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 16 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.
Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
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
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.
Regular Small Group Tour
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.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Plaza Mayor
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Prado Museum
Puerta del Sol
Literary Quarter
Opera House (outside)
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
807 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
Mariola F,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience on the Madrid Tour of the Royal Palace and Prado Museum. Maria, our guide, was engaging, knowledgeable, and made the tour both educational and enjoyable. Even on a very busy day, she skillfully navigated the crowds, leading us to the most important works of art while sharing rich and interesting stories about Spain’s royal family. She made the entire experience feel seamless and memorable.
Carmen was an excellent...
Valeska R,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Carmen was an excellent tour guide - extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This tour is a great way to see both the Prado museum and the royal palace. Bring snacks and water as there is no time to stop for anything as tumhis tour covers a lot of ground.
Highly recommend the...
Michael A,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend the early Prado tour as it avoids the crowds and an opportunity to get close to the artwork without waiting.
Great Tour and Guide
604thelmal,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was a great tour guide. He was very informative and knowledgeable. Thank you.
Prado and palace
Robert B,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experiences, only wish we had more time at the Prado museum. So much too see. Alfonso was an excellent guide who had a great passion for Spanish art and artists.
Alfinso -Amazing guide.
Mleawill,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour from start to finish! Our guide - Alfonso was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience enjoyable. The best guide I've ever had. Highly recommend this tour
Great experience
kellylO9831OU,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lolo was amazing! We really enjoyed our time with her and learned a ton about these sites! Would highly recommend!
Madrid Day Tour
Jack L,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alejandro, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and explained the intricacies of the artwork at the Prado Museum and details of the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Educational time in Madrid
BradA402,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Maria was a terrific guide. Nice way to learn a large amount of info on art and Royal Palace in short time
Five Star Experience
ellenbK7141VN,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Abraham was our excellent guide and hit the best highlights of the Prado, a city walk with historic insights and modern day recommendations along the way for shops and restaurants, and engaging tour of the Royal Palace. The timing was perfect fpr oir group and the level of detail was just right. Highly recommended.
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