royal Palace

• $$
• 2 hours
• Skip-the-line ticket
• See the full interior of the palace

This early access excursion is one the best Madrid guided tours, granting you access to the home of both the past and present Spanish Royals!

Due to it being held at an earlier time, with fewer tourists around, you’ll find your walk through the Private Gardens and Apartments to go at your own pace, according to what interests you.

As you visit the stunning Throne Room, Banquet Hall, and Private Royal Apartments, you’ll hear some interesting tales of the Spanish monarchy. And, with your early access, you’ll be able to enjoy these intimate spaces without the overcrowding that tourists can bring.

When you’re considering what to do in Madrid, a visit to the Royal Palace should be top of your list!

 

#2 – Madrid City Walking Tour

• $
• 5 hours
• Live Spanish or English tour guide
• Experience the historic memoirs of Madrid

How better to experience the famous Bourbon Dynasty than by taking this guided tour through the city’s famous narrow, twisted streets!

Begin your journey in the literary heart of Madrid, in Barrio de las Letras. From here, you’ll make your way through the lives of some of the most famous writers, poets and scholars to have ever lived!

Learn all you can about the cultural history of the “Madrilenian”, as the city reveals its stunning architecture to you.

 

#3 – Santiago Bernabeu Tour

• $$
• Whole day
• Skip-the-line ticket
• See the museum, trophy cabinet, and walk the pitch

Real Madrid is the most valuable soccer club in the world! It’s also one of Spain’s greatest tourist attractions. The 80,000 seater stadium has seen 13 Champions League titles, 33 La Ligas, and many, many other trophies.

And, now so can you! You’ll explore its prodigious trophy cabinet, see where the players get ready and see a panoramic of the stadium from the stands.

 

#4 – Madrid City Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

• $$
• 1-1.5 hours per route
• Ticket valid for up to 2 days
• See all the famous sites from across the city

Madrid is a massive city – 230 square miles to be precise. So, would it not benefit you to have a means of seeing it all in a short space of time? That’s where the hop-on-hop-off tours come in!

The open-top double-decker bus will give you a comprehensive sightseeing opportunity unlike anything else. With 2 unique routes that take you past the most famous sites and a valid 2-day ticket, there’s nothing in Madrid that you won’t get to see!

 

#5 – Watch a Flamenco Dance at Cafe Ziryab

• $$
• 5 hours
• Entrance to Café
• See Spain’s oldest traditional dance live

Café Ziryab has offered an authentic Flamenco experience almost every day since 2015. Traditionally an evening dance, you’ll find the intimate café comes alive at 9:30 PM with dance and music.

Enjoy your complimentary drink and tapas, whilst appreciating the festivities. Experiencing one of the world’s Intangible Heritages of Humanity in its birthplace is a must!

 

#6 – Tapas Experience Walking Tour

• $$
• 2 hours
• Guided tour
• Get chauffeured to 3 traditional tapas bars

To tapear, as the Spanish call it, means to eat tapas and be merry! One of the more well-known exports of Spanish culture, tapas are more than just finger foods.

This culinary journey will take you bar-hopping across the city, to teach you what tapear actually represents – socializing! Tapas were made to be enjoyed in a festive company, so go meet some locals!

You’ll experience Spanish food the way the locals intended it to be, and see Madrid’s culture from ground zero. There are few better things having tapas in the evening on a vibrant Madrid street.

 

#7 – Prado Museum Direct Entrance

• $
• Whole day
• Direct entrance ticket
• Full access to the entire museum

Since 1819, the Prado Museum has boasted its special collection of paintings, sculptures, and history to all the world. It’s one of the finest collections ever seen!

It began as the royals’ personal collection and has since expanded extensively. There are more than 7,000 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, and over 10,000 additional pieces!

And, with your full-day ticket, you’ll get to explore the 3 designated routes through the museum. With such quality on display, you won’t want to leave!

 

#8 – Footsteps of the Spanish Inquisition Tour

• $
• 2 hours
• Live guided tour
• Learn about the origins of the Spanish Inquisition

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! At least, nobody would expect the legacy they would leave behind. With this walking tour, you’ll learn the intense history of how this institution left a dark mark over all of Spain.

You’ll be left gobsmacked at how ruthless and brutal this period was for the local inhabitants of the city. Torture, repression, and banishment were all realities for hundreds of innocents caught in the crossfire. Prepare to be awestruck!

 

#9 – New Teatro Real Audio Tour

• $
• 1 hour
• Audio guided tour
• See the iconic foyer, staterooms, royal box and more

In the heart of Madrid, you’ll find the unique Teatro Real Opera House. The majority of events, tours and guides will start their sessions here. But, wouldn’t it be interesting to actually get a look-see into what this building is all about?

This hour-long audio tour is informative and eye-catching, and perfect for those who are in love with theatre. Take a trip through its rooms and learn about its legacy!

 

I’m sure you know a bit about Madrid, but we have a few historical facts you might not have heard yet.

#10 – Parque Warner Theme Park Experience

• $$
• Up to 8 hours
• All-day access ticket
• Get free transport to and from the venue

Being over 150 hectares, and boasting 5 subsections with tons of activities, this Warner Bros. themed location has something for you and the kids!

DC Comics and Looney Tunes make appearances, with roller coasters and water rides named after some of your favorite characters! Superman, Batman, and Tom and Jerry come together to make for a memorable day!

 

#11 – Street Art Tour

• $$
• 2 hours
• Live tour guide
• See the local urban art from Madrid’s multicultural neighborhoods

This tour is by no means mainstream, but undoubtedly something you should consider doing. Madrid has some of the most outstanding and provocative street art ever seen!

You’ll spend your time walking through the Lavapiés, Embajadores and La Latina neighborhoods. Famous areas that have become symbols of multiculturalism and expression.

Your personal guide will give you a rare insight into Madrid’s blossoming underground art culture!

 

Still haven’t booked for Madrid? We’ve organized the best places to stay in Madrid for all types of trips!

#12 – Las Ventas Guided Tour

• $
• 1 hour
• Audio guided tour
• Walk the 80-year-old, 23,000 seater stadium

Welcome to Madrid’s largest building, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas! It’s known as the city’s most important cultural landmark, and a priority for you to visit when here.

This brief 1-hour tour will let explore José Espeliu’s grand masterpiece, as you walk its corridors and stand in the center of the grand arena!

A very insightful and eye-opening experience, to say the least.

 

What sort of trip are you planning? Madrid has incredible hotels for all types of visits!

#13 – Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner

• $$$
• 3 hours
• Dinner, drinks, and show included
• Experience a uniquely Madrid dinner of opera and local music

What’s better than a night out in Madrid? The same night out with dinner and a show included! At La Castafiore, you’ll get both as you experience one of the locals’ most treasured and unique restaurants.

Enjoy traditional tapas with each performance as you’re guided through the various art styles of the Madrilenians. At the end of the night, don’t forget to toast “La Traviata!”

 

Planning a trip? See our list of the best things to see in Madrid!

#14 – Wanda Metropolitano Stadium Tour

• $$
• 5 hours
• Skip-the-line ticket
• Take a guided or self-guided tour of Atletico Madrid’s home

The Wander Metropolitano is one of Madrid’s newest stadiums. Home to Atletico de Madrid, this state-of-the-art arena is both awe-inspiring and eye-catching.

After recently hosting the UEFA 2019 Champions League Final, it’s already joined the ranks as one of the Elite Stadiums of the world!

Experience its inner workings through Virtual Reality, as you walk the changing rooms, the matchday tunnel, and the dugout!

 

Have some time in Madrid? These are our favorite day trips from Madrid!

#15 – Reina Sofia Museum Pass

• $
• Whole day access
• Skip-the-line ticket
• See the works of Picasso, Dali, and Miro

Have you ever wanted to walk through a building where the structure itself is involved in the narrative? That’s the Reina Sofia Museum!

Each section, each intersection, and each corridor is intertwined with the strange story being told. The exhibits are unconventional yet familiar. The presentations are unique and yet will keep you hooked.

Explore its multifaceted approach to presenting art, and go on an unforgettable journey!

 

#16 – Toledo City Tour

• $
• 9 hours
• Live tour guide
• Explore this UNESCO world heritage site and its lovely streets

This magical tour is perfect for a brief getaway from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Amongst its diverse Christian, Jewish and Muslim background, you’ll find Toledo to be rich with architectural beauty and captivating history.

You’ll enjoy your trip around the city in a comfortable VIP bus, and experience some of its most emblematic spots. One of the most popular Madrid excursions!

 

#17 – Private Walking Tour With A Local

• $$
• Up to 8 hours
• Live tour guide
• See the city from the eyes of a local

After reading about some of the best tours Madrid has to offer, it would be understandable if you were worried about getting to them all.

With this customizable walking tour, you won’t need to worry anymore. Hire a local and let them show you all the well known and lesser-known sights of the city. All this at your pace and according to your preference.

With a local’s experience, you’ll get a genuine Madrid tour that is unrivaled for authenticity!

 

Final Thoughts

Capitals of Europe need to be attractive, enticing, and captivating to all its international visitors. Its structures should tell stories of the country’s legacy when you’re on tour. Madrid offers all this and some!

Its tours are like its history – unique, mysterious, and hold a slight twist to them. Whether you’re at its world-famous soccer stadiums or walking its streets, there’s always a story to be told in Madrid, Spain.

Tours will come thick and fast, so it pays to be prepared! It’s our hope that this list has helped set you on your way for your trip to one of the cultural capitals of Europe.

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