Madrid in a Day Tour:Royal Palace, Historic Center & Prado Museum
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the best of Madrid with this expertly guided walking tour featuring skip-the-line tickets to the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s most breathtaking royal residences, and to the Prado Art Musuem - the cultural jewel of Spain. If you wish, choose the Prado Early Access option when booking for a VIP experience in the Prado Museum where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the galleries one hour before they open to the public. As you make your way through the stunning galleries of the Prado Museum, through the charming historic center, and wrap up at the grandiose Royal Palace, you'll be accompanied by an insightful local guide who will decode the city's lesser-known stories and hidden secrets every step of the way. And with a small group of just 15 guests maximum, you'll enjoy a more relaxed and intimate experience with easy access to your guide so you can ask them all your burning questions.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour is in English.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Prado Museum
VIP early access ticket to Prado Museum (if option selected)
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Madrid Royal Palace
Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Museo Nacional del Prado
Your tour starts when you skip the line and enter the Prado art museum, home to one of the greatest collections of European art in the world. Breeze past the crowds and head straight inside to enjoy a full tour of the museum’s highlights. Along the way, you'll meet the masters who have defined Spanish art throughout the centuries, from the court painters of the Spanish Royal Family to legendary artists like Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Bosch, Tintoretto and more. Your guide will tell you the stories behind the art and help you understand what makes each piece so celebrated—which just isn't possible to do on your own in a museum boasting over 1,000 pieces on display! If you wish, choose the Prado Early Access option for a VIP experience in the Prado Museum where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the galleries one hour before they open to the public.
Plaza Mayor
Leaving the museum, you’ll walk the medieval streets of central Madrid, stopping at famous landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol as your guide tells your story of how the city went from an outpost of a crumbling Moorish empire to the preeminent Catholic power in Europe. And while there's plenty of history to be found in these streets, today the area is one of the city's coolest neighborhoods. You'll also learn how to make the most of it during the rest of your stay as your guide shares tips on where to eat, shop, and relax.
Options
Regular Small Group Tour
Madrid in a Day with VIP Prado
VIP Prado Museum Upgrade: Make your tour even more unforgettable with this exclusive pre-opening Prado Museum option.
Private Madrid in a Day Tour
Top Sites : See the best of Madrid on a private tour combining 3 essential sights: Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and the historic Center.
Reviews
462 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great tournament of the two must see sights in Madrid.
Brian B,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great tours of the Prado and the Royal Palace. Early entrance tickets to the Prado really made a difference. Although the terrain is mostly flat there is a bit of walking between the venues and at each venue. Our guide Florin was great. Very knowledgeable and easy to be with.
Enjoyable tour
Blanche L,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a half day tour but the tour guide packed all important information in for us. A most informative tour. Thank you.
Beautiful tour of the most important Spanish historical sites. Don’t miss.
Amy T,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Beautiful tour of the most important Spanish historical sites. Don’t miss it! David was a really fabulous guide who had deep knowledge and passion about his native city. We are soooooo sad to leave!
If Not Super into Art and Detail, visit but buy own tickets
PAUL R,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
2.00Brings you into Prado and royal palace. Was informative but too overly detailed when it came to describing art prices and could have been shortened. Also had two couples that couldn’t/didn’t want to walk between museum and palace. One was waiting for us. Other held us up as guide had to leave palace to go get them. If do not want all detail but want to visit sites, buy your own tix and get through faster. Wasted a whole day for us however florin was very nice and knowledgeable
A Great Half Day Activity
Anthony L,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
4.00If you love Palaces & Museums this a must stop. Absolutely stunning. The museum part of the tour dragged a little, it was the longer stop on the tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain