Madrid Walking Tour: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace.

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2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Our Essential Madrid Walking Tour isn’t just a list of dates and names—it’s about quality, time, and respect. We bring history to life with comedy, curiosities, and real stories of kings, queens, and everyday Madrileños. Unlike big tour groups, we:

Keep groups small (max 15 people) so everyone can hear, ask questions, and feel part of the experience.

Share unique stories you won’t find in guidebooks—from Inquisition trials to Hemingway’s favorite tavern.

Work on a free-contribution basis (average €10–20 per person), so you decide the value of the experience.

Focus on authenticity and fun—it’s not just sightseeing, it’s connecting with Madrid.

You’ll leave not only with great photos, but also with a deeper understanding of Madrid’s spirit.

What's Included

Admission fee

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at Puerta del Sol (Sol Square) – right in front of the Bear and Strawberry Tree statue (El Oso y el Madroño), the most recognizable landmark in the square.

End point
Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain Description: The tour ends at the Royal Palace of Madrid, next to Almudena Cathedral. This central location is within walking distance of Plaza de España, Gran Vía, and La Latina, perfect for continuing your day in Madrid.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Welcome to the symbolic heart of Madrid. Here you’ll see the famous Bear and Strawberry Tree statue, Kilometer Zero (the starting point of all Spanish roads), and the historic Post Office building. Learn why the clock tower shows “IIII” instead of “IV” and hear about the Spanish New Year’s Eve tradition of eating 12 lucky grapes at midnight.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Plaza Mayor

    Step into Madrid’s grand central square, once the stage for royal ceremonies, bullfights, markets, and even Inquisition trials. Admire the statue of Philip III, hear dramatic stories of the great fires that shaped the city, and discover how the Habsburg dynasty gave way to the Bourbons. Today it’s a lively plaza lined with cafés, perfect for photos and people-watching.

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Royal Palace of Madrid

    Finish at Spain’s most majestic landmark, the Royal Palace, with its 3,418 rooms and striking architecture. Learn how a Christmas Eve fire led to its construction and discover quirky stories of Spain’s Bourbon kings. Across the plaza stands the Almudena Cathedral, blending Gothic, Romanesque, and Neo-Classical styles. It’s also where King Felipe VI married Queen Letizia in 2004.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Book Madrid Tours

Tags

Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Culture
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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