Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We will visit some well known sites and also hidden gems.
As a driving force and mirror and of the history, culture and art of Spain but also of Europe, along the tour the past will come to life. From the Muslim influence to the austere North European of the Habsburg and the glamour of the Bourbons, the city is an enthralling mix of cultures.
You will discover how a fort of the IX century became the capital of an Empire. In Madrid great stories arise in every corner. This is the city that governed half of America and large areas of the world, produced some of the best artists and writers of all time but also struggled with crime, a Napoleon invasion and a Civil War.
My goal is that at the end of the tour you will see some of the most beautiful and meaningful sites and understand their deep meaning. Madrid is the result of a series of unexpected events, conquests, successes and contradictions that create a unique urbanism, heritage and culture with great impact in Western culture.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
All Fees and Taxes
Admission ticket to Royal Palace
Plaza de la Villa
Begin in one of Madrid’s oldest squares, where centuries of power and beauty converge. The façades show the coexistence of Mudéjar, Plateresque and Habsburg architecture, a visual chronicle of the city’s evolution. Look closely at the coat of arms of King Charles II, the last Habsburg monarch, carved into the stone — a symbol full of secrets and the end of an era.
Calle De Codo
Just a few steps from the Plaza de la Villa lies one of Madrid’s narrowest streets, a silent curve that still follows the line of the medieval city. Its name, the Elbow Street, comes from its sharp bend. The irregular stones, the shadows and the stillness make it one of the places where you can feel the atmosphere of a vanished Madrid
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Paul G,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
Small group was right - great, .... just my partner and I treated to a very informative and wide reaching narrative as we wandered
Rebecca G,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Juan was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and humorous. I liked at the end where he used a "map" in stone to reiterate what we'd just seen and allowed us to see an overview of the area. Great tour.
ALICK K,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was a thoroughly enjoyable small group walking tour experience. Juan has an idiosyncratic way of presenting the informatiom, which may not appeal to everyone. He has a characteristic of emphasizing key points with a "cha-ching" exclamation. He also has connections to the Spanish movie industry and so can provide in-depth information about that topic. I wanted to do another of his tours but was not in Madrid to be able to do so.

Skimomnw2,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I took this tour with Juan with my husband our last day in Madrid. We actually took it in April 2024. Our group applauded when he completed the tour. My review didn't appear on that platform. He starts at the location of the Roman fort and the tour progresses through the history of Madrid. He is very articulate and knowledgeable about history of Madrid and Spain and the impact on current Spain. My only regret was that I didn't take his walking tour the first day instead of the tapas tour. We learned so much. It is a walking tour, so wear good shoes. Someone slammed him on another platform about his English. He speaks English better than many Spanish actors. I am recommending his tour to my daughter and her husband traveling to Madrid.

Naomi A,
May 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
My guided tour of Madrid with Juan was an incredible experience! He was exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, bringing the city's rich history to life. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Juan personalized the tour to suit our interests and answered every question with enthusiasm. If you want to explore Madrid in a deeper and more meaningful way, I highly recommend booking a tour with Juan—it’s absolutely worth it!
Yazmin M,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very personable and very detailed. We enjoyed the tour . My family was the only one there which made it even better . He answered all our questions .
Tatyana D,
Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
It was a very uninformative tour. I personally knew more about the subject prior to tour than the guide. The presentation was at the level of a grade school. The guide spoke very poor English, but I would. Be OK with it except the information that was delivered was so basic that I finally took my family and left. Depressing. How can the guide be so uninformed and so not interesting.
Lara G,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was a great tour for learning the historical basics of Madrid. It was nice to have the personalization of a small group.
Nihal,
Dec 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
Tour was definitely worth it. Get some good walking shoes and be prepared to walk. There are multiple points of interest and our tour guide Juan did a good job of explaining the historical significance at each point, as well as an excellent summary at the end. Given his background in film journalism, he was also able to share additional insights into Spanish art and culture.
Kathleen C,
Oct 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
Juan was a wonderful tour guide filled with lots of interesting information about old/new Madrid. Loved the way he blended major attractions with “out of the way” sites. A “must do” when in Madrid!
Operated by Juan S.