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FR-Madrid history tour
Let expert guides lead you through a walking tour of Madrid’s historic center and the Madrid of the Habsburgs.
Explore Madrid's historic center with an expert guide and learn about its history. This is a classic Madrid tour.
Walking tour for private groups.
Personalization, quality and professionalism distinguish us
Discover how Madrid was born, its historical and artistic heritage, interesting facts, legends, gastronomy, and much more with this tour of Historic Madrid.
The guide will share anecdotes with you while you enjoy a wonderful time in the Madrid de los Austrias area of the Spanish capital.
What is the price for this walking tour?
- Tour price for private groups: €180 (up to 4 people). For groups of five or more, €45 per person
- Children up to 6 years old: Free.
- Reduced Price: €29 (Children ages 6 to 12 and people with special needs). *The discount applies as long as it does not affect the base price of €180.
- * Ask about special prices for groups of companies, schools, or collectives.
What is the meeting point?
- The meeting point is Plaza de Isabel II, under the statue of Isabel II (Metro Ópera, behind the Royal Palace) See the map below (See).
- Flexible schedule: We will coordinate with you both the start time and the meeting place with the guide.
- We also customize the route to your needs. Just ask!
How long does the visit last?
- The tour lasts 2 hours. Afterward, you'll get ideas for ways to continue having a good time, or try a recommended restaurant in the area. The schedule is tailored to your needs and group size.
What does this walking tour include?
- Personalized service. We adapt to each client's needs.
- Official guides trained in history, art history, and tourism. Our guides are also certified in first aid.
- Small groups of people to ensure quality.
- See below for the basic itinerary.
- Level explanations and anecdotes.
- Assistance and support from the Tour Time team.
- Accessibility: Most areas are accessible.
- Complimentary umbrella for those days when we are surprised by the rain.
- Civil Liability Insurance.
- We can organize the visit in several languages, mainly: Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, etc.
Not included in this tour
Team guides for this tour
Find out about this historic madrid tour.
Fill in the form for reservation or find out about the visit with an accredited guide.
FAQ
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- How do I make a reservation? Fill out the form indicating the day and time, number of people, etc. We will contact you to discuss the details so you don’t have any questions. Please book at least 24 hours before the tour.
- Is there a minimum number of participants? The published price is for a minimum of two people, but we also customize for one person. Check the price by filling out the information form.
- What is the payment method? Bank transfer, card payment, or cash.
- What are radio guides? They are a wireless guidance system that allows easy communication between the guide and the visitor. It is the most practical and advisable method of communication so you don’t miss a single detail. Not to be confused with an audio guide (in this case, there is no physical person interacting with the visitor).
Cancellation
- Users can cancel their reservation up to 72 hours before the contracted service and receive a refund of the amount paid, deducting any management and reservation fees.
- If the cancellation is made less than 24 hours in advance or there is no show, there will be no refund as the services will be closed and will generate costs.
- Note: Some services may have specific conditions depending on the providers.
- Meeting: Plaza de Isabel II, under the statue of Isabel II (Metro Ópera, behind the Royal Palace)
- Flexible meeting point.
- Need a pickup + tour? Pickup Tour: We'll pick you up at your hotel, airport, or train station. Ask us.
Photos
About historic Madrid. Madrid of the Habsburgs
On the visit, we will see the following places among others:
- Plaza de Isabel II. You’ll discover why Arenal Street is called that, what the Tower of the Dead was, and interesting facts like the mysterious shape of the Teatro Real.
- Plaza de Oriente. Do you know who Pepe el Plazuelas was? And what is the statue of the four genies? Add to that the superstition of a queen.
- Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. What happened to the Royal Alcázar? Very few people know that the Almudena Cathedral was built because of a promise of love.
- Calle Mayor. The largest attack until the Atocha bombing, a bouquet of flowers, and the first wedding cake ever eaten in Spain. Madrid, from a simple town to becoming the capital of the largest empire of its time.
- Plaza de la Villa. You’ll be able to see the oldest civil building in Madrid and what the City Hall was. You’ll also walk through the narrowest street and, if you like, you can buy homemade sweets.
- Plaza de Puerta Cerrada. Do you know Madrid’s motto? You’ll learn it here during this tour.
- Did you know that the oldest restaurant in the world is here, in this area? And who probably worked there?
- Plaza Mayor. From a simple lagoon to becoming one of the capital’s most vibrant and central hubs, this square holds many stories that have shaped its character over the years. Did you know that the Holy Office of the Inquisition held one of its famous Autos de Fé here? Well, one of them is on display in the Prado.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Madrid History Tour
Everything you need to know before exploring the historic heart of Madrid with a private guide from Tour Time.
The route
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Tour Time's Madrid History Tour is a walking route through medieval and Habsburg-era Madrid. The route includes Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, Cava Baja and the La Latina neighbourhood, with streets and buildings that preserve the essence of the 16th- and 17th-century city.
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The Madrid History Tour focuses on medieval and Habsburg-era Madrid (15th-17th centuries): the city that grew up around Plaza Mayor, with its brick architecture and historic side streets. The Tour of Madrid of the Bourbons focuses on 18th-century Madrid: the Bourbon expansion, the Paseo del Prado and the monumental fountains. They cover two very different eras and aesthetics.
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The Madrid History Tour lasts approximately between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the group's pace and interests. As this is a private visit, the guide can adapt to whichever stops the group wants to spend more time at.
Audience, languages and booking
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The tour is done entirely on foot, since Madrid's historic centre is compact and walking through it lets you enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of each street. For groups with mobility difficulties, Tour Time can adapt the route or suggest alternatives involving transport.
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Yes. Tour Time's guide adapts the narrative and anecdotes to the group's level. For families with children, the visit becomes more dynamic with stories, curiosities and facts that capture younger visitors' attention. It's one of Madrid's routes with the most narrative and visual content.
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The Madrid History Tour with Tour Time is available in Spanish, English, French and Italian. As this is a private tour, the language is chosen when booking. For a language not listed, feel free to ask us about availability.
Want to discover Madrid's oldest quarters?
Get in touch with our team and book the Madrid History Tour for your group.