walking tour madrid self guided

Museum of Wander

Hit the Streets of Madrid With This Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour (Includes Map)

Our self-guided walking tour shows you the top sights, world famous art and the best places to eat in Madrid.

Madrid or Barcelona? Barcelona or Madrid? Madrid and Barcelona? It took us such a long time to make up our minds when we were planning our Spain and Portugal itinerary. Eventually, we committed ourselves to Madrid and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. With only two full days in Spain’s capital, we knew that we had to use our time wisely to see the highlights and eat all the tapas that we wanted. Except for planning to visit one of Madrid’s world-famous art museums, we had no real plan before arriving, so upon arrival, we grabbed a city map from our hotel and designed our own self-guided walking tour of Madrid.

Our self-guided walking tour of Madrid is a perfect introduction to the city. But let’s be honest: with only two days and being first-time visitors it doesn’t feature any hidden gems. It’s definitely not a local’s guide to Madrid. Instead, you’ll get to see the highlights of Madrid at a leisurely pace over two days and our recommendations of where to eat.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay for this Madrid Walking Tour

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. And price. We stayed at Hostal Met Madrid which is just across the road from the Mercado de San Miguel. The room was spotless, quiet and the location can’t be beaten.

Being so central, this guesthouse is the perfect base for exploring Madrid. We walked everywhere we mention in our Madrid walking tour, except for taking the metro to the Reina Sofia museum.

Don’t think it’s a hostel ala bunkbed though. A hostal is a budget-midrange hotel, almost like a guesthouse and quite popular throughout Spain. The room was spotless, came with a small fridge and the AC was very welcome during our siesta sessions.

Hostal Met Madrid offers exceptional value for money and comes highly recommended. The money we saved on accommodation and transport went straight into our tapas/churros/sangria kitty 🙂

Check prices and availability

Madrid Self-Guided Walking Tour Map: Day 1

Day 1 of our Madrid walking tour will take in the major sights and monuments, and include stops at places to indulge in the city’s fabulous food.

Start Your Walking Tour at Puerta Del Sol

Puerta del Sol, or simply Sol, is one of Madrid’s most central points from where all the city’s roads stem from. It’s also one of the busiest metro stops and the plaza is always buzzing. Sol is the starting point of our walking tour and also the gateway to many of the bars and restaurants in the immediate area.

The Tio Pepe sign advertising Andalusian sherry is one of Madrid’s famous landmarks. The man on horseback in the centre of the plaza is King Charles III of Spain . Other than tourists, street performers and businessmen you can also find the statue of the Bear and Strawberry tree here, which is a popular meeting spot. The statue represents Madrid’s coat of arms and while it’s the pride of Madrileños , you don’t have to go out of your way to see it.

Another quirky point of interest is the Kilometre Zero slab in front of the Town Hall. All major roads in Spain radiate outwards from this point.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is one of the most beautiful and famous landmarks in Madrid. The arcaded square is intimate rather than grande, and it’s indeed very picturesque. Three stories of residential buildings with wrought-iron balconies completely wrap around the Plaza Mayor.

Nine entranceways lead into the square where you’ll find an equestrian statue of King Phillip III who overlooks the international crowds and street performers.

Surrounding the square are cafes and restaurants which could make a nice place for a drink or bite to eat. But don’t eat here (yet) as our breakfast/brunch stop is just steps away. If you are staying in the area you should also come back to Plaza Mayor after dark since it has a totally different feel at night. Then you can have a drink and bite to eat here.

Eat Tapas at Mercado de San Miguel

By now you should have worked up a nice appetite. That’s great since the stylish Mercado de San Miguel might as well be called the Mercado de Tapa Nirvana. The iron and glass art nouveau structure is one of the best places to come to experience Madrid’s excellent tapa culture. Not only are all the tapas here mini works of art in themselves, but everything we had here was damn good.

Established in 1916, this gastronomic paradise is one of Madrid’s oldest and hippest markets. The covered market has over 30 vendors, each stall perfecting one or two tapa dishes. All the tapas are beautifully displayed and we wanted to eat them all. It’s a good idea to walk through the market to see everything there is before going back to get your favourites. Good to know too is that alcoholic drinks are available. So if you feel like living it up here in Madrid, go ahead and have breakfast sangria, vermouth or beer. If saving yourself, then perhaps get a coffee. The market is open every day from 10:00 until midnight and makes a perfect stop any time of day or night. Since our hotel was just around the corner we came here a few times.

Want more food? Check out these awesome food tours in Madrid: Wine and Tapas in Madrid Lonely Planet Experiences: Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour Evening Tapas Tour through Madrid

Spot Unique Street Names

Keep an eye out for the street names as you follow our walking tour. Even if you don’t speak any Spanish (like us) the pictures will pretty much tell you what it means.

We really liked looking at street names in Madrid. It seems that in days gone past each street was known for something special. As you walk around spot all these different streets. Street of the embroiderers, street of the blacksmiths, street of the clowns etc.

See the Modern Almudena Cathedral

Situated adjacent to the Plaza de Armas of the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral might look old but in fact, it was only opened in 1993. Uniquely modern inside, the cathedral is Neo-Gothic in style.

It looks as if a rainbow exploded onto the ceiling with its colourful patterns and designs. The stained glass windows have a nice modern twist to them as well, and can perhaps be described as religious pop art. Entry to the cathedral is free of charge, but you’ll need to pay if you want to visit the museum.

Feel Royal at the Madrid Palacio Real

Right next to the cathedral is the monumental Royal Palace of Madrid, which is the largest palace in Western Europe. The palace is home to Spain’s royal family but is only used really for state ceremonies these days. Looking at the long line kept us from looking inside. The palace is still impressive to look at from the outside though.

Top Tip: Avoid the lines and book your fast-track entrance tickets online.

Is the Plaza de Espana Open?

We came here to see the monument to one of Spain’s most beloved figures: Don Quixote. When we arrived at the plaza we were disappointed to find it all boarded up due to construction work. The text on the boards read SUMMER BITCH !

Apparently, while construction was going on they found major historic artefacts and because extensive excavation will need to be done, it will be months before the plaza reopens. Staff at our hotel told us later that it will only reopen in 2020, but no one is sure when.

Stroll & Shop on Gran Via

Plaza de España marks the southern end of Gran Via, Madrid’s most famous shopping street . Beautiful buildings from the early 1900s line the entire length of Gran Via and you can also find Spain’s famous fashion stores such as Zara, Mango, Stradivarius and Bimba y Lola here if you’re in the mood for burning money.

Gran Via is also known as the Spanish Broadway thanks to many theatres and exciting nightlife options.

Indulge in the Best Chocolate Con Churros in Madrid

Is it possible to put heaven into a cup? ABSOLUTELY! Time for chocolate and churros! You’ll find Madrid’s, if not the world’s, best hot chocolate tucked away in alley Pasadizo San Ginés just off the busy Calle Arena. Madrileños have been coming here since 1894 for their chocolate – churros fix.

Order a cup of thick, sweet chocolate and a plate of golden fried churros from the marble counter and the waiter will bring it to your table within minutes.

Dip your churros into the rich and smooth chocolate and you’ll soon understand why Chocolatería San Ginés has been around for more than a hundred years and people are still lining up. This place has ruined every other hot chocolate that we will ever have.

Best of all, it’s open 24 hours a day to cater to all our choco-junkies.

As a national pastime, siesta is as Spanish as Sangria, Jamon and bullfighting. After being on the streets since the morning it’s a good idea to have some downtime and experience this essential aspect of Spanish life.

Dinner in Madrid doesn’t really start until well after 21:00, so go back to your place and do as the Spaniards do and take a nice long siesta. Take a nap, read a book, watch a movie, make love, open a bottle of wine or all of the above in no particular order.

Dinner at Museo de Jamón

Not a museum in the traditional sense but indeed belongs up there with the Prado and Reina Sofia, the Museum of Ham is a casual stand and eat-at-the-counter tapas bar . One part bar, one part meat deli the Museo is always loud, always packed and everyone always seems to be enjoying life here. But then who wouldn’t with cheap beer and ham under the same roof? It was actually so good and cheap that we came here three times in two days!

A little intimidating at first, it’s best to dive right in and join the crowd at the bar. Ask for jamón, and the barman will present you with an English picture menu. Ham is not simply ham here. Hundreds of pig legs hang from the walls, so you’ll need to specify whether is jamón Ibérico or jamón serrano . There are also plates of cheese and crispy sandwiches on the menu. We really liked the Iberico and melon plate and old sheep cheese portion.

Museo del Jamón is a chain and has branches scattered throughout Madrid. We visited the one on Calle Mayor, halfway between Sol and Plaza Mayor and the branch on Plaza Mayor the next day. The one on Plaza Mayor has seating outside on the square which is good for having a bite and drink, but the branch on Calle Mayor was our favourite by far.

Madrid Self-Guided Walking Tour: Day 2

Today is museum day but we choose to visit only one of the world-famous art museums. We think that doing more than one will be draining. You can choose to visit either the Prado or the Reina Sofia, which are located near each other anyway.

The second day of our self-guided walking tour of Madrid has less walking than the first day. You’ll have plenty of time to eat tapas and drink sangria too. Sounds like a plan so let’s get going!

Breakfast at Cerveceria 100 Montaditos

For breakfast, you can choose to return to the Mercado de San Miguel for tapas or Museo de Jamon for more ham and perhaps a morning beer. Or give the small but popular Cerveceria 100 Montaditos a try.

Offering breakfast options from €1, it makes the perfect breakfast spot to start your second day of our Madrid self-guided walking tour. The breakfast set of Pan con Tomate (crushed tomato toast with olive oil), jamon toast and coffee is an excellent choice for only €1.90 Throw in a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for €2 and you have a great start to your day for €3.90. As the name suggests they also have cold beer on tap.

After breakfast walk to Sol before taking the metro to Atocha station. Known as the golden triangle of art, the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums are all a short walk away from Atocha station.

See The Guernica in the Reina Sofia

One thing we really HAD TO DO in Madrid was to visit one of its world-famous art museums . Just like our Madrid vs. Barcelona predicament before coming to Spain, we were stuck with Prado vs Reina Sofia.

In the end, Reina Sofia won since we are more interested in seeing modern and contemporary Spanish art. The Reina Sofia boasts a collection of over 21 000 works of art from the 20th century. So if modern art is your thing, you’re in for a treat.

The big draw of the Reina Sofia is Picasso’s Guernica , but it also has a handsome collection of works by Dali, Miro and Gris amongst others. The Guernica is huge; much bigger than we had anticipated. Photos showing how it evolved and how Picasso changed the painting before completion are very interesting. Photography is not allowed in the exhibition area where the Guernica is displayed.

We recommend buying your ticket online before you visit as lines to get in can apparently get ridonkeylously long. When we arrived just after opening time we walked right in without having to wait.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Opening hours are 10:00-21:00. The entrance price is €10 when buying at the museum, or €8 when buying online. Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours here.

Lunch at Venta el Buscon

Take the metro back to Sol and walk a block to Calle Victoria. This little street is chockablock with great restaurants and tapas bars. All of them have lunch menus displayed outside for about €15. We ended up at Venta el Buscon which is a great little place with generous portions and friendly staff.

The lunch menu includes bread, starter, mains, dessert and a drink for €14. Our enthusiastic and charismatic waiter tried the best he could to explain the menu options to us in English. We didn’t understand that dessert was included, so when we asked for the bill after our main course (we were stuffed by then anyway) the waiter said: NO! POSTRE INCLUDED!! Not knowing what postre is, he went on to say CAKE.

Jin had a beer, prawns, calamari and tiramisu while De Wet went with vermouth, curry samosas, oxtail and cheesecake.

Venta el Buscon has superb service, a great atmosphere and fantastic food. We definitely recommend a meal here.

With your tummy full, head back to your hotel to escape the hottest part of the day. Blame the jet lag, blame the hot weather, blame all the walking or tell yourself that you’re respecting local culture, but don’t underestimate the power of a good old siesta.

Cafe Culture in La Latina

The colourful and vibrant neighbourhood of La Latina is great for walking around and having a drink outside at one of the countless cafes and bars. Away from the main streets, you will find many small squares filled with tables and chairs and waiters willing to take your order.

If in Madrid on a Sunday you should also visit the El Rastro flea market which is held near La Latina metro station.

See the Best View in Madrid at the Circulo de Bellas Artes

The best view in Madrid is even better at sunset. Best place to see this view? At the Circulo de Bellas Artes of course. The trendy rooftop terrace and bar on the 7th floor offer fantastic views across the Gran Via and towards la plaza Cibeles.

In summer the sun sets around 21:30 in Madrid so come here about an hour before. We had to wait in line for about 20 minutes before we could take the elevator up to the rooftop.

You need to pay €4 to take the elevator up to the rooftop, but once there you don’t have to order anything unless you want to of course.

Dinner in Plaza Mayor

As we mentioned before, dinner in Madrid does not start until late at night. After seeing the sunset (around 22:00) we walked back towards Sol and on to Plaza Mayor to see it lit up at night. We decided to have dinner at the Plaza Mayor branch of Museo del Jamón . At this branch, you can sit at tables outside on the plaza, unlike the branch around the corner where you have to stand at the bar. There’s no better way to end our Madrid self-guided walking tour than putting your feet up and having sangria and ham in Plaza Mayor.

Now it’s your turn : Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions. As always we will try our best to help. Did we miss anything? Go put on a pair of comfy walking shoes and hit the streets of Madrid!

Heading to Seville? Check out how to really enjoy Seville in 3 days . Going to the Costa de Sol? Here are the best Marbella Hotels .

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Somto Seeks

Navigate the world with confidence

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid with Map

April 26, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze 4 Comments

Last updated on April 24, 2023

Madrid stole my heart when I first visited in 2012. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to move there and call it my home for a year. Nowadays, I visit the city once in a while to catch up with old friends. Maybe you could say I’m a little obsessed with this city – from the rustic neighborhoods to the leafy parks. It seems that no matter how many times I visit Madrid, I still can’t get enough. I discover something new with each visit.

For some reason, many travelers I’ve talked to think Madrid is boring compared to Barcelona. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! I think Madrid actually has a greater variety of things to do than Barcelona. With gorgeous parks, unique neighborhoods, and some of the best museums in Spain, Madrid will keep you busy during your visit. I’ve mapped out a self-guided walking tour to help you plan your itinerary.  I want to take you to various neighborhoods, hidden art galleries, not-so-touristy food markets, and other amazing places other Madrid guides leave out. So here is your self-guided walking tour of Madrid with a map to make finding your whereabouts easy.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links as explained in my disclosure policy.

This post is part of the Madrid Travel series. Here’s a full list of posts in the series.

Walking tour: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

Day Trips: The 10 Best Day Trips From Madrid

Food: Where To Eat in Madrid: 10 Best Restaurants To Try

1 Day: One Day Madrid Itinerary: What To Do, See, and Eat

3 Days: Three Day Madrid Itinerary: Things To Do for First-Timers

Winter: The Best Things To Do in Madrid in Winter

Tourist Mistakes: 6 Common Tourist Mistakes To Avoid in Madrid

Total time required for the walking tour of Madrid

The tour will take around 3 hours if you follow the route without stopping. I would recommend you budget half a day for this tour to get to know the city well.

What to pack for Madrid

• Comfortable shoes – preferably running shoes since there are some hills to climb.
• Portable WiFi – if you don’t have an international data plan then this will make your trip a lot easier. I’ve been using the Travel WiFi Portable Hotspot Device since 2018 because it’s convenient and reliable. It eliminates the need for a SIM card or an international data plan. You can read my full review of Travel WiFI to see if it’s the right pocket WiFi for you.
• Water – always stay hydrated, especially since you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Map or GPS – Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Moovit app, a physical map, whatever works best for you.
• Camera – you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those Gaudi buildings so much better! I always recommend the Nikon D3400 for beginners.
• Snacks – pack some fruit, a granola bar, or my go-to travel snack, the WanderBar , a protein bar made specifically for travelers and frequent flyers. I can’t get enough of the Cocoa Crunch flavor.

15 Places To Visit on Your Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

Círculo de bellas artes.

At first, I thought we should start at Plaza Mayor, the main city square, but I decided to switch things up. We’re going to start at Circulo de Bellas Artes (Center of Fine Arts), an art exhibition of the entrance to the main street in Madrid, Gran Via. But we’re not going for the art. We’re going for the views.

There is a rooftop bar on the 7th floor of the building called Azotea del Circulo. It provides a panoramic view of the Madrid skyline, an iconic view you’ve probably seen dozens of times (see below.) The drinks are standard, but the ambiance is fantastic. This is a great place to get your ‘I went to Madrid!’ photo with the cityscape in the background. After getting your photo, you can lay back and relax on the white cushion sofas to save up some energy for all the walking ahead. Note that you don’t need to order anything at the rooftop, but you do need to pay 4 EUR at the entrance on the first floor for rooftop access. It’s more than worth it.

Address : Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain Hours : 12 pm – 12:30 am from Monday to Thursday, 12 pm – 2:30 am from Friday to Sunday

Important: You can’t get into the building from the front on Calle de Alcalá.  You’ll need to go around to the side of the building on Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera, 2, 28014 Madrid. That’s where the main entrance is. 

From Circulo de Bellas Artes, you’ll take a stroll down Gran Via, the largest pedestrian street in Madrid. Gran Via is to Madrid what Avenue de Champs Elysee is to Paris. The street is home to designer shops, theatres, fine restaurants, rooftop bars, tourist offices, and more. There is a giant Primark store with two stories as well as Zara, Mango, and other Spanish and international brands. Shopping on Gran Via is surprisingly not that expensive. That said, I wouldn’t eat at any restaurant on the street because it more than likely caters to tourists.

Address : Gran Via, 28013 Madrid, Spain Hours : 24 hours 7 days a week

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol, simply referred to as Sol, is one of the main metro stops in Madrid’s center. It literally means ‘gate of the sun’ and is a gateway to many attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city. Sometimes, you’ll encounter demonstrations, speeches, and processions at Puerta del Sol. For instance, during the festival of San Isidro in May, there is a procession of giant bobbleheads called Los Gigantes that starts here. In the Christmas season, the Spanish eating of twelve grapes tradition takes place here.

On the east side of the square, there is a statue of a bear called El Oso y El Madroño. It’s a statue of a bear eating from a strawberry tree and represents the coat of arms of Madrid. When I lived in Madrid, people were always making a big deal about this bear. It’s a rather simple statue, but I guess it has historical significance. Still, I wouldn’t call this a must-see sight.

Address : Puerta del Sol, 28013 Madrid, Spain Hours : 24 hours, 7 days a week

Plaza Mayor

Every Spanish city has a main town square, or plaza, normally located at the heart of the city. Plaza Mayor is Madrid’s expansive town square with gorgeous buildings covered in Romanesque artistry. You’ve probably seen Plaza Mayor on a million postcards. It’s a great place to sit, relax, and have a drink. There are also a number of restaurants and souvenir shops in the square, but they tend to be more expensive. I wouldn’t eat at the restaurants within the plaza itself because they’re nothing special. There are tons of really good restaurants on the streets surrounding the plaza, such as El Botin , the oldest restaurant in the world.

Address : Plaza Mayor, 28012, Madrid Hours : 24 hours, 7 days a week

Catedral de la Almudena

This cathedral doesn’t get as much love as it deserves – at least compared to other churches in Spain, like La Sagrada Familia. As the seat of the diocese of Madrid, it’s the most important church in the city. The Gothic-style interior is just gorgeous and the cool blue exterior serves as the perfect backdrop for photos.

Address : Calle de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain Hours : 10 am – 8:30 pm every day

El Palacio Real

Spain’s official royal palace isn’t as famous as Versailles or Buckingham Palace, but do not overlook it! With 3418 rooms, it is the largest royal palace in Europe by area. It is larger than Buckingham Palace, which has 775 rooms. Of course, not all the rooms are open to the public, but the palace tour will take you through ornately decorated rooms, collections of crown jewels, and storage of royal armory. You can take a tour of the palace between 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets cost $13 for general admission and $7 for students.

Address : Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid Hours : 10 am to 6 pm every day

Malasaña is one of the young, hip neighborhoods of Madrid. Here, you’ll find quirky coffee shops, cool bars, and vintage boutiques. This neighborhood is filled with great photo spots, too. Here are some recommended spots in this neighborhood:

La Bicicleta : This is one of the coolest bars in Madrid, with bicycles hanging in the ceiling. There is a basement with even more eclectic designs. Both hipsters and non-hipsters love the place. 

Address: Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Casa Julio : this little bar/restaurant serves the best croquetas in Madrid. Their gourmet croquetas are a must-try when in the city. The first thing I do when I go to Madrid is head to Casa Julio. I’m not kidding about these croquetas!

Address: Calle de la Madera, 37, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Libros para un Mundo Mejor – this bookstore, whose name translates to ‘books for a better world’ is a quirky little place that’s definitely worth a stop Malasaña. First of all, the entrance is just so cute, with a bicycle in front and a yellow wall. Photo spot alert. Then, in the interior, you’ll find shelves of books and a live-in cat. Yes, there is a cat that lives at this bookstore.

Address: Calle Espiritu Santo 13, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Calle de Fuencarral : this is one of the main streets in the neighborhood and exemplifies the hipster vibe. There is a lot of shopping to be done here, too, from vintage shops to high street brands. 

Address: Calle de Fuencarral, 28004 Madrid, Spain

Mercado de San Anton

The most famous market in Madrid is Mercado de San Miguel, located down the street from Plaza Mayor. While it has a lot to offer, it’s also quite expensive. Mercado de San Anton is a great alternative, not only because it’s less expensive, but also because it isn’t packed to the brim with tourists. It is located at the heart of the Chueca District, which is known as Madrid’s gay district.

Address : Calle Augusto Figueroa 24, 28004 Madrid, Spain Hours : 9:30 am – 1 am from Monday – Saturday and 12 pm – 1 am on Sundays

El Museo del Prado

El Prado, Spain’s national art museum, is easily one of the best art museums I’ve ever been to. It has a collection of 7,600 paintings and 1,000 sculptures dating from the 12th to 19th century. The amount of time to budget for your visit depends on your pace, but you should be looking to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour. There are two ways to experience the best that El Prado has to offer. The first option is to buy a skip-the-line ticket and take your sweet time exploring the galleries and exhibits on your own. The second option is to do a guided tour with a certified guide . An art expert will walk you around the museum and explain the significance and history behind incredible the art you’ll see.

Address : Calle de Ruiz de Alarcon, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain Hours : 10 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am – 7 pm on Sunday

El Museo de la Reina Sofía

La Reina Sofia is located just around the corner from El Prado – less than a 10-minute walk. Pablo Picasso’s famous painting, Guernica , is housed here. The iconic canvas, which depicts the bloodiness of the Spanish Civil War, was a pleasant surprise. Although I normally don’t care for abstract art, I was impressed by the sheer size of the painting. Besides that, there is a collection of 100,000 books specializing in art and many works by European artists. La Reina Sofia has four floors, each with a collection of portraits from different eras. I remember the second floor having the most ‘wow!’ pieces, although I couldn’t tell you who the artists were. The best way to experience La Reina Sofia is to do a guided tour of the museum with a professional guide who will tell you all about the artworks and art movements. If you’d rather just explore the museum on your own, be sure to get your entrance ticket ahead of time so that you can skip the long lines.

Address: Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, 28012 Madrid Hours: 10 am – 9 pm on Mondays and from Wednesday – Saturday, closed on Tuesdays and Sundays

La Tabacalera

La Tabacalera is an underground art exhibit that even some Madrileños (people from Madrid) don’t know about. In the entire year when I lived in Madrid, I never heard of this place. I only found out about it on my visit to Madrid in the summer of 2018. I was completely captivated and wondered how on earth I had never heard of this place!

The exhibit looks like a dingy alleyway when you enter but then blossoms into an art exhibition as you walk down the halls. The building features mainly street art on the walls which diverge to different exhibitions as you walk through the building. Some of them contain political messages while others are whimsical portrays o cartoon characters. Some will make you scratch your head and pause for a bit. There is no art that is too bizarre for this exhibit, a contrast to the curated, post-modern paintings at El Prado. It might not be to everyone’s liking. 

La Tabacalera is located in the Lavapies neighborhood, where many African and Middle Eastern immigrants live. It has a reputation for being sketchy. Okay, so here’s the thing: yes, there are some suspicious-looking people lurking around in some corners, but I’ve spent some time living in Lavapies and didn’t encounter any problems. It’s really not that bad. Lavapies is a great area for ethnic food, like Senegalese and Turkish.

Address : 28012, Calle de Embajadores, 53, 28012 Madrid, Spain Hours : 11 am – 10 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

Parque del Buen Retiro

After all that walking, it’s time for some relaxation. That’s why we’re ending at Retiro, the second-largest park in Madrid. The name literally means ‘Park of the Good Retreat,’ a very suitable name. This park is more like a little kingdom – it’s 350 acres of gardens, lakes, sculptures, fountains, and quaint little houses. It’s easy to get lost here. Although I lived next to the park and went there often, I still lose my way. Take a look at my map below to navigate this behemoth of a park.

Address : Plaza de la Independencia, s/n, 28001 Madrid , Spain Hours : 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Here are the must-see attractions at Retiro Park:

Palacio de cristal.

The crystal place is not only stunning, but it also functions as a museum. Built in 1887, It has a dome shape that was made out of metal and glass. There are different displays of archeological finds and art throughout the year.

Lago del Retiro

T his iconic, man-made lake is right in the middle of the park. Its image is what people normally associate with El Retiro. Here, you can rent a boat and go for a ride for about 30 minutes. They allow 1-4 people per boat. It is so much fun!

La Rosaleda

T his lovely rose garden has statues and fountains surrounded by 4,000 roses. Constructed during the early 1900s, it is one of the largest rose gardens in the world. If you visit in May or June, it’s even more beautiful.

Casita del Pescador

T his is a quaint, bright orange house surrounded by a pond. It stands out in a park full of greenery. Casita del Pescador serves as an exhibition space and cultural center, hosting a variety of art exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year.

Jardines de Cecilio Rodriguez

T his sprawling garden has some very special guests – peacocks! It also has a fountain that attracts tons of birds, a lovely sight.

Ready to explore the best of Madrid?

Book a highly-rated guided tour from my go-to tour operator for all my travels, Get Your Guide . I’ve been on dozens of Get Your Guide tours in places like Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada and love how educational and engaging they are! I always leave with tons of notes, new insights, and stories to tell. Feel free to choose the tour that most interests you. When you click on any of the three popular tours below, you can also see hundreds of other tours in Madrid to choose from. A Get Your Guide tour will add an extra dose of amazingness to your trip. Safe travels!

This concludes your self-guided walking tour of Madrid. Use this guide as a starting point for your exploration of Spain’s capital. Be sure to customize it to suit your preferences. These are just suggestions after all. Which activity are you most excited to do?

Travel Resources I Can’t Live Without

The CabinZero 36L Backpack – this trusty backpack has been my go-to luggage for both domestic and international trips since 2018. I’ve used dozens of backpacks over the years and keep coming back to this one. I almost never check in luggage so I need a carry-on bag that is spacious, sturdy, and comfortable, with a laptop compartment. The Cabin Zero 36 L fits the bill. The size makes it small enough for a weekend getaway and big enough for a month of backpacking in Europe. The bag also comes with a tracker in case it gets lost. How convenient! Check out my complete review of the backpack.

Travel WiFI Pocket WIFI Device – With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. I’ve been using the Travel WiFi Portable Hotspot device for years and love the peace of mind it gives me. The device provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my device. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldn’t do before. Quick tip: turn off the device when you’re not using it so that the battery can last longer. Booking.com – Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world.  What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. It’s hard to beat the insanely low prices. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind.

For more travel product recommendations, check out my travel essentials page .

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Somto Ugwueze

Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.

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September 12, 2019 at 7:50 am

Hi. I love your blog! I’m planning my Euro trip coming this October and Honestly, you have the best itineraries. Thank you so much for all your help and time spend doing this.

I have a question. When you buy museum tickets or any attraction tickets. Do you use a specific website or it depends?

September 13, 2019 at 4:22 am

Thanks for your comment! I really appreciate it. Glad you find my content helpful.

When I book museum and attraction tickets, I either go to the museum website or a book a guided tour. I typically use a tour company called Get Your Guide for guided tours. I hope that helps!

January 17, 2020 at 5:48 am

Thanks you for all your help!

July 17, 2020 at 8:29 pm

You’re very welcome!

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Who Is Somto Seeks?

Hi there, I’m Somtochukwu. Can you try pronouncing that? I've always gone by Somto (Sohm-toe). I'm a child of Nigerian immigrants who decided to pursue her dream of living an extraordinary life. In 2015, I chose faith over fear, packing my bags and moving to Spain with $1,000 in my pocket. This was after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that caused me to develop a giant bald patch in the middle of my scalp. Living in Spain and traveling around Europe for a year changed my life forever, allowing me to discover the freedom of solo travel and the freedom of working from anywhere. Today, I’m a full-time travel writer whose mission is to help you navigate this big, beautiful world with confidence and have those omg-pinch-me-moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

This post is a free, self-guided walking tour of Madrid’s old city center.

You can complete this tour in 60-90 minutes, but you may want to take more time to explore various stops.

INTRODUCTION

The construction of a fortress, Mayrit, was ordered by Emir Muhammed I in 852, providing the first record of settlements from the area we now call Madrid.

In the coming centuries, the fortress was conquered, reclaimed, and conquered again, with a city eventually growing beyond its walls. 

It wasn’t until the mid-1500s when Philip II moved the capital of Spain from Toledo to Madrid, ushering in an age of improvements and growth within the city.

Today the population of greater Madrid stands at 6.7 million making it the second-largest city in Europe.  

This tour will take you to 12 historic locations in the old city center, through pedestrian-friendly streets.

You’ll pass by bustling squares, restaurants, bars, churches, theaters, and impressive architecture. 

Enjoy touring this walkable and friendly city!

The map below can be downloaded. If you would instead like a live tour guide, there are several that could be arranged here.

1. Puerta Del Sol

We begin our tour at Puerto Del Sol, Madrid’s most famous square and what some refer to as the heart of the city.   

The name Puerta Del Sol (Gate of the Sun) comes from one of the old gates of the city, over which the sun would shine brightly into the square. 

Stone buildings, today inhabited by expensive apartments and offices, stores, and restaurants, surround the square. 

These were renovated in the 19th century, and plans are in place for further renovations in 2022.

A highlight is the Casa de Correos (the old Post Office), now the headquarters of the Madrid City council and the office of the President.

Its clock tower and chiming bells ring in the New Year, as huge crowds gather in the square to celebrate. 

With each ring revelers eat a grape, consuming 12 in total at midnight. 

Also towering above the square is a massive sign with a guitar-playing bottle wearing a hat. 

This neon sign from the 1930s advertises Tio Pepe, “sol de Andalucia Embotelledo!” (“Andaluain Sun in a bottle!”), a brand of sherry. 

The sign proved so popular that when it was removed in 2011, more than 50,000 people campaigned to have it returned.

The square itself marks kilometer zero from which distances in Madrid are measured and Spain’s 6 national roads radiate out. 

You can find a plaque commemorating this on the ground outside of the clock tower.

A bronze equestrian statue of King Charles III, one of Spain’s most popular rulers, stands in the square. 

He was an enlightened King, one who strengthened Spain’s military, introduced progressive reforms and public works to the city, and is remembered as “el Mayor Alcalde de Madrid” (the Best Mayor of Madrid).

Also on the square is a sculpture from the late 20th century of a bear and a strawberry tree. 

People line up to rub on and take pictures of this beloved statue.  

This statue is modeled on an ancient symbol of the city, one that first appeared on the city coat of arms in the 13th century.

On the western corner of the square is a white marble statue known as La Mariblanca, the last remaining remnant of a fountain that used to be located in the square.

All that is known about the statue is that she was originally sent from Italy in 1619. 

Whether she depicts Diana or Venus is unknown, so her name, meaning “virgin” and “white” was given as a representation of faith and success. 

Once you are ready to move on to the next stop, go to C. Mayor, the street running on the south end of Puerta del Sol. 

Walk east for about a block then turn left onto C. de Esparteros. Stay on this until you see the first right, C. De Postas. 

Follow that for two blocks until you come across the Alpargatus shoe store. Turn right just past this onto C. de le sal,  following it into Plaza Mayor. 

2. Plaza Mayor

This ochre-colored three-storied rectangle-shaped and arcaded square with 237 wrought iron balconies was the original main square of old Madrid.  

Restaurants and cafes selling traditional though expensive food are close by, and shops line the porticos. 

During the day the bustling square sees locals who live and work in the area, tourists, street artists, pick-pockets, and other colorful characters. 

At night it has a more festive atmosphere as folks visit nearby bars. 

The history of the Plaza dates back to 1577 when King Philip II commissioned its construction. 

It has seen multiple architects and rebuilds due to fires, with the current neoclassical version having been designed by Juan de Vaillanueca in 1790.

The cultural importance of the plaza can not be understated. 

It has seen such events as bullfights with 50,000 attendees, public executions, festivals, religious processions, tournaments, parades, concerts, and Christmas markets.

Occupying the prominence in the center of the square is a statue of Philip III, dating from 1620.  Philip was of the Habsburg line and succeeded his father Philip II in 1598 at age 20. 

He was generally a disappointment as a leader, but the statue, a gift from the Grand Duke of Florence, celebrates his contribution towards the construction of the square.

One building that escaped a fire that swept the square long ago, the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery), can be found on the north side of the square.

It was originally built to house the powerful Bakers Guild.

Baroque in design, it is colored with frescos of mythological characters. Inside is the Salon Real, decorated in frescos and tapestry, a place to hold weddings and receptions. 

There is also an event space and an air-conditioned tourism office within. 

The building can be entered for free between the hours of 11:00 to 14:00, and again from 17:00 to 19:00.

Moving on, on the northwest side of the square you’ll find our next stop.

3. La Toree Del Oro Bar Andalu

This is one of the iconic bars on the square.

It’s touristy, expensive, and packed full of memorabilia celebrating the ancient and controversial activity of bullfighting.  

Inside you’ll find videos of some of Spain’s greatest bullfighters in action, photos of famous bullfight attendees like John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Che Guevara, a matador costume, and mounted bull heads.

Beer, wine, sangria, and racións (individual-sized portions) of food are on offer, though keep an eye on the prices!

Hours are 11:00 (am) to 1:00 (am).

For our next stop, on the northwest side of the square find Calle de Cdad. Rodrigo, a street radiating west that you will follow for one block. 

It runs into C. Mayor, where you’ll turn left and walk a block. 

There on your right, you’ll find Mercado de San Miguel.

4. Mercado de San Miguel

This over 100-year-old ornate cast iron and glass market, just a short walk from Plaza Mayor, sees over 10 million visitors a year.

What was once a local food market was recently renovated and is now home to up-market food vendors hawking regional delicacies.

In this vibrant market, you will find gourmet cheeses, fruits and vegetables, tapas, paella, gazpacho, empanadas, olives, seafood, shaved ham, coffee, Spanish wines, bakery goods, and many other culinary treasures.

It’s best to take cash although keep an eye out for pickpockets!

Seating can be hard to find at times but food can be taken to go. 

The hours are Sunday- Thursday, 10:00 AM to midnight, and Fridays-Saturdays (and holiday eves), 10:00 AM to 13:00 PM.

Our next stop is also close by. On the southwest corner of the Market is the street called C. Del Conde de Miranda. 

Follow that south for one block until you come to Pl. Del Conde de Miranda. 

Walk one block and turn left onto C. de Puñonrostro. 

At the end of the block on your left is the Basilica of St. Michael.

5. Basílica Pontificia de San Miguel (Basilica of St. Michael)

This small but stunning Roman Catholic church was commissioned by The Archbishop of Toledo and opened in 1745.

Its design is significant due to the convex shape of its facade, Spanish Baroque design, and Italian influence. 

The not particularly interesting exterior displays Saints Justo and Pastor, aged 7 and 9, who were martyred in 304, along with four 

allegorical statues representing faith, hope, charity, and fortitude.

The Rococo interior is most impressive though, with colorful stained glass windows, stucco imitating marble and gold, a Latin cross floor plan, frescoes, sculptures, and a bell tower. 

The temple hours are:

September 29 - June 30 - Monday-Saturday 9:45-13:15 and 19:30-21:15, Sunday and Public Holidays  9:45-14:15 and 18:00-21:15

July 1 - September 28 - Monday-Saturday 9:45-13:00 and 18:00-21:15, Sunday and Public Holidays  9:45-13:30 and 18:30-21:15

Admission is free. 

On to our next stop. Walk back up C. de Puñonrostro heading north.

A few doors past the Iglesia Corpus Christi on the left, and just as the road name changes to C. del Codo, you’ll find something quite special. 

6. Sweets at Monasterio Del Corpus Christi

To partake of a divine delicacy, and what some call the “hidden nun cookies”, stop at the chocolate brown door marked “No. 3” on Calle del Codo, just past the Monastery of Corpus Christi.  

The cloistered nuns of the 17th-century monastery sell traditional cookies using recipes dating back to Roman times. 

There is a sign saying “Horario: Venta de Dulces” on the door. Press the button above that says “Monjas” (meaning “nuns”). 

Ask “dulce?” to find out if they are selling sweets that day. If they are, a door buzz gains you entrance to an interior hallway.

Follow the “Torno” signs until you reach a window in a wall with a lazy-susan inside. This is where you will place your order.

Press the buzzer and wait until you hear footsteps. As the nuns have taken a vow of silence, the conversation will be limited. 

You won’t see the person who greets you but you need only read your order off of the menu tacked on the wall next to the door. 

Orange-flavored cookies, shortbread biscuits, almond biscuits, and more are on offer. 

When the lazy susan turns it will have your order. Place your cash (credit cards are not accepted) next to the bag and it will turn again.

It will turn a third time returning the cookies and any change you are owed.

It’s best to go early in the day so you have a larger selection. Late in the day, your options may be limited. 

The hours are 9:30 to 13:00 and 16:00-18:30. 

Your next stop is just around the corner. 

Continue north onto C. del Coto.  It runs directly into the plaza in front of Casa de la Villa.

7. Casa de la Villa

The Hapsburg-style baroque Casa de la Villa stands on Plaza de la Villa, one of the oldest squares in Madrid. 

King Philip IV granted a license for the construction of this granite, brick, and wrought-iron building. Work started in 1645 and wasn’t completed until 1693. 

For hundreds of years, it served as the city’s old town hall and prison. 

This can be noted in its two front doors, one originally for community business and the other for the prison, each topped with the Madrid coat of arms. 

Balconies were added in 1789. This colonnaded gallery served as a viewing spot for kings to watch religious processions.

Although the city moved the town hall elsewhere in 2007, the building is still at times used for official business.

The impressive interior includes paintings by such artists as Goya, 17th-century tapestries, marble statues, and an incredible stained glass roof.  

There are free guided tours in Spanish and English on Mondays at 17:00. 

After you are done with Casa de La Villa, head towards C. Mayor and turn left onto that road.  

You’ll see our next stop a few blocks away, just across C. de Bailén.

8. Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena (Almudena Cathedral)

This massive-domed gray cathedral is the most important religious building in Madrid. 

It is named for the patron saint of the city, the Virgin of Almudena, a statue of which can be found in an impressive altarpiece in the interior.

King Felipe II, who had moved the capital of Spain from Toledo to Madrid back in 1561, had been the first to desire a cathedral at this location.

Delays meant that over time the purpose of the church changed. 

It wasn’t until 1883 that the first stone was eventually laid. 

During that time and through construction the building’s design and aesthetic were overseen by at least six architects who blended varying styles of architecture (Neo-Classical, Gothic revival, neo-Romanesque). 

Due to the deaths of key players, general economic issues, and the Spanish Civil War, it took over 100 years to finally complete. 

It wasn’t until 1993 that Pope John Paul II consecrated the church.

Inside one finds an unexpectedly modern interior of white walls, modern artwork, and a colorful ceiling.

There is a permanent exhibit of religious art in the museum,  including paintings, vestments, and ancient documents. 

You can also climb up to the cupola in the dome of the cathedral and find stunning views of city rooftops, the Royal Palace, old city walls, and the hedges of Plaza de Oriente.

In the extensive crypt, found opposite the Arab Walls at the rear of the building, lie some of Spain’s noble and notable families. 

With tall ceilings, a sea of 400 columns, 20 decorated chapels, hanging lamps, and stained glass, the crypt is particularly picturesque. 

One of its most special pieces is a painting of Our Lady of the Fluer-de-lis that some believe dates back to the 11th century.

A small donation of €1 is requested for entry and access to the cupola is an additional €6.

From September-June the hours are 10:00 to 20:00 every day

From July-August, the hours are 10:00 to 21:00 every day

Visitors are not allowed during religious services.

Our next stop is just next door, also on C. de Bailén. 

Walk north and on your left you’ll find the Palace. 

9. Palacio Real (Royal Palace of Madrid)

The Royal Palace is mainly used for state functions, with ceremonies, receptions, banquets, and other official business taking place within.

This massive and stunning palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, although they live at the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid.  

Originally on this site was a Moorish fortress built in the 9th century by Emir Mohamed I  

It included a walled area of over 40,000 square meters, a mosque, a castle, observation towers, and residences. 

Over the centuries modifications were made and the fortress became home to various Castillion Kings.  

The old castle was used as the base of a new building, the Royal Alcázar, with the size growing 20 percent larger. 

This wood structure would eventually burn to the ground on Christmas Eve 1734. 

It was then that King Felipe V commissioned an architect to design a new palace befitting a now-wealthy Spain.

Influences in its design were found in drawings of the Louvre, in the French Baroque architecture of Versailles, and in the works of Italian architect Bernini. 

Construction started in 1738 and continued for 17 years.

Today this palace is one of the grandest in Europe, with over 3,400 rooms covering 1 million square feet. 

It was designed with a large interior courtyard with wings and was built of materials such as gray and white stone, Spanish marble, golden stucco, and mahogany. 

Paintings and frescoes were added by leading foreign artists of the time. 

Rococo rugs, velvet hangings, mirrors, bronze decor, sculptures, and golden thrones add to the opulence with elegant gilding and rich decorations filling every space.

Inside one can visit a Royal armory, a gallery of paintings, the impressive 70-stepped main staircase, a royal chapel, a porcelain room, the throne room, staterooms, royal bed chambers, and gardens. There is also a changing of the guard.

Visit the official website for the palace for hours. They vary according to season, day, place within the castle, and cost of tickets.

Tickets range from free under some conditions to 12 €. 

Audio guides are available.

Just across from the palace and C. de Bailén is our next stop.

10. Plaza de Oriente (Orient Square)

This tranquil and ornamental garden sits across from the Royal Palace, atop the remains of an eleventh-century Arab watchtower. 

It was designed by Juan Bautista Sachetti, the architect of the palace, although not built until Napoleon Bonapart’s brother, King Joseph I, came to rule. 

He was often called King Plazuelas (little plazas) because of his fondness for razing buildings so he could build plazas like those found in Paris.

56 structures were demolished to make room for this park. 

Over the years, successive monarchs and architects would make changes and additions to the layout and design of the garden. 

Limestone statues that had been originally planned for the top of the palace were eventually moved to the park when found to be too heavy for the roofline.  

There are 44 of these statues lining the walkways, made up of both Visigoth and Spanish Kings.

At the center of the park is a statue of King Philip IV designed by Pietro Tacca, an Italian sculptor. 

It was a marvel of its time in that it was the first equestrian statue to stand on two legs. 

Mathematical equations needed to be done due to its weight, so Tacca consulted his friend Galileo.  

They were together able to decide how metal was needed and how it would be weighted to stand properly on its back legs.

The park is the perfect location to sit and relax under the magnolia and cypress trees, and amongst roses, hedges, and fountains. 

Entry is free.

At the east end of the park, you’ll find the Royal Theatre, our next stop.

11. Teatro Real (Royal Theatre)

Sitting between the Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de Opera is the sarcophagus-shaped and majestic Teatro Real.  

It took over 30 years for the theater to be constructed due to a lack of resources,  the death of more than one architect, and various political events.  

Queen Isabel II, an opera lover, finally demanded that construction be completed in 1850. 

The building has served as home to operas, concerts, ballets, and dancehall, and today holds a significant international reputation.

It sits atop an aquifer that while causing structural issues in the past has helped in what is considered world-class sound.

Inside is an Italian-style main auditorium with space for massive scene changes, administrative offices, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, rehearsal studios, a restaurant, and a smaller second theater.

At various points in its history, the theatre has had to close such as during the Spanish Civil war when it was used to house an arsenal.

The building has also seen extensive restorations and refurbishments over time, the most recently completed in 1997.   

Today it exists as a major opera house with close to 1750 seats in its main concert hall alone.

Tickets for the opera can be purchased online or at the box office.

Those wanting to tour the building can visit the terrace and its well-reviewed restaurant situated in the old ballroom. If you’re lucky you’ll be there while the orchestra and singers are practicing

Tours can be had in English, French, and Spanish and cost between  €8 and €10.

• Spanish : Monday to Sunday at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm / Wednesday: 2:00 pm. 
• English : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:00 am.
• French : Tuesday at 10:00 am

When ready to move on to our next stop, walk around the backside of the theater to the Plaza de Opera.  

On the south side of the plaza find C. Del Arenal and take that east, heading away from the direction of the Palace.  

This pedestrian street has shops, hotels, restaurants, churches, clubs, a well-known bridal shop, and more. 

Follow this just a few blocks until you see the red brick church on the right called Parroquia de San Grinés.

Immediately past the church, turn right onto Pasadizo de San Ginés and walk to the end of the first block to #5

12. Chocolatería de San Ginés

One of Madrid’s most authentic and popular cafes can be found in the building where they first began serving their treats in 1894.

At one point called “La Escondida” (The Hidden One) by locals, this establishment is so beloved it has made appearances in Spain's literary offerings, and the walls are lined with pictures of the famous faces who have visited.

The look of place is an authentic 19th-century cafe with white marble countertops and green walls with mirrors.

The cafe's most well-known offering is hot chocolate and churros or porras, traditionally eaten for breakfast but served all day. 

This thick pudding-like chocolate is served in a coffee cup which the churros or porras are dipped into.  

Addictive is a word often used and an average day sees thousands of portions served to tourists and locals alike.

Also offered are additional gourmet chocolate products, ice cream, and refreshments such as coffee and beer.

Tables can be found inside across two floors and outdoors on the sidewalk.  Food can also be taken to go. 

Before the pandemic it was open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a pull for early-morning revelers closing a long evening, and late-night workers.  

It is currently open from 9:00 to 23:30, and can be delivered through Uber eats up until 23:00.

To complete your tour, return to C. del Arenal, turn right, and walk just a few short blocks. 

You’ll find yourself back in Puerta del Sol where we began our tour.

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Home / Blog / Destination / Spain / Madrid / The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

With so much to history, culture, and incredible food to be found in Spain’s capital city, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But as you’ll find out, the vast majority of its must-see sites are located smack dab in the center.

They’re perfectly walkable from one another—which means a self-guided walking tour of Madrid is the perfect way to get to know this incredible city.

This self-guided walking tour of Madrid combines the best of both worlds: the iconic, can’t-miss sites, plus the most delicious and emblematic madrileño dishes and drinks to sample along the way.

Let’s get going!

1. Food Stop: Pastries at La Mallorquina

You’re in for a long day of exploring, and you’ll want to fuel up before you get started. There’s no better place to do this than La Mallorquina , an iconic Madrid institution right in the center of the city.

La Mallorquina has been baking up Madrid’s favorite pastries since 1894. They’re known for their napolitana de chocolate, a to-die-for, flaky, buttery, chocolate-filled pastry that makes for the sweetest and most satisfying breakfast.

You can either take your pastry to go, enjoy it at the bar or take it to the upstairs parlor if you’d rather sit down.

Now let’s go see some sights!

2. Puerta del Sol

As you leave the bakery, take a moment to drink in the sights and sounds of bustling Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s most vibrant and thriving square.

There’s a lot to take in here, but a few highlights are:

• The neon “Tio Pepe” sign advertising González Byass sherry, which dates from the 1930s. City regulations in recent decades have prohibited advertising signs and billboards in the square so as not to distract from the beautiful architecture. However, an exception was made for this one after madrileños fought to keep it.
• The statue of King Charles III on horseback in the center of the plaza, as well as that of a bear eating from a strawberry tree (a symbol of Madrid) on the eastern side of the square.
• The geographic center of Spain, marked by the Kilometer 0 plaque on the sidewalk in front of the Real Casa de Correos clock tower building.

From Sol, head west down Calle Arenal toward the Royal Palace. On the way, you’ll pass by Plaza de Isabel II, where you’ll find the Teatro Real (royal opera house). Just on the other side of that, you’ll come to our next stop!

3. Plaza del Oriente

This big, beautiful plaza consists of a series of small gardens, with a giant equestrian statue and fountain as the focal point. The statue is of King Philip IV, one of the last Hapsburg kings of Spain, who wanted to show off with an elaborate and one-of-a-kind statue.

At the time, a statue of a man on horseback with the horse’s two front legs reared up had never been done before. The sculptor in charge, Pietro Tacca, was so perplexed by the challenge that he wrote to a trusted friend of his, Galileo Galilei, who was on house arrest at the time. He agreed to help—so now we have this statue thanks to Galileo himself!

Continue past the statue toward the palace, turn left and go down Calle Bailén until you come to Plaza de la Armería between the palace and the cathedral.

4. The Royal Palace

Madrid’s Palacio Real is the largest still-functioning palace in the Western world, with approximately 2,800 rooms. The king and queen don’t actually live here, but this is where they host official events and welcome important figures. You can always tell when they’re at the palace, because a red flag will be flying right beside the Spanish flag.

The structure you see today isn’t the original palace. That building mysteriously burned down in 1734, and the one that was rebuilt was modeled after Versailles, as the first Bourbon King to ascend to the Spanish throne had grown up in the famous French palace.

5. Almudena Cathedral

This cathedral, located across from the palace, is dedicated to La Almudena, one of the patron saints of Madrid. While the building may look quite old, it actually wasn’t finished until 1993, after 114 years of construction!

Because it took so long to build, it has two totally different styles; the exterior is neoclassical and the interior is Gothic Revival.

Insider’s tip: Backtrack a few steps to the stairs that lead to Calle del Factor. This beautiful little back street provides an incredible panoramic view of the palace, the cathedral and Casa de Campo, the King’s personal hunting grounds turned public park.

From the cathedral, start heading east down Calle Mayor to continue along your self-guided walking tour of Madrid.

6. Plaza de la Villa

Believe it or not, this quaint plaza was Madrid’s central city square at the height of the Spanish Empire!

Being in this plaza is like stepping back in time. Here you can find the oldest standing building in Madrid, Casa y Torre de los Lujanes, which pays tribute to Spain’s Moorish past .

The building at the back of the plaza was built shortly after Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561, and the building on the right served as City Hall until 2007! It was built by the Hapsburgs, which explains its Austrian style.

Insider’s tip: Plaza de la Villa is one of Madrid’s best hidden gems any time of day, but it’s especially beautiful when it’s empty and illuminated at night.

From the eastern side of the square, continue down Calle del Codo, which is called “elbow street” due to its shape.

7. Food Stop: Secret Sweets at Convento de las Carboneras

It’s easy to miss this place’s door, but once you find it, you won’t be disappointed!

The building housing the Convento de las Carboneras dates back to the early 17th century. The cloistered nuns that live here, like many others in Spain, have a longstanding tradition of baking and selling cookies to the public.

Here’s the twist: since they’re cloistered, you buy the cookies without having any physical contact with them. It’s a very curious and unique experience—you’ll have to visit to see for yourself! Get the pastas de almendra if available; they’re delicious!

Note : The convent is open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and from 4–6 p.m.

After you’ve gotten your sweets, continue your self-guided walking tour of Madrid! Walk toward Plaza Mayor via Plaza Conde de Barajas.

8. Plaza Mayor

This bustling central plaza was constructed in 1619. It’s seen its fair share of action over the years as the site of bullfights, operas and markets. During the Spanish Inquisition, up to 50,000 people used to gather here to watch public trials!

Today it’s a touristic focal point; here you can find the Tourism Office as well as a wide variety of souvenir shops and eateries.

9. Food Stop: Fried Calamari Sandwich at La Campana

While Plaza Mayor is lined with restaurants, we wouldn’t recommend having a meal here. However, there is one thing that can’t be missed: the bocadillo de calamares , or fried squid sandwich.

Nearly every bar on the plaza sells them, but our favorite comes from La Campana (Calle de Botoneras, 6) , a little hole-in-the-wall on a nearby side street just off the square. No tour of Madrid is complete without sampling this specialty!

Heading away from Plaza Mayor, follow Calle de la Bolsa to Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, then continue on to Plaza de Santa Ana.

10. Plaza de Santa Ana

Plaza de Santa Ana is the gateway to the neighborhood of Huertas , also known as Barrio de Las Letras, or the Literary Quarter. For the last 400 years, Spain’s greatest literary figures and artists have roamed these very streets.

You’ll find quotes from these figures engraved below your feet, streets named in their honor, and the homes of the authors and artists themselves. The most famous resident of Huertas was Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quijote de la Mancha. He lived in four different apartments in the neighborhood, and is even buried here! 

Insider’s tip: Take your time in this area, as it’s full of trendy boutiques, galleries, flamenco shops, cafes and bars. And if you’re looking for local products to take home, try Real Fábrica Española . Our advice is to get lost exploring!

Make your way to Calle de Cervantes, and follow the street to the end until you reach Calle de Jesús.

11. Food Stop: Tapas & Tostas at Taberna La Dolores, Cervecería Cervantes, or Los Gatos

After all that walking, it’s time for a well-deserved caña : a small, expertly poured draft beer.  This street is famous for tapas bars like La Dolores , many of which specialize in tostas !

A tosta is simply a piece of bread with something on top. It’s the ultimate finger food, and perfect to enjoy right at the bar. Take a look at what they’ve got on display, or just ask the bartender for a recommendation! Their boquerones en vinagre , or marinated anchovies, are great as well. 

If you want to have an authentic “ tapeo ” and jump from bar to bar, check out nearby favorites like Cervecería Cervantes and Los Gatos.

Walk through Huertas and cross Paseo del Prado. You’ll finish your self-guided walking tour of Madrid at the city’s most iconic park, passing by the world-famous Prado Museum on the way.

12. Retiro Park

Last but certainly not least is El Parque del Buen Retiro. This gorgeous, manicured park is the perfect place to sit down and relax after a long day of exploring. Find a spot in the sun, break open those nuns’ cookies and watch the world go by. 

While you’re here, be sure to visit:

• La Rosaleda, a beautiful rose garden with over 4,000 roses
• Los Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, a hidden garden in the back end of the park filled with families of peacocks
• Of course, the central lake where you can rent a rowboat… or just sit and enjoy a coffee or caña at one of the surrounding cafes.

Self Guided Walking Tour of Madrid FAQs

Indeed it is—in fact, that’s the best way to experience the city! Most of the city’s iconic sites are within walking distance of each other, and the main roads and plazas are easy to navigate around as well.

Madrid is overall an incredibly safe city, and violent crime rates are very low. However, petty crime like pickpocketing is quite common in crowded areas, such as Puerta del Sol. Be vigilant and always keep an eye on your belongings as you make your way around town.

Madrid’s main commercial drag is Gran Via, just north of Puerta del Sol and west of Retiro Park. It’s packed with big-name fashion brands, restaurants and bars, theaters, and so much more.

Update Notice: This post was updated on March 29, 2021.

Want to upgrade your experience by exploring Madrid alongside an expert guide? Join our Madrid in a Day with Royal Palace, Churros Tasting, and Prado Museum Tour to discover local secrets and sample more of the city’s best bites!

It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.

Wow what an amazing places of Madrid. Thanks for sharing this post.

Glad you enjoyed it, John! Thanks for reading.

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Free Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a wonderfully grand and proud city – it’s a pleasure to walk around its elegant streets.

Unlike some capital cities in Europe, Madrid’s city centre is fairly compact and it is possible to explore a lot of it without using public transport.

Follow my self-guided walking tour of Madrid to see how you can discover the main sights and attractions on foot.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Madrid

What you’ll see in this madrid walking tour:.

• The Royal Palace
• Plaza Mayor
• Puerto Del Sol
• El Retiro park
• Museo Nacional del Prado
• Almudena Cathedral
• Mercado De San Miguel
• Plaza De Cibeles
• Los Austrias & the Royal Theatre
• The tapas bar-lined streets of Calle de Cadiz & Calle Barcelona
• An optional detour into the old neighbourhood Barrio De La Latina

How Long Is The Madrid Self-Guided Walking Tour?

If you were to walk this route non-stop it would be around 7km, or 4.3 miles, and would take you 1.5 hours. But, of course, you’ll be stopping many times along the way, so I suggest you give yourself at least half a day to do this route. In fact, my ideal suggestion is to start late morning and end in the early evening – so close to a whole day. This way you go at a comfortable pace and have plenty of time to do justice to all the stops. With this in mind, I’ve built in lunch and dinner stops into the route. After all, you can’t go to Madrid without trying some tapas !

Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Madrid – In Detail

1. almudena cathedral.

Our Madrid walking tour starts at Almudena Cathedral or Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena . This impressive cathedral looks gothic and old, but in European cathedral terms, is relatively modern, having been built over a protracted period from 1879 to 1993.

The architectural style is a mix of Neoclassical, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque. Several kings and queens of Spain are buried here and the crypt houses a 16th-century image of the Virgen de la Almudena.

And there’s very little walking to do to get to the next stop because Almudena Cathedral is just across Plaza de la Armeria from the Royal Palace.

2. Royal Palace

How could you visit the capital of Spain without seeing the official residence of the Spanish Royal family, Palacio Real De Madrid ? Visiting it is one of the top things to do in Madrid .

There’s been a palace on this site since there was a fortress constructed by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba in the 9th century. The current baroque-style palace, though, was built in the 18th century.

Palacio Real is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe – 15,000 m2!  You can admire its scale and grandeur from the exterior, including from Plaza de la Armeria or Sabatini Garden – but you can also get tickets to tour the interior .

3. Plaza Oriente, The Royal Theatre & Los Austrias

Once, you’ve had your fill of the palace, head east into a small tidy plaza called Plaza Oriente , which contains statues of 44 Spanish kings from the medieval period. In the centre is a large monument to King Philip IV.

At the eastern end of the plaza, you’ll find the Royal Theatre or Teatro Real , an opera house inaugurated in 1850.

Head south and slightly east, into the heart of Madrid de Los Austrias . This area is so named because it was built during the time of the Habsburg dynasty (Casa de Austria) in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The walk from the Royal Theatre to the next stop is approx. 5 minutes. As you walk, look out for the statue of a fallen angel on top of one of the buildings Calle de Los Milaneses .

4. Mercado De San Miguel

Soon you’ll come to a great place to refuel and get refreshed during the walking tour. 

Mercado de San Miguel was built in 1919 as a wholesale food market, but today it is a place to eat tapas and grab a drink. Within the covered market, there are around 20 stalls with a wide range of small-plate tapas foods, including fresh seafood, Iberian ham and Spanish cheeses. There’s also plenty of sangria on tap – literally!

It’s a popular place, though, so you might have to be savvy to spot a free table. If you don’t, you’re likely to be able to find space at one of the standing spots around the edge of the market.

5. Detour Into Barrio De La Latina

From Mercado De San Miguel, you could take an optional detour down Calle de Cuchilleros into Barrio de la Latina , another old part of Madrid.

Barrio de la Latina is a triangular area between Calle de Segovia, Calle de Bailen and Calle de Toledo. At the heart of it are Plaza los Carros, Iglesia de San Andres Apostle and the Museum of San Isidro. Calle de la Cava Baja is known for its tapas bars.

6. Plaza Mayor

Whether or not you do the detour into Barrio De La Latina, your next stop is the main square in old Madrid and the centre of Los Austrias, Plaza Mayor . Plaza Mayor was built during the reign of Philip III in the 16th century.

As you enter the plaza through one of nine handsome archways, the spectacle will open up before you: tall red buildings line the square, which has a cobbled with a grid pattern; porticoes provide some shade at ground level, and in the centre is a proud a statue of King Felipe III.

It’s a must-see sight in Madrid, but I don’t recommend you stop for a drink or food here. Like most major tourist sites around the world, the cafes on the square can be rather overpriced.

On your way to the next stop, you could take a minor detour via Palacio de Santa Cruz , a baroque building that was built in the 17 th century and used as a jail until the reign of Philip IV. It was then transformed into a palace and now houses the Spanish Foreign Ministry. Alternatively, go the more direct route via Calle Mayor, which has been a major street in Madrid for centuries and is rather lovely!

7. Puerto Del Sol

About 5 minutes from Plaza Mayor, you’ll find Puerto Del Sol . If Plaza Mayor was the centre of old Madrid, Puerto del Sol is the centre of modern Madrid: is a bustling square, often filled with people until late in the evening.

It is a significant space, the location of public meetings and demonstrations for centuries.  The square contains the clock whose bells ring in the New Year and mark the Spanish tradition of the eating of Twelve Grapes.

Other landmarks in Puerta del Sol include the Royal House of the Post Office which now serves as the office of the President of Madrid; a commemorative plaque for the neighbours of Madrid who rose up against the Napoleonic invasion of Spain in 1808; and another for the victims of the Madrid terrorist attacks in 2004. On its south side, there’s a mounted statue of King Charles III of Spain and on the east side, you can find the statue of The Bear and the Strawberry Tree ( el Oso y el Madroño ), which represents Madrid’s coat of arms.

The square is named ‘Puerto’, which means ‘gate’ because it was once one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century. And ‘del Sol’ is because it faced eastward towards the rising sun.

8. Gran Via

For your next stop on this walking tour of Madrid, head north-east along Calle de la Montera for 5 minutes until you come to Gran Via , at which point, head right, east-wards.

The ornate buildings along this well-to-do shopping street may look really old, but this street was actually built in the 20th century and most of the architectural style is revival architecture.

There’s plenty of spectacle along this road, but the star is the Metropolis building , which sits at the eastern end of Gran Via, at the junction with Calle de Alcala. This spectacular Beaux-Arts-style building was inaugurated in 1911. The domed cupola is covered with 30000 leaves of 24-carat gold.

9. Plaza De Cibeles

Leaving Gran Via behind, carry on Calle de Alcala for 5 minutes, heading east and you’ll see your next stop ahead of you: an impossibly ornate cluster of neo-classical buildings surrounding a roundabout.  

This is Plaza De Cibeles , named for the central fountain of Cybele, a Phrygian goddess. The fountain is the place where Madrid’s football team, Real Madrid, celebrate their team victories.

The four grand buildings on the square are the Bank of Spain , the Palacio de Buenavista , Palacio de Linares and Palacio de Cibeles . The last one is the most ostentatious-looking and behind the white façade is Madrid City Council and a restaurant.

10. El Retiro

Another 5 minutes beyond Plaza De Cibeles, you’ll come to another fancy junction: Plaza de la Independencia , featuring Puerta de Alcalá, a Neo-classical gate once part of the walls around Madrid. Here you’ll find the entrance to your next stop, and somewhere you can rest your feet if they’re getting weary by this point.

Parque del Buen Retiro (or El Retiro for short) is a large, attractive park east of Madrid’s city centre. In the 16 th century, it was a royal garden. It was opened to the public in the late 19 th century and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

The 350-acre park is split into different sections, with a mix of ponds, gardens, walkways, monuments and palaces. Feel free to have a wander: don’t stick to the route indicated on the map for this walking tour – explore as much as you want.

I really loved this park. It is big enough for the sounds of the city to disappear and there’s so much variety within it. Some of my favourite parts of this park include:

• Estanque Grande de El Retiro – a large lake in the middle of the park, featuring a monument to Alfonso XII, the King of Spain in the 19th Century.  I liked watching people row boats around the lake and there was a busker playing the saxophone along the walkway.
• A wilderness section where the plants had been left untouched to encourage wildlife to flourish
• Palacio De Cristal : an astonishingly pretty glass palace inspired by the Crystal Palace in London.  It looks out over a small lake with a fountain. It’s so picture-perfect!
• Parterre Garden : an ornate and symmetrical garden with fountains, sculpted trees and a monument to the Nobel-prize-winning dramatist, Jacinto Benavente.

11. Museo Nacional Del Prado & Barrio De Les Letters

On the way to the final stop, you could visit Museo Nacional del Prado , which is the main Spanish national art museum, containing a collection of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.

The final stop on this self-guided walking tour of Madrid takes you back into the city centre, in search of some tapas!

Tapas is small plates of food served with drinks, and it’s a great way to try Spanish specialities. Classic tapas dishes include patatas bravas, croquettes, Iberian ham, chorizo and calamari – but you’ll find all sorts of food combinations available these days. Sangria or beer are common accompaniments, but lots of places offer cocktails, too.

Madrid is renowned for its tapas bars and I found the biggest and best concentration of tapas in Madrid in Barrio de Les letters and on and around Calle de Cadiz and Calle Barcelona.

For a full rundown of all the tapas bars in Barcelona that I tried – the good and the bad – check out my post on tapas bars in Madrid . However, in the walking tour rout emap, I have marked a couple of my favourites that you could check out:

• Revoltosa : a chilled-out tavern with some tables outside and plenty of space inside. It is about 15 minutes walk from El Retiro to Revoltosa
• Rosi La Loca : this alice-in-wonderland-inspired place has some small dishes on the menu, including delicious tuna Tataki. Great cocktails, too!

Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Madrid FAQs

Is madrid easy to get around on foot.

Yes, it’s pretty easy to walk around Madrid. Like I said before, it’s not a huge city like London or Paris , so the main Madrid attractions are fairly close together. And another bonus is that the streets are very attractive and pleasant – with lots of handsome buildings and café terraces on the pavement.

How Dangerous Is Madrid To Walk Around?

It’s difficult to answer questions like these. On the one hand, there are stats which suggest Madrid is relatively safe, compared to other cities: check out the crime stats on Numbeo , for example.  And my experience in Madrid certainly felt pretty safe. Madrid doesn’t have a reputation for street crime like Spain’s second city, Barcelona , does, for example.

However, I wouldn’t want anyone to think it is entirely risk-free to walk around Madrid.  All cities carry some risk of crime, so I’d urge you to maintain a sensible outlook on this walking tour of Madrid:

• Keep your wits about you and don’t leave belongings unattended
• Don’t wander around with your phone or camera on display – or anything else of value either
• If you carry a bag, consider a cross-body version that can’t be easily grabbed off your shoulder
• Keep anything of value closed away under a zip or equivalent enclosure.

When Is Best To Visit Madrid?

Like a lot of southern Europe, the peak season of summer (June-August) can be really hot and busy. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can be a good option.

I visited in mid-September and that seemed really lovely: it was sunny and warm, but not oppressive. And the crowds were not too bad, either.

What Gear Do You Need For This Madrid Walking Tour?

The following will be helpful on this walking tour:

• Sneakers / trainers or comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of steps!
• Sunhat & sunglasses, unless you’re doing this in winter
• Depending on your weather forecast, a compact rain jacket could be useful to have with you, just in case
• A camera – but as I said, make sure you have a safe place to stow it when you walk
• Some water in a reusable bottle. To keep you hydrated all the way
• A theft-roof bag, such as this  Travelon one, which I use, could be good 

Check out my guide to my favourite travel gadgets .

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid  

Here’s a route map for this Madrid walking tour, showing all the key stops and sights along the way:

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Where To Stay For This Madrid Walking Tour

I stayed in the  Hotel Pr eciados , which was centrally located on a smart street, not far from the start of the tour. However, don’t book a single room here – they don’t have external windows, which is a bugbear of mine! The double room I switched to was fine, though.

The Last Word

I hope you enjoy this self-guided walking tour of Madrid!  Do check out my guide to tapas bars in Madrid , also – you will have worked up a good appetite by the end of this walk!

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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FREE Walking Tour of Madrid: a Self-Guided Tour of Madrid’s Top Sights

So, you’re looking for a walking tour of Madrid , to see and explore the best the Spanish capital has to offer by foot? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve lived, on-and-off, in Madrid for the past 5 years and recently moved back to call this city home. Fun fact: I even have Madrid’s latitude and longitude coordinates tattooed on my side! ?Needless to say, I kind of love this place.

Anyway, I’ve decided to create a series of posts as a comprehensive Madrid Guide , including my suggestions for what to do and see in Madrid , where to go, what to eat , etc. This way I can share exactly what it is about this city that keeps me coming back!

This post outlines a DIY self-guided and free walking tour of some of the Madrid’s central sights and is the perfect way to get to know the city as a first-time visitor. There are a few other DIY walking tours of Madrid online ( you can find the links below ) and even a few free guided walking tours offered here in Madrid, but none of them seemed to cover all of my favorite Madrid sights, so I designed my own.

Who is this walking tour of Madrid for?

I’m a very independent traveler. I like to see and do things on my terms, at my speed. I’m also not a huge museum person or someone that likes to wait in long lines to enter exhibits or touristy attractions and I usually travel on a pretty strict budget. So, if you can relate to those to things, then this walking tour is for you.

If you’re looking for something more, like a an in-depth history tour or detailed information about Madrid’s architecture, then one of the guided tours below may be more your speed.

How long will this walking tour take?

The time you’ll need to complete this walking tour of madrid is around 3-4 hours. that is without stops and following the map closely..

I’d budget half a day, and take your time. Also, don’t be afraid to wander off my set path a bit and stop for a coffee or snack along the way. You can very much enjoy yourself by simply exploring Madrid’s streets and taking in the sights from afar, rather than paying to enter them! One of my favorite things to do here is just wander around while taking in the inevitably good weather and seeing where my curiosity leads me.

**When visiting Madrid, don’t let the public transportation system suck you in. As clean, modern, and affordable as the Madrid metro is, walking is a much better way to get to know the city. Don’t get me wrong, the metro here is one of the best I’ve seen and for long distances it is more worth it, but using it too much will take away the true charm of exploring this city by foot!

An interactive map of my walking tour of Madrid:

Need somewhere to store your things while walking around Madrid?

I recently partnered up with Locker in the City   to give my readers a secure and economical option for storing their things while out and about exploring Madrid.

Whether you’ve already checked out of your accommodation or are just passing through Madrid for the day, you can lock up your things in one of their many locations and see Madrid luggage free. Use code “LAUREN2020” for a 10% discount!

Stop 1 & walking tour starting point: Opera Metro Stop

  Also known as Plaza Isabel II

*Depending on where you are staying, begin your walking tour of Madrid by walking to or catching the metro to the Opera metro stop. The Opera stop is on Metro line 2- red.

Plaza de Oriente

In order to make your way from Opera to the Royal Palace you will pass through Plaza de Oriente.

“In a city that never sleeps where hustle and bustle is an integral part of everyday life, Plaza de Oriente is a haven of peace and tranquillity.”  – source

With 44 past Spanish kings lining this rectangular plaza, it serves as the perfect entrance way to the Palace.

The Royal Palace of Madrid- Palacio Royal

The Royal Palace of Madrid is not only the biggest building in Madrid, but also the largest Palace in Western Europe! The inside of the palace is definitely adorned with regal decorations and extravagant details, but personally I prefer to admire it from outside. If you’d like to enter the Palace, there is a basic rate of 10€, with certain reductions and add-ons available.

Jardines de Sabantini

To the north of the Royal Palace are the palace gardens known as “Jardines de Sabatini.” They are open to the public and there is no entrance fee. This quite recently completed peaceful garden (1970’s) is set up in a geometrical pattern lined with fountains and statues of past Spanish Kings. It also presents another spectacular view of Madrid’s majestic palace.

Cathedral de la Almudena

This Cathedral is right across from the Royal Palace and when in the area is definitely worth a peak. It is free to enter, although a small donation is requested for maintenance. This cathedral is also the site where the current King and Queen of Spain held their wedding ceremony.

*Depending on whether or not you want to enter the castle budget around 1-2 hours in this area

Stop 2: Plaza Mayor

A 10 minute walk from Cathedral

Plaza Mayor

Location:  Plaza Mayor, 28012 Madrid

The stunning Plaza Mayor is a historical pedestrian plaza in the center of Madrid dating back to the late 1500’s. It was constructed during King Phillip III’s reign, so of course, you will find a big regal bronze statue of him smack in the middle of the plaza. Today is it surrounded by residential buildings with over 200 balconies looking over the plaza, tourist shops, restaurants and cafés. Once used to view bullfights and public executions, the plaza is now used for more ‘calm’ events such as Christmas markets and expositions.

There are nine different majestic archways leading to the Plaza Mayor and each of the entries will direct you towards different neighborhoods within the city. Be sure to explore, but be careful not to get lost!

As this area is visited by thousands of tourists a year, everything you will find here is pretty damn expensive. Still, if your wallet is willing to take the hit, take a seat at one of the many terraces and indulge in one of Madrid’s priciest cafés, people watching from afar.

Tourist office

Plaza Mayor, 27

Also in Plaza Mayor you will find a pretty extensive tourist office where you can pick up maps and enquire about different tours, activities and day trips. It is open 365 days a year, from 9.30am to 8.30pm.

Stop 3: Puerta de Sol

A 5 minute walk from Plaza Mayor

What you’ll see and do here: Explore the “Sun Gate” plaza, taste a treat from La Mallorquina, and see some of Madrid’s infamous landmarks: Tío Pepe, “El Oso y El Madroño,” and KM 0.

Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol or ‘Gate of the Sun’ is the most central point in all of Madrid and where all of the city’s roads stem from. Lined by shops, hotels and restaurants (also on the pricey side), this square not only serves as an obvious tourist destination, but also one of Madrid’s major public transportation hubs.

It is always a buzz with locals and tourists alike and has remained an important meeting place among friends. Here you’ll find street vendors and performers as well as a few ‘madrileño’ trademarks which you can read about below!

La Mallorquina

Location: Calle Mayor, 2

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Madrid’s famous pastry shop, La Mallorquina. This shop has been around since the late 1800’s and, as far as I’m concerned, is a required stop on any trip to Madrid. Sure it’s in the busy tourist center, but it’s affordable and worth the short wait. Depending on the season their selection will vary, but you can never go wrong with one of their notorious Napolitanas.

Order a Napolitana de crema (cream) or a Napolitana de chocolate and allow your taste buds to rejoice. Not a sweets person? Go for a Napolitana de jamón y queso (ham and cheese) instead!

Location: Rooftop of Puerta del Sol, 11

Good ol’ Tio Pepe is one of the most recognizable symbols of Madrid. This historical illuminated sign was recently restored and reinstated (close) to its rightful place after 3 years of storage exile. Thanks to 50,000 online signatures collected to petition his safe return, we can once again enjoy his presence among Sol’s skyline.

The sign reads “Tío Pepe, Sol de Andalucía Embotellado” or Andalusia’s sun in a bottle and advertises Gonzalez Byass wine distributors. It depicts a humanlike sherry bottle dressed in a short bullfighter’s jacket and wide brimmed hat balancing a guitar.

El Oso y El Madroño

Another iconic symbol, if not the iconic symbol, of Madrid can be found just to the right of Tío Pepe. El Oso y El Madroño, or the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, is a 20 ton statue of a bear snacking on some fruit for a tree. No one seems to really be sure of the true meaning of this statue, although there are many theories(link). All I know for sure is that this little guy appears on most Madrid postcards, calendars, T-shirts, etc so be sure to snap a picture with this famous little guy!

Kilometer 0 is a little plaque and mile marker where all of Spain’s roads stem from. You can find this little stone marker in the pavement right outside of the Casa de Correos or the House of the Post Office.

Stop 4: Plaza de Cibeles

10-15 minutes walking from Puerta del Sol

Palacio de Cibeles

Location:  Plaza Cibeles, 1

Palacio de Cibeles or Cybele Palace is, in my opinion, one of the most magnificent buildings in Madrid. It’s a must on any walking tour of Madrid.

My suggestion is to first admire it from across the plaza, taking in its impressive size and then get up close and personal to appreciate its many details.

The palace is also free to enter, if you’d like, and contains several exhibition stations, a library, a restaurant, an auditorium and even a comfortable place to relax and read or study! There is also a terrace on the top floor and observation deck, but you often have to wait in line or make a reservation ahead of time.

Fuente de la Cibeles

The Cybele fountain can be seen right in front of the palace in the middle of the busy roundabout. This dramatic marble design portrays a goddess nobly sitting atop a chariot drawn by a pair of lions. Unfortunately you will not be able to get close to this fountain and will have to settle for marveling at it from afar.

Stop 5 (Last Stop): Puerta de Alcalá & Retiro

Puerta de Alcalá

Location: Plaza de la Independencia Puerta de Alcalá is one of the five gates that used to give access to the once walled city of Madrid. This neoclassical granite structure sits adjacent to Madrid’s Retiro Park and in the middle of a busy intersection.

Read about this gate in more detail here .

Parque del Buen Retiro

1 minute from Puerta de Alcalá

This park, literally meaning “Park of the Pleasant Retreat,” once hogged by the royal family, is now thankfully open to the public. Found right in the middle of the city, this popular park is home to alluring galleries, extraordinary monuments and sculptures, a tranquil manmade lake, an exquisite crystal palace, intricate gardens and a variety of fountains.

This is where your self-guided walking tour of Madrid ends, so take your time in Retiro. You can rent and take out a small row boat on the lake, attend one of the many available art exhibits on show, or simply do as the Spanish do and “dar un paseo” (take a stroll). I like to take a towel or blanket along with me to Retiro, and pick up some snacks along the way. Then simply sit, people watch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

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If you’re going to be walking around the center of Madrid, make sure to check out my “ 7 Sneaky Pickpockets to Watch Out for ” post and learn how to be smart and protect your stuff in Madrid’s pickpocket breeding ground.

Visiting or moving to Madrid? Be sure to check out my other guides! 

Some of my most popular Madrid posts:

One Day in Madrid – How to get the best out of Madrid with only 24 hours.

Instagram Worthy Spots in Madrid – Where to capture Madrid’s beauty through photography.

Madrid’s Best Brunch Spots – My favorite spots for brunch and breakfast in Madrid.

The Perfect La Latina Sunday – If you happen to find yourself in Madrid on a Sunday, check out my guide to the perfect Madrileño Sunday!

Malasaña Getting Thrify – Looking to do some unique vintage shopping while in Madrid? This guide’s got it all!

6 Rainy Day Activities in Madrid -If you’re unfortunate enough to catch a rainy day in Madrid, No fear! There are still plenty of things to do!

Other options for DIY Walking tours of Madrid:

National Geographic

Two Bad Tourists

If you prefer a guided tour, Sandleman’s New Madrid offers a great tip-based, free tour.

Have you ever been to Madrid? If so, which were your favorite attractions?

If you’re heading to Madrid- be sure to check out  Devour Madrid Tours ! I’m a big fan of exploring a new place through my tastebuds-  I mean is there really any better way to get a true feel for a new culture?  These local experts will take you off the beaten path to experience the best of Spanish culture and cuisine.   I used to intern for them, and could not recommend their tours enough!

Liked this post? Sharing is caring! Pin it to save for later!

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21 comments

thanks for the shoutout! 🙂

@twobadtourists:disqus Of Course!!

Adore Madrid, and love your tour – I think I followed your route exactly during Christmas! I totally agree, Madrid is super walkable and your stop are totally on point! What I didn’t get during my walk-about are all the fun facts you included! My husband and I are hoping to return to Madrid again next Christmas, we loved it so much!

Madrid, my favorite city in Spain. Great suggestions for a walking tour!!

This is such a wonderful guide! I’m coming back for tips when and if I finally decide to head to Madrid!

This looks like a fantastic guide – saving it for my trip to Madrid that I hope to take one day soon 🙂

What a great guide, Lauren!! I love walking to discover a city as you get such a good perspective on all the great things to see 🙂

Awesome job putting this fun walking tour together. Whenever I’m in Sol I have to fight the urge to stop by at La Mallorquina to grab a little treat. Everything I’ve had there has always been delicious. Love your short of Puerta de Alcalá!

I’ve always wanted to go to Madrid! Especially now after reading your post! Looking forward to using your guide one day (soon)!

Looking forward to using this guide next time I’m in Madrid…which hopefully is sooner rather than later 😉 Thanks for sharing! -Natalia http://glitterandpassport.blogspot.com/

Lauren, I am so happy to have found this blog post! I am going to Madrid in less than a month and trying to soak up as much info as possible. Great to know the center of Madrid is very compact. I have allocated two days to walk around and hit the main sights. I will also check your posts about the different neighborhoods.

I did just this!:))

Ah, this is so great. I feel like so many bloggers are in Spain right now, or blogging about their recent trip to Spain! I’m so jealous. Looks like heaven!

i went to Madrid a couple years a go and only did like one or two things on this list haha. Shows I definitely need to go back! Great post 🙂 Foirell | http://www.citygirlrlell.com

This is EXCATLY what i’ve been looking for! Im heading to Madrid tomorrow for less than 24 hours and want to pack as much in as possible. Going to go read your other Madrid posts now! (Although I should really be packing…)

That’s a nice article, but I miss more of the alternative culture. What about Lavapies?There is super nice street art in Madrid .

Yes! I definitely agree- if you have more time in Madrid, you should visit more of the neighborhoods and check out the street art. But, with a short time in the city, most people are looking for an overview of the main sites- which is why I created this walking tour 🙂

[…] ¡Encuentra el enlace a mi recorrido a pie aquí! […]

I am so happy to have found your blog. Simply excellent. I only had one day to spend in Madrid and you really help to maximize my stay without being too hectic. Thanks for sharing. Bless you.

So glad you enjoyed and my guides helped you enjoy your stay in Madrid!! ❤️

[…] If you ask us to choose, we’d pick the hidden side of Mallorca over the crowded beaches or cities like Madrid and Barcelona any day. But of course, if you are headed to Madrid for a visit, my friend Lauren has lined up a great walking tour of Madrid. […]

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Self-guided sightseeing tour of Madrid

Madrid self-guided walking tour allows you to explore the city’s best sights at your own pace and make the most of your time.

Supported languages

English, Spanish, German, French, Italian

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable

Self-guided sightseeing tour of Madrid allows you to explore the city’s best sights at your own pace and make the most of your time. You will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Madrid with a high-quality audio guide. 

Our Madrid self-guided tour is the most comfortable and enjoyable way to discover unique hidden gems and the history of the city. An easy-to-use app with an interactive map will guide you from one venue to another, so you will be able to discover all this beautiful capital city has to offer. 

Madrid is an immensely popular city for tourists, boasting many famous landmarks and attractions, many of which are regarded as some of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The architecture is a mix of old and modern, for example, Plaza Mayor was built in the 1500s, and Retiro Park in the 1800s.

You can find a little bit of everything while in Madrid: culture, nightlife, great weather, excellent restaurants and much more. A must-see place is absolutely the Prado Museum . This museum is known for housing some of the most important art collections in Europe, including masterpieces of Goya and Velázquez. Plaza Mayor is probably one of the most beautiful squares of the country. Surrounded by outstanding monuments such as Palacio Real and Almudena Cathedral , this place gives you that unmistakable Spanish atmosphere.

If you don’t want to miss any of these amazing sights, book our Madrid self-guided walking tour!

Self-guided tour of Madrid| How it works

Guess who will be your best travel partner while in Madrid? Your smartphone, right! Nowadays, it’s hard to survive a trip abroad without an internet connection. 

With the Vox City app , your personal device will introduce you to the highlights of Madrid and show where to find them. It includes a detailed map, useful tips on transport and the possibility to save your personal drop-pins, so you will never miss the best places. The app will also help you find out what to do with your free time on each day of your visit and how to organize your time in the city.

Follow these three simple steps to start your self-guided tour:

• Book Madrid self-guided tour.
• Download the Vox City app.
• Scan the QR code received after booking to activate the digital content.

Plan your own walking tour of Madrid

With over 100 attractions described by local experts, you can choose your favored ones and plan your itinerary at your leisure. 

Want to start your tour from Puerta del Sol and end up exploring the Royal Palace ? Grab your headphones and take in the sights of this sunny, charming city.

Here is what includes Madrid self-guided tour :

• Offline digital maps
• Walking itineraries and bicycle routes
• Five languages available
• Bus and tram itineraries
• Great photo spots
• Free Wi-Fi and charging locations

Madrid self-guided tour does not include:

• Entrance tickets to museums and attractions
• Food and drinks
• Headphones and devices
• Hotel pick up/drop off

All you need to do is choose your favorite part of the city and start exploring at your own pace, making sure you do not miss a single detail during your fascinating walking tour.

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Walking Tour Madrid: Top Sights of Madrid, Spain

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Hola! Ready to embark on a Free Self Guided Walking Tour in Madrid? From Plaza Mayor to the Prado Museum, this DIY Walking Tour of Madrid highlights the best things to see. You’ll easily navigate your way through lush parks and ornate squares, passing famous sights and some exquisite Madrid architecture along the route. 

Madrid Free Walking Tour: Best Sights of Madrid, Spain

On our first two visits to Madrid, Spain, we were on quick, 24-hour layovers. Both times, we dashed to see the sights of Madrid as quickly as we could. Our sightseeing was done haphazardly – and it was more of a sprint than a Madrid Walking Tour. 

Each time we returned to the Spanish capital for longer stays over the years, we were anxious to truly experience the best sights in Madrid. We compiled a list of the Top Madrid Landmarks, grabbed a Madrid Tourist Map and designed a Walking Tour Madrid Route that provides the perfect introduction to the city. To help others find their way to all the prime sights, we are sharing our Madrid tour for free !

Self-Guided Free Walking Tour Madrid

Our self-guided, free walking tour of Madrid is perfect for those who like to explore at their own pace. Budget travelers and independent travelers will find our free tour of Madrid particularly helpful.

How To Use This Madrid Walking Tour Free Guide

We’ve outlined the top sights to see – including beautiful plazas, decorative churches, food markets and famous museums. For step-by-step directions, use our Walking Tour Madrid Map and provided links to directions. Additionally, we provide pertinent Madrid sightseeing advice and tips that will help you plan your perfect vacation to Spain!

1 Day in Madrid Sightseeing

Our walking tour of Madrid Old Town is about 3 miles long. For ambitious travelers it can be completed in about 2 hours, but that only includes walking the route. We think the best way to enjoy this Madrid Self Guided Walking Tour is to make stops along the way – both for entering sites and tasting the local fare.

In fact, visitors can plan a full day of sightseeing in Madrid, Spain by using our walk as an outlined itinerary. The top sights in Madrid to visit on the route are the Mercado de San Miguel, Almudena Cathedral, Royal Palace and Prado Museum. We also include famous Madrid food recommendations to keep you satiated!

Whether you are spending a day – or one week in Madrid -you can use our Free Walking Tour to start your exploration!

Pin, Bookmark or Save our Walking Tour of Madrid for your trip to Spain!

Walking Tour Madrid, Spain

Are you excited to start our Madrid Free Walking Tour? Before heading off, fuel up with favorite Madrileno fare – either pastries, jamon or a squid sandwich.

Pasteleria La Mallorquina (established in 1894) is a traditional bakery that is known for their Chocolate and Cream Neapolitans. For something savory, however, get a meaty sandwich from Museo del Jamon or a bocadillo de calamares from Bar La Campana.

Now, lace up your shoes, load this Map on your phone for our Madrid Walking Directions and vamos!

#1 Puerta del Sol

MAP . Start your self-guided city tour of Madrid in the bustling Puerta del Sol, a hub of activity and must-see tourist destination. Puerta del Sol dates to the 15th century when Madrid was encircled by protective walls. The name translates to ‘Gate of the Sun’ – as structures featuring the sun used to stand on the site.

The square is known as the center of Spain, marking the 0 km point for six major roads in the country. The exact spot is designated with a plaque in front of the Madrid Old Post Office. The historic Post Office building dates to 1766 and now serves as the office for the President of the Municipality of Madrid. 

Sol is also home to numerous iconic landmarks, such as the soaring clock tower, which is the center point of Madrid’s New Year Celebrations  and the famous neon Tio Pepe sign. Several monuments dot the area, but the most popular is the ‘Oso y el Modrono’ statue located on the east end of the square. It depicts a bear climbing a strawberry tree, which is an emblem of Madrid. 

A nearby site that soccer/football fans will want to make time for in their Madrid sightseeing adventures is the Legends: Home of Football Museum. A massive, interactive space featuring immersive experiences, the museum is located on the southeast corner of Puerta del Sol.

#2 Plaza Mayor

The history of Plaza Mayor can be traced to the 15th century when it was utilized as the city’s marketplace. Today, the square still hosts markets – including a Sunday morning antique market and the famous annual holiday market, which is a highlight of Madrid Christmas Festivities .

An equestrian statue featuring King Philip III, an early 17th century Spanish sovereign, stands at the center of the square – as it has since 1848. 

#3 Mercado de San Miguel

MAP . Stop #3 on our self guided tour is the modern, upscale marketplace, Mercado de San Miguel . Featuring fresh produce, meat and fish and tasty prepared delicacies, the market is the pinnacle of Madrid gastronomy. Spend time squeezing your way through the crowds to peer into the cases of fine cheeses, divinely crafted desserts and beautifully displayed fruit.

If something is too tempting to pass by (like the goat cheese and sauteed onion tapas), stay for a bite before continuing your Madrid tour. In fact, if you are ready for lunch, this is the perfect place! 

Pro Tip : For a real taste of Madrid, consider joining a culinary tour that explores the best gastronomy of the city – and includes a stop at Mercado de San Miguel. We highlight more guided tours of Madrid at the end of the article.

#4 Plaza de La Villa, Madrid Old Town Hall

MAP . Continue your self-guided walking tour of Madrid to Plaza de la Villa – an area that is steeped in Spanish history. The quaint square features the 17th century Town Hall building, called Casa de la Villa de Madrid. It occupies an entire side of the square and is fronted by a pretty, fenced garden. Opposite Casa de la Villa is Casa de Los Lujanes, which has a short tower that dates to the 15th century – and ranks as the oldest civil building in Madrid. 

#5 Almudena Cathedral of Madrid

MAP . Next up on your Madrid city walk is the massive, but relatively modern, Almudena Cathedral. Equally impressive as it’s size is that it took 100 years to build. It was only completed in 1993 and consecrated by the late Pope John Paul II that same year.

Officially called the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena, the church was built in the Gothic Revival style and is topped with a dome that measures 65-feet across. Inside, however, the Madrid Cathedral is a trove of ancient and contemporary artworks – including bright stained-glass windows and an intricate, mosaic ceiling. 

Visitors can also access the crypt beneath the cathedral. The columned catacomb features numerous altars and tombs of notable Spaniards, including royalty. The cathedral and crypt are open to visitors for free, but a donation is requested at the entry.

Pro Tip : It is believed that the cathedral in Madrid was built on the site of an ancient mosque. On the south side of the church, Parque del Emir Mohamed I showcases remnants of 9th century fortifications, called the Muslim Walls. 

#6 Madrid Royal Palace

MAP . Sitting next door to the cathedral is the grand Royal Palace , which seems to go on forever and is one of the top Madrid landmarks. It is the largest palace in Europe with 3,418 rooms and almost 1.5 million square feet of space. The history of the palace can be traced to the year 860. It was originally a fortress built by the Moors and called the Royal Alcazar of Madrid. In 1734 the Alcazar burnt to the ground and a Baroque palace was built in its place.

Since then, the palace has been expanded and renovated into the colossal royal residence that stands today. It’s interesting to note, that while it is the official home of the Spanish Royal Family, they don’t actually live there, opting instead to reside at the rural Palace of Zarzuela.

The interior of the Royal Palace is decorated with masterpiece paintings, gorgeous tapestries, fine furniture and incredible architectural details. Now mostly used for state functions and official visits, tourists can enter the palace (with a ticket) to see the rooms and artworks. 

Pro Tip : If you want to visit the palace and are trying to see Madrid in a day, be aware that there are often long lines to get inside. Be sure to purchase  Skip-the-Line tickets  in advance.

#7 Madrid Palace Gardens

The palace grounds encompass two gardens – Sabatini Gardens to the north and Campo del Moro Gardens to the west. On sunny days, both gardens are fabulous to wander, not only for the solitude, but for the lovely views. 

Sabatini Gardens

MAP . The Sabatini Gardens are an easy escape from the sightseeing trail and free to enter. The manicured terraces and groomed walkways are laid out in a grid, pass by pleasant fountains and provide stellar views of the Royal Palace.

Campo del Moro Gardens

MAP . While we love the Sabatini Gardens, one of the best places to walk in Madrid is in the vast Campo del Moro that sits behind the Royal Palace. Designed by Philip II, the sloping green space features several decorative elements – like the Conchas Fountain and Tritons Fountain. The gardens are free to enter and they often host concerts that are free to attended as well. (Plus, they have public toilets!)

#8 Plaza de Oriente, Madrid

MAP . Plaza de Oriente, is just across the street from the palace – but we have made it a separate stop in our Walking Tour Madrid Free Guide because we think it deserves an up-close look. Designed in 1844, the space is lined with statues, trees, shrubs and a fountain in the center. The equestrian statue is of Philip IV and the others surrounding it represent the Spanish kings that were crowned at the Royal Palace. 

The pretty plaza sits between the palace and Teatro Real. The ornate opera house, which is often just referred to as El Real or Opera, dates to the early 1800s and to this day is one of the premier European theaters. Those who are interested and have the time can take a tour. 

Pro Tip: Walk past Teatro Real and continue down Calle del Arenal – a busy street lined with cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels. Pop into Torrons Vicens – a shop that specializes in Spanish turron nougat and offers free samples!

#9 Chocolateria San Gines

MAP . Indulgent and divine, eating churros with chocolate is a must for visitors – and San Gines Chocolateria is the most famous churreria in Madrid. Established in 1894, San Gines has welcomes locals, tourists and celebrities.

The crispy, deep-fried sticks are served piping hot and then dipped into thick, rich chocolate for a heavenly treat. The shop is so popular that it has expanded into nearby buildings, so the line should move swiftly. 

Pro Tip: Nearby Chocolateria 1902 is also incredibly popular. The traditional family-run bakery is quite forward thinking – as they now make a selection a treats that are gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free and vegan.

#10 Calle de Preciados Shopping Street

MAP . A pedestrian lane, Calle de Preciados is one of the best walking streets in Madrid – which is just one reason why we include it on this self guided tour.

The other reason is that the atmospheric street is the city’s historic shopping strip. Running nearly 1000 feet from Puerta del Sol to Plaza del Callao and Gran Via, the bustling thoroughfare is lined with fashion retailers and boutique shops interspersed with cafes. 

Some of the best stores on Preciados are the El Corte Ingles department store, a FNAC media store along with many recognizable international brands. 

Top Tip: For those interested in learning more of the religious history of Madrid can make a detour to the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, which features artwork, tapestries and religious icons. 

#11 Gran Via

MAP . Everyone should see the city’s most famous street, Gran Via, which is why we include it on our Madrid Self-Guided Walking Tour! Walking along the wide Gran Via just feels classy. Known for its early 1900s architecture and boasting many upscale shops, it is also referred to as Spanish Broadway for its many theaters, cinemas and exciting Madrid nightlife. Some stores even occupy former movie theaters. 

In addition to the big name fashion brands, two of the best stores on Gran Via are Casa de Libro bookshop and the Official Real Madrid Football Club outlet. Walk the street from west to east and notice that the stores to the east are more elegant, as is the architecture. The most ornate building is Edificio Metropolis, which marks the east end of Via Gran. 

Pro Tip: Love a good view? Gran Via is home to a few of the best spots for rooftop dining in Madrid. Top picks are Picalagartos and Ella Sky Bar. 

#12 Cibeles Palace and Fountain

MAP . The striking Palacio de Cibeles was built in 1909 to house the Spanish Post Office headquarters. Today, the elaborate building is home to the Madrid City Council and the CentroCentro cultural center.

One of the best features of the Cibeles Palace is the Mirador Madrid observation deck. For a small fee, visitors can take in the expansive panoramic city views from the building’s tallest tower. The fountain that sits in the center of Plaza de Cibeles features the Roman goddess Cybele being pulled by two lions in her chariot.

Pro Tip: If time allows, walk one block east to Puerta de Alcala. The ornamental, arched gate was completed in 1778 – at a time when the Medieval walls still surrounded the Madrid city center. 

#13 El Retiro Park

MAP . El Retiro is the most impressive park in Madrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see! The stunning 300-acre space was originally designated for royalty, but has been open to the public since the 18th century. The grand green space features a variety of gardens, paths, ponds and statues.

The top feature is the exquisite Palacio de Cristal de Retiro. The Glass Palace – constructed of cast-iron and glass – was built in the 1887 as a conservatory. Today, the greenhouse hosts art exhibitions from the Reina Sofia Museum. 

Additionally, visitors should see the impressive statue-lined walkway Paseo de las Estatuas and the Great Pond. That said, it is lovely to just spend time wandering the paths and well worth a longer detour from our Madrid city tour.

Pro Tip: On the southwest corner of Retiro Park is the Real Jardin Botanico. Opened in 1781, the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid features 90,000 plants, 1,500 trees and multiple greenhouses. 

#14 Paseo del Prado

MAP . Perhaps the prettiest street in all of Madrid, Paseo del Prado is a lush, tree-lined boulevard that connects Plaza de Cibeles in the north to Plaza del Emperador Carlos V in the south. It’s a place where couples stroll, artists paint and kids play. 

The gorgeous promenade features museums, monuments and fountains. The world-famous Prado Museum (which is next on our Self Guided Walk of Madrid), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Naval Museum and the CaixaForum Arts Center all reside along Paseo del Prado. 

Not to be missed is the extravagant Neoclassical Neptune Fountain. But smaller fountains – like the Apollo Fountain and the Fuentes de las Cuatro Estaciones – are also worth seeking out. 

#15 The Prado Museum

MAP . The next stop is one of the best museums in Madrid: The Prado. Founded in 1819, Prado Museum features a grand collection of renowned artwork. The most notable are Las Meninas and The Triumph of Bacchus by Velazquez. Many consider the Prado to be one of the greatest art museums in the world.

There is an admission fee to enter the museum and we recommend purchasing a Skip-the-Line Ticket . However, some of the money-saving Madrid sightseeing cards might include entry into the Prado. Visitors short on time who want to see the museum highlights can join a Prado Museum tour.

Pro Tip : The Prado has free entry from 6-8pm Monday-Saturday and from 5-7pm on Sundays and holidays.

#16 Plaza de Santa Ana, Madrid

MAP . The final stop on our walking Madrid tour is Plaza de Santa Ana – a square that quickly became our favorite in Madrid. Santa Ana Plaza is home to the 17th century Teatro Espanol, the oldest theater in Madrid. Yet the area has a quaint, neighborhood feel to it. In the winter, an illuminated Christmas tree casts a blue hue over the square at night.

As this completes our Walking Tour of Madrid, give your feet a rest and enjoy a glass of Spanish wine at one of the cafes on the plaza. We recommend taking a seat at Cerveceria Alemana, which opened in 1904 as a brewery and has been frequented by famous personalities, like Ava Gardner and Earnest Hemingway. 

Pro Tip: If you’re ready for dinner, continue another block to Matador for tapas or Pez Tortilla for a delicious Spanish-style omelet.

Madrid City Tour Map & Walking Directions

Use our Map of Madrid City Center to route your way to the attractions highlighted on our Walking Tour.

• This Map gives directions for the Madrid Sights numbered 1 to 10. 
• This Map provides step-by-step directions for attractions numbered 10 to 16. 
• This Interactive Madrid Tourist Map highlights each attraction listed in our walking tour. Simply click on any of the markers to expand the side bar for more information. 

Pro Tip : Our Walking Tour Madrid Attractions Map Route can be printed! Click on the image to enlarge it, right-click outside of the image and select Print. 

Madrid Tour: What You Will Need

Before you set off on your trip to Madrid, make sure you are properly packed ! We have a few tips for things you will want to bring – and get your Free Packing Checklist to make sure you have everything in your suitcase or backpack for your Spain Vacation!

Walking Shoes for Madrid

Madrid is a walkable city, but only with the right travel shoes ! I like these by Columbia – Kris prefers Merrell trail shoes for all types of walks.

Travel Camera for Madrid Photography

Madrid is a truly beautiful city. Rather than using your phone to capture the sights, we recommend upgrading to a real travel camera . We use a DSLR Canon Rebel , which takes amazing photos and comes with a complete kit. For this, we rank it as one of the Best Budget Cameras . 

Madrid Weather Gear and Day Pack

Summers in Madrid are very sunny and very hot. Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat on your walking tour of Madrid. We also recommend carrying this collapsible water bottle that is perfect for travelers! 

Those visiting Madrid outside of the summer months should be prepared for cooler weather with a chance of rain. Pack a travel umbrella and lightweight raincoat for your trip. You’ll also want to be sure to have a great Day Bag to carry and secure all your Daily Travel Essentials .

Wi-Fi and Tourist Map of Madrid

To be able to follow our Free Walking Tour Madrid (and the directions provided on the Maps), you will need an internet connection. If your phone is locked, rather than paying high daily fees for international data, we recommend investing in a Pocket WiFi Hotspot . 

We travel with a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hotspot . It allows us to connect up to ten devices at once (which makes it ideal for families or groups traveling together) and it doubles as a portable charger . What we really love about GlocalMe is that we can pre-purchase data plans…so we can be connected from the moment we touch down off that long flight !

Those traveling without Wi-Fi can print our Map of Madrid Tourist Attractions and Walking Route. For a more detailed map, consider purchasing a Map of Madrid City Center – like this one – in advance of your trip. 

Madrid Guided Tours

While we enjoyed sightseeing Madrid on our own, there are many guided tours that can help lead the way. If you would like the company of an expert guide (and fellow travelers), consider one of these highly-rated guided tours of Madrid. 

• Small-group Madrid Tour and skip-the-line Palace entry – Book now
• Retiro Park and skip-the-line Prado entry – Info here
• Madrid Spanish Inquisition Tour –  Book it
• Private Tours for the Best of Madrid ( Book here ) and Secrets of Madrid ( Reserve now )
• Madrid Street Art Tour – Get Info
• Book a Guided Madrid Free Tour –  New Europe Tours  

As an alternative to seeing the city on foot, visitors can catch a ride on the Hop-On Hop-Off Madrid Sightseeing Bus, or explore on a Segway Tour or this very popular Madrid Bike Tour .

Money-Saving Sightseeing Cards

Some of the places we pass on our Madrid Self-Guided Walking Tour require a ticket. To save money, consider purchasing a Madrid Sightseeing Card that will that includes entry to top sights and attractions, as well as other discounts. 

Madrid Sightseeing Tips

There are many, many options when it comes to visiting Madrid – as there is so much to see and do! In addition to the sights, a few of the top things to do are Flamenco dancing, tapas tastings, neighborhood wandering and sport matches. 

Flamenco Show in Madrid

With live music and steamy dances, Flamenco shows are a top Madrid experience. Visitors can attend a performance at one of the legendary Spanish tablaos. Reserve your seat!

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tour

The gastronomy in Madrid is divine – especially when it comes to tapas – the much adored Spanish culinary snack. Spend an evening with a local guide on a small group tour to discover the best tapas and wine in Madrid. Join this popular tour!

Madrid Neighborhood Discoveries

Visitors can also get off the beaten path and navigate through Madrid’s best neighborhoods. We like to wander the streets of Chamberi to the north – or walk south to Parque Madrid Rio, a riverside park of wide paths, artistic bridges and inviting cafes. 

Planning Your Madrid Trip

Creating an itinerary for Madrid is no simple task – but we are sharing some advice that will make it much easier! With sights located within walking distance, tourists can see a lot with just 1 Day in Madrid.

That said, we recommend spending at least two days in Madrid…but three is even better. We have outlined the top things to do in our One Week Spain Itinerary and our detailed 3-Day Madrid Itinerary .

Travelers visiting from overseas can find our best tips in our guide on How To Plan a Europe Vacation . We share all the need-to-know info and honest advice from our personal experiences. 

As you begin to prepare for your trip to Spain, organization is key! Stay on top of all the details with our Printable Travel Planner . 

Start planning your trip to Spain ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

We want to know: What are your favorite Madrid sights? Is there anything you would add to our Self-Guided Free Madrid Walking Tour? Please share with us in the comments below! 

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11 thoughts on “ Walking Tour Madrid: Top Sights of Madrid, Spain ”

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Things to do in Madrid

Top attractions in madrid.

• Museo del Prado 6 tours and tickets
• Plaza Mayor of Madrid 2 tours and tickets
• Palacio Real de Madrid 18 tours and tickets
• Mercado de San Miguel 7 tours and tickets
• Catedral de la Almudena 18 tours and tickets
• El Real Jardín Botánico 1 tour
• Puerta del Sol 1 tour
• Círculo de Bellas Artes 1 tour
• Reina Sofia Museum 4 tours and tickets
• Campo del Moro 2 tours and tickets

Popular cities to visit in Spain

• Barcelona 69 tours and tickets
• Figueres 4 tours and tickets
• Seville 8 tours and tickets
• Soller 1 tour
• Bilbao 5 tours and tickets
• Valencia 8 tours and tickets
• Málaga 1 tour
• Palma de Mallorca 3 tours and tickets

Top attractions in Spain

• Picasso Museum 11 tours and tickets
• Basílica de la Sagrada Família 23 tours and tickets
• Dali Theatre and Museum 4 tours and tickets
• La Pedrera 22 tours and tickets
• Palau de la Musica Catalana 9 tours and tickets
• Santa Maria del Mar 3 tours and tickets
• Passeig del Born 3 tours and tickets
• Ciutadella Park 3 tours and tickets
• El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria 2 tours and tickets
• Santa Caterina Market 2 tours and tickets
• Plaça del Pi 1 tour
• Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel 1 tour
• Santa Anna Church 1 tour
• Plaza Villa de Madrid 1 tour
• Carrer de Petritxol 1 tour
• Santa Maria del Pi Church 4 tours and tickets

7 reviews for audio tours in Madrid

Attractions in madrid, trending attractions in spain, popular on wegotrip.

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• About this activity

Madrid: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Sightseeing

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• See the grandeur of the Sabatini Gardens, a study in geometric perfection
• Visit the Plaza de Oriente and the magnificent equine statue of King Phillip IV
• Experience the elegance of the Church of Sacramento, church of the holy mystery
• Learn about the historic landmarks and their role in Spanish culture
• Explore the beautiful city of Madrid at a pace convenient for you

Activity location

• Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain

Meeting/Redemption Point

• This is a recommended starting point, there's no meeting point
• Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
• Fri, Apr 19 $14
• Sat, Apr 20 $14
• Sun, Apr 21 $14
• Mon, Apr 22 $14
• Tue, Apr 23 $14
• Wed, Apr 24 $14
• Thu, Apr 25 $14
• Fri, Apr 26 $14
• Sat, Apr 27 $14
• Sun, Apr 28 $14
• Mon, Apr 29 $14
• Tue, Apr 30 $14
• Wed, May 1 $14
• Thu, May 2 $14
• Fri, May 3 $14

Valid for 2 Hours, Madrid: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Sightseeing

• Activity duration is 2 hours 2h 2h

This self-guided audio tour in English takes you through the most iconic highlights of Madrid.

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Self-guided walking audio tour
• What's included What's included Map of the tour
• What's excluded What's excluded Audio device and headphones
• What's excluded What's excluded Transportation and entrance fees

Know before you book

• Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments, Pregnant women

What you can expect

On this self-guided audio walking tour, choose your own adventure on the streets of Madrid. The city is steeped in rich history and you'll discover wonderful sights at every turn. Enjoy the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks at your own pace. On your tour, see the Sabatini Gardens, the former grounds of Spain's royal stables and now transformed into spectacular, symmetrical shrubbery that frames the largest royal residency in Western Europe, Palacio Real de Madrid. Discover the Plaza de Oriente and the monument to King Phillip IV. Continue your tour to the Plaza de España. Gaze at the monument dedicated to Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. See the Palace of the Senate, the Royal Convent of La Encarnación, and the Almudena Cathedral. Glimpse the Church of Saint-Nicholas, believed to be the oldest site of worship in Madrid. Further on, you'll see the Church of Sacramento and the Church of San Pedro el Viejo, both magnificent feats of architecture. Round out your tour by visiting the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and the Gate of Toledo, some of the city's most iconic features.

Madrid Tapas Walking Tours

Self-guided | 4 free route maps.

Discover the best Madrid tapas bars and restaurants 

From cozy tapas bars tucked away from the hustle and bustle to lively bars serving impeccable Madrid tapas morsels, we’ve done the hard yards and sampled a lot of tapas bars throughout Madrid to bring you 4 Free self-guided tapas tour maps ! 

Of course, Madrid is a mecca for foodies , and tapas bars are found on virtually every corner, but finding the best ones takes some time! A plate of chips is NOT a tapas ! 

Why settle for a small bowl of olives as a tapas when you can sample the many delicious house specialties while sipping on a cool beer or wine? So, the good news!

We’ve created 4 free downloadable Madrid tapas tour maps for you to navigate your way to the best tapas bars and restaurants Madrid has to offer. There are also plenty of tips on what to order and plenty of significant landmarks along the way! 

October 2023 Update:   Tapapies  is an annual tapas festival in Lavapies. It runs this year from  19 to 29 October . It is extremely popular, fun, and crowded. If you’re after a buzz, this is for you. 

“The best way to know a city is to eat it.”  

– Scott Westerfield –

Central Madrid Tapas Walking tour maps

At these bars and restaurants, you’ll find everything from delicious seafood dishes like the famous pulpo a la gallega, to stunning tuna tartare recipes , and of course exceptionally high-quality classic tapas favorites like patatas bravas , tortillas, gambas al ajillo , boquerones, and homemade croquetas.

• Central Madrid Tapas Tour

• La Latina Tapas Tour

• Goya Tapas Tour

Lavapies & Delicias Tapas Tour

What are tapas.

OK, first things first, for those who have never experienced tapas , a ‘tapa’ is basically a small plate of tasty Spanish food that is often served with a drink. It is very common in Spanish food culture to enjoy a few tapas and wander the town or city as the sun sets. 

Free Tapas in Madrid

Perhaps one of the best things about tapas is that in many parts of Spain, tapas is free ! Yep, that’s right, in places like the Capital of Madrid and the Andalusia region , whenever you order a drink, you’ll be given a small morsel of tapas to enjoy. Cool right?! 

And don’t worry, all of the other regions of Spain also have their own unique tapas (or pintxos in the north) that you can choose from and usually only costs a few Euro at the most. But here in Madrid, tapas is an experience that’s enjoyed whenever you order a drink (and non-alcoholic drinks get tapas too in most places).

Where to go to find the best tapas in Madrid

Madrid is huge and last time we counted, there were around 15,000 tapas bars and restaurants spread all over this beautiful city.

When you’re visiting Madrid for a vacation , it’s hard to know where to go and more importantly, what to order . But don’t worry, we got you! 

We’ve made 4 self-guided tapas tour guides to help you explore like a local the very best of the Madrid tapas scene.

Unique Self-guided Tapas Walking Tours

Each tapas route takes somewhere between 4-6 hours to complete, and of course, there are plenty of opportunities to slow right down and make a whole day of it, taking in some of the most popular tourist sights and landmarks that Madrid has to offer along the way. 

So whether you’re looking for a tasty bite while taking in the sights within central Madrid , or maybe you want to explore beyond the touristic center and discover the beautiful barrios of Madrid, we’ve got a tapas tour route planned so you can make the most of it. 

All of the tours are available as a free Google map that you can easily save to your phone, send via email and FaceBook, and best of all, they’re totally free to use, forever!

Our 4 free self-guided tapas tours include: 

• Delicias Tapas Tour

Madrid landmarks and highlights of each tour

So, along the way there’s a lot more than just tapas bars and restaurants ! We’ve created these self-guided walking tours to be enjoyed at your own pace and you’ll also pass by a number of Madrid’s famous landmarks . Here are just a few significant landmarks and sites you’ll discover whilst on the tapas tours. 

• Statue of the bear and the strawberry tree (El Oso y el Madroño) – Puerta del Sol
• Kilometre Zero (Kilómetro 0 de las carreteras radiales de España) – Puerta del Sol
• Tío Pepe – Iconic neon sign – Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Mayor – Spain’s most famous main square.
• Cybele Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles) – Beautiful 18th-century neoclassical fountain pictures the goddess Cybele. 
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Spain Gate (Puerta de España) – large elegant stone and iron gate leading into Retiro park (west side).
• Retiro park (Parque de El Retiro) – Stunning park and gardens with a boating lake, greenhouse, plus several statues and landmarks. 
• Garden of the Prince of Anglona (Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona) – Gorgeous 18th century gardens tuccked away in La Latina. 
• Mirador de Bailén – One of the best lookouts for observing the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena and mountain ranges surrounding Madrid. 
• Mercado de la Cebada – Famous seafood market located in the heart of La Latina
• El Rastro – La Latina’s lively flea market open on Sundays. 
• Mercado de San Fernando – Bustling food market with plenty of tapas bars and eateries. Open every day except Sunday. 
• Murales “Antigua Tabacalera” – Popular graffiti artworks located beside Embajadores Metro station.
• Estación de tren de Atocha – Madrid’s largest train station with ornate brick entry with greenhouse space inside. 
• Calle de las Huertas – Famous street in the literary district with plenty of second-hand bookstores and tapas bars.

Looking for more info on Madrid? Check out the official Madrid tourist info website .

Central Madrid tapas walking route 

• Start: Sol Metro Station
• Finish: Anton Martin Metro Station
• Total Distance: 1.38km / 0.85 miles
• Stops: 7 tapas bars and restaurants
• Proposed duration: 3-4 hours.

Just tap the star (⭐) on the map link and you’ve got all you’ll need to guide you from one tapas bar to the next in the palm of your hand! 

– Have a great tapas tour!  

Goya tapas walking route 

• Start/Finish: Goya Metro Station, Madrid.
• Total Distance: 1.96km /1.2 miles
• Stops: 6 tapas bars and restaurants

Lavapies & Delicias tapas walking route 

• Start: Lavapies Metro Station
• Distance: 4.91km \ 3.05 miles
• Stops: 10 tapas bars and restaurants 
• Proposed duration: 5-6 hours.

La Latina tapas walking route 

• Start: La Latina Metro Station
• Finish: Plaza Major
• Distance: 1.88km \ 1.16 miles
• Stops: 8 tapas bars and restaurants 

Looking for some more tasty tapas recipes?

• Roasted potatoes with chorizo and thyme - this is simply chorizo, potatoes, onion, and herbs and spices, and simply delicious.
• Catalan roasted vegetables (escalivada Catalana) - the focus is on eggplant, red bell pepper, and onion, which are simmered down with herbs and spices until they're soft and gooey.
• Spiced cheese pate (almogrote) - from the Canary Islands, this incredible invention is important for any cheese lover out there.
• Spanish mussels in a rich tomato sofrito sauce - the sofrito sauce is out again and it also works wonders with mussels.
• Olive tapenade (vegan recipe) - this is a vegan version of the typical recipe so great to serve at parties or enjoy alone smeared over some bread.
• Shrimp in a Cava bath (prawns in sparkling wine) - literally shrimp marinated in sparkling wine with a little bit of paprika and salt, then fried and ready to devour.
• Blue cheese and sherry spread - you only need 2 ingredients to make this but the flavor combo works so well together it tastes much more complex.
• Anchovy and red pepper (capsicum) spread - this spread has some very bold flavors and colors to boot!

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Want to explore more of Madrid?

CCome explore the cuisine capital of Spain with our Madrid regional foodie guide!

We’ve compiled everything you need to know, from where to eat, and the best dishes of the region. 

They say that all roads lead to Madrid and a small stone slab lies discretely within Madrid’s  Sol Plaza  celebrating the geographic  kilometer ZERO  of Spain. But, it’s just a short stroll in any direction where you’ll find the rich aromas of authentic Spanish food wafting from the alleyways and narrow cobbled streets that are lined with  Madrid’s famous tapas bars  and prestigious restaurants. 

Madrid is not only the geographic center of Spain but also the renowned  melting pot  where  Spain’s culinary cultures merge . This is no more evident than in the enormous range of Spanish and international cuisine on offer throughout the capital, and with nearly 10,000 restaurants within the  Madrid region , you’re spoilt for choice!

Spanish Cod Fritters | Easy Tapas Recipe from Andalusia (Tortillitas de Bacalao Andaluzas)

by Byron | Apr 15, 2024 |

Spanish Cod Fritters | Easy Tapas Recipe from Andalusia (Tortillitas de Bacalao Andaluzas) Spanish cod fritters, known as Tortillitas de Bacalao Andaluzas in Spain, are a popular tapas recipe combining codfish, onion, garlic,...

One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples

by Byron | Apr 11, 2024 |

One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples is a delightfully fragrant and flavorsome recipe that oozes decadence. Caramelized onions and apples are gently stewed...

Gambas al Pil Pil Tapas Recipe (Garlic Prawns with Chili)

by Byron | Apr 5, 2024 |

Gambas al Pil Pil Tapas Recipe (Garlic Prawns with Chili) Gambas al Pil Pil (garlic prawns with chili) is a traditional Spanish tapas recipe that is super easy to make and loaded with flavor. Large prawns are cooked in olive oil...

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Holladay Historical Commission Self-guided Preservation Walking Tour

Experience historic Holladay at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour!

The Holladay Historical Commission is designing a unique walking tour experience in honor of Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month. Scan the QR code at each home to read the home’s story. The tour will be available during the month of May.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact  Kim Duffy, Holladay Historical Commission Vice Chair, at  [email protected]

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2 replies to this topic

See Trip reports at ##55 and 56 here for trips with Hillwalk Tours:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k6712685-o50-Ireland_by_Bus_and_Train_Local_Day_Tours_Trip_Reports-Ireland.html

The person who posted those reports now has a different username, which you can access at entry #6 here:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k10874597-Inn_to_inn_hiking_companies-Ireland.html

No doubt others will chime in with different options and personal recommendations.

Molly, if you're planning your trip for this July, you might see where you can get accommodations this late in the game. When you find them, come back and no doubt you'll have suggestions from those in the know.

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