15 best guided tours in Madrid on a budget
Most often, Russians come to Spain to relax in seaside resorts. But it's just a sin to visit the country and not see its capital. Excursions in Madrid in Russian will allow you to get acquainted with all the sights of this beautiful city.
Madrid as it is
This tour lasts approximately 3 hours. You will visit the most famous palaces and temples, but you will come to them along the quiet streets that the locals prefer. You will find out where the expression “secrets of the Madrid Palace” came from, you will be able to tell your friends about the strawberry tree, which is considered the main symbol of Madrid. You will also discover a small and modest cafe serving the best hot chocolate in town. And you will find out in which places it is worth ordering aperitifs, without which the Spaniards cannot imagine themselves.
Of course you can try both. After this tour, you will know that Madrid consider the Cathedral of Almudena to be the ugliest building in the capital, and you will understand why this opinion has developed. And, of course, the guide's story includes numerous legends. In short, you will get a much deeper understanding of Madrid than those tourists who are content with guidebooks and standard excursions.
From heaven to earth Madrid
This tour will begin with the fact that you will go up to the observation deck of the Moncloa Lighthouse TV tower. While tourists admire the stunning panorama of the city, the guide will tell you the most facts and legends about the capital of Spain. The group will then take the metro to the historic center of Madrid. Here you can take pictures of the most famous sights – the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, railway stations, cathedrals, squares.
The guide will tell you a lot of details about the architecture of the city, the traditions of local residents and the rulers of the country. Beautiful old Madrid, but modern no worse. The group will pass along Gran Via – the street, which is a real tourist “Mecca”. You will see the 2 main squares of the city – Neptune and Sibelis, where festive events are regularly held. You will also walk along the secluded streets of Madrid, which have preserved the national flavor.
Prado Museum – the Spanish kingdom “in the faces”
It is difficult to explore the Prado Museum on your own – it is huge, and you can miss a lot of interesting things. The guide, who knows the countless halls like the back of his hand, will not let you get lost and introduce you to the most outstanding works of artists. Basically, the expositions were formed from paintings that were previously in the royal collections. Therefore, there are many portraits of royalty and their entourage here. But, of course, each artist had his own style of writing.
So, the famous Diego Velasquez emphasized the high position of his models, paid much attention to the image of luxurious materials and numerous jewelry. Francisco Goya, on the contrary, showed queens and kings as ordinary people, did not hide their age, it is easy to guess the nature of his models from his portraits. The canvases of El Greco and other masters are also presented here. The cost of visiting the museum is not included in the price of the tour, but you can arrange to visit this museum during such hours when admission is free.
Madrid is another story
Whatever is written in the textbooks, the history of the capital of Spain cannot be unambiguously interpreted. This is one of the oldest settlement centers in Europe, and, of course, during the wars and other historical vicissitudes, many sources and documents were lost. Therefore, information regarding each attraction is contradictory. The guide will tell you about the most interesting versions. As a result, you will look at the historical center of the capital of Spain with different eyes.
You will see the buildings that were erected during the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, you will learn that the Place Mayor was intended not only for royal parades. Hear a detailed story about the origin of the symbol of Madrid, and get an answer to the question – did bears live in the vicinity of the Spanish capital. In a word, the history of the ancient city will open to you from an unexpected side. To make your trip to Madrid not too tiring, you will sit in a bar and taste a delicious liquor.
Perfect day in Madrid
After you have seen the main sights of the capital, it is worth visiting this excursion. Live “from and to” the day of a real Madrid. You will visit the central streets of the city, you will be able to see the main events taking place that day in Madrid. Walk through the areas where the atmosphere of the city is best felt.
Here you can look into the bars, admire the bright graffiti made by professional artists. Taste the favorite drinks of the townspeople – tapas and cani. Take a look at the market, where you can buy both food and souvenirs, and taste local wine. And even visit a small museum that tells about the history of Madrid.
Madrid with the taste of beans and squid
Of course, you should try the most favorite dishes and drinks of the locals. Most often, tourists eat in some standard cafes with international cuisine. But the guide will show you such places that gourmets and just lovers of delicious food will appreciate. Let's make a reservation right away – dishes are not included in the cost of the excursion, they are paid additionally. Usually the minimum price tag per person starts from 30 euros. First you will go to a bar where they serve delicious squid sandwiches. Then you will proceed to the market, where you can enjoy local cuisine and taste young wines.
The guide will invite you to a restaurant serving the best vermouth in the capital, which Hemingway himself would not refuse, who preferred this drink to everything else. The gastronomic tour will be accompanied by a story about the specialties of the Madrid cuisine. You will taste beef with meat and beans, stuffed olives, tender snails. Visit those cafes that are preferred by the locals, and in each of them you will try the best. Tourists have never heard of most of these cozy places. In a word, thanks to the tour, you will discover a lot of new things.
Express Madrid
This is your option if you came to the capital for a short time, but, nevertheless, want to get to know her. Thanks to the information received from the guide, you will learn how to navigate the city, visit its most interesting places, learn a lot of historical facts, get acquainted with the traditions of the local population. The tour will start in the center. Sitting in a cafe, you will discuss the upcoming route with your guide and find out what are the rules of conduct in the capital of Spain. Then you will explore the neighborhoods of Malasaña and Las Letras, which are distinguished by their characteristic picturesque flavor.
You will visit the main square of the Spanish capital and, slowly, walk through the streets, the past of which is measured in centuries. The guide will talk about how the Spaniards themselves spend their time in Madrid – you will look at the green courtyards, balconies entwined with flowers, small shops – for locals, not for tourists. The tour can end in the evening with dinner in a cafe where you will taste national dishes, such as tortilla or special squid stew. And you can walk all night to see the city lit up with lights, sit in its clubs.
Masterpieces of the Prado – the life and fate of Spanish artists
Every visitor to the city should visit this museum. Here are the canvases of the great Spanish artists – Velazquez, El Greco, Goya and many others. The creative path of each of them is inextricably linked with the history of their native country. The museum was opened according to the order of Napoleon's brother Joseph. Since then, it has been one of the treasures of the arts. She makes a huge impression on the audience.
Each collection is lovingly selected. In addition to the Spanish masters, here, of course, the works of painters from around the world are exhibited. The guide will tell you about the fate of the artists, about the history of the creation of paintings, and introduce them to their hidden symbols. Such an excursion will be especially useful for those who are engaged in art themselves. A ticket to the museum costs 15 euros, discounts for pensioners, children are free.
First encounter with Madrid
The journey will last 4 hours. You will get acquainted with various aspects of life in the Spanish capital. Accompanied by a guide, you will walk around the capital, visit both its historical center and modern areas, visit shops and bars, parks and temples, and even climb some of the roofs. At the same time, the guide will take into account your specific wishes and change the route so that you can see what you have long dreamed of seeing.
You can take a look at the capital from the observation deck and take wonderful pictures, see both democratic youth and elite areas, if you wish, visit the most significant museums. And relax after a long excursion in one of the best bars in the city. Entrance fees to museums and viewing platforms are not included in the price of the tour.
See the city through the eyes of its inhabitants
During this tour you will walk from the city gates to the beautiful Puerta del Sol. During the walk, you will hear from the guide a story about literally every house, learn about the “good” and “bad” places in Madrid, be surprised at the number of secrets and legends associated with the city. Also, the guide will tell you about the lifestyle of the Spaniards, what habits and even oddities they have.
You will learn how the monument to Lucifer was erected, laugh at how football fans behave, get comprehensive information about what purchases, where to do it. Of course, you will also see the most famous objects of the city, but in general, the capital will appear before you as it is known and appreciated by the citizens.
Seven secrets of Madrid
Do you want to turn your trip to Madrid into something very special? Then feel free to choose this tour. You need to live in the city for many years to understand: there is its front, front side, and there is a secret, which few people know about. And the secrets of this secret side are countless. Why not highlight 7 main ones? You will see a truly magical clock in which figures move, taste the most delicious national dishes, solve the riddle of royal statues… And much, much more.
In a word, you are waiting for the real “secrets of the Madrid court.” After that, Madrid will no longer seem like an “official city” to you, but will turn into a place of wonders and discoveries. The price of the tour includes everything except the cost of food and drinks.
The main people – who made the city what it is
Who made Madrid what it is? After all, once it was a small provincial town. Glory to him was brought by kings and politicians, artists, poets, singers. The journey will start from the Plaza Mayor, which appeared under the founder of Madrid – King Philip II. At that time, the Inquisition flourished here, and heretics were persecuted. Years later, Philip the Fourth changed the very spirit of the city, making it the center where artists gathered. Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega made Spain famous all over the world. The guide will tell you about palaces and monuments, squares and fountains, temples and parks.
You will plunge into the centuries-old history of Madrid and learn the names of those to whom it owes its prosperity. For example, Charles the Third came to power when the townspeople lived in modest clay houses, and by the end of his reign, the buildings were made of stone and marble. You will learn how the ruling dynasties succeeded each other. Moreover, the guide will build a story in such a way that you will not drown in a waterfall of names, dates, facts. Living people will appear before you, with their ambitious ambitions, dreams and plans, many of which have not come true. The capital of Spain is not only buildings, it is, first of all, people. Here we will talk about them.
On non-tourist trails
To see all the most interesting things in Madrid, you have to walk a lot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and in hot weather, hats and sunglasses. This tour is divided into 2 parts. Starting from the Puerta del Sol, you will first see the main sights of the city. These are the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España, Sabbatini Gardens and much more. Then stop for a bite to eat, and after that you will plunge into the atmosphere of a very different Madrid. It is unlikely that most tourists suspect that such places exist here at all.
And some, on the contrary, heard about them, but they were convinced that these places have a bad reputation, and it's better not to go here at all. Let's risk it? You will stand on the Bridge of Suicides, walk along the Avenue of Roses, see the temple, the dome of which was painted by the famous Francisco Goya, look at the places of military glory during the Civil War, enter a wonderful picturesque, but now neglected park. After that, Madrid will seem to you an unusually romantic and mysterious city.
Madrid for one
You do not like to walk in a group of tourists? Do you want the guide to devote time exclusively to you, and show you exactly what you want to see? There is nothing easier. Having booked this tour, you will meet your guide in a cafe where you can discuss the route ahead over a cup of coffee or a glass of sherry. You can listen to the recommendations of a person who knows Madrid very well, but if you want to see certain sights, the guide will show you exactly them. The choice of routes is rich. You can walk through historical places, where there are so many different palaces, museums, churches, monuments. Or you can prefer the picturesque streets, see how the Spaniards live, go to their favorite cafes and bars.
Interested in shopping? So you go shopping. Everything you want is here. From huge modern malls to small vintage shops. For those who are interested in culture, the guide will offer a trip to museums, tell a lot of interesting facts about artists and poets. And finally, Madrid at night. Bars, clubs, national drinks, incendiary dances. If desired, the tour will last until the morning, and end in one of the most popular clubs.
Rooftop walk in Madrid
Perhaps the most original tour. You will not find another offer like this. To see Madrid from a height, to be “side by side” with the hot southern sky… The guide will offer you a route that will depend on the composition of the group. If you are physically fit, the rooftop journey can take several hours. And the elderly, who find it difficult to climb up, will be shown only the most interesting. Of course, you will learn the history of those ancient buildings that you will visit. And from a height you will see unforgettable panoramas of the city, and you will be able to take wonderful photos.
And it’s more convenient to talk about Madrid itself when it literally lies at your feet. Keep in mind that many of Madrid's rooftops are by no means deserted. There are bars, winter gardens, in summer you can even visit the rooftop pool. And one of the places is the “highlight” of your guide. No one but him will bring the group here. And no one else will see the capital of Spain from this angle. The tour can be conducted both during the day and in the evening. Madrid illuminated by lights is an unforgettable sight! Please note that some rooftops have an entrance fee.
Such is it – the capital of Spain, which will charm each of its guests.