Madrid Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

3 days in Madrid will ensure you have enough time to see the essential sites (Calle mayor, Plaza Mayor, the Gran Via), go off the beaten path (Lavapies & Paseo de la Castellana), and relax with a savory cocido madrileño and a Madrid sunset. Need some travel inspiration? Here are some tours to consider for each day; 

Day 1: Experience Madrid’s Arts, History & Culture - From the Prado Museum to a vintage bike tour of the city’s most iconic monuments, these history and culture themed tours are packed with breathtaking scenery.　

Day 2: The Highlights of The City, Madrid At A Glance - Need to hit all of Madrid’s greatest sites in one day? Check out one of these highlights tours that covers the most notable sites within the city, with a local guide leading the way. 

Day 3: Madrid's Cuisine Highlights & Rest - Ready for the greatest highlight of Madrid? It’s the food! From tapas hotspots to gastronomy taverns, food tours in Madrid are filled with memorable tastes and a few lessons on the city’s growing cuisine culture. Then, end your day with a slow walk along Madrid’s streets as you soak in the trip of a lifetime.

• Puerta del Sol - Start at the very center of Madrid—Puerta del Sol. Snap a photo at the "Kilometer Zero" plaque, marking the starting point of Spain's road network, and say hello to the iconic Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, a beloved symbol of Madrid.
• Plaza Mayor - Just a short walk from Puerta del Sol, you’ll find Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafés, order a "bocadillo de calamares" (calamari sandwich), and soak in the lively atmosphere as street performers entertain you.
• Tapas in La Latina - Your visit isn’t complete without indulging in some tapas. La Latina is the place to be for a tapas crawl. Hop from bar to bar, sampling delicious bites like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and tortilla española, paired with a refreshing glass of sangria or tinto de verano.
• El Rastro Flea Market - If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, the city’s famous flea market. Wander through the stalls selling everything from antiques to quirky souvenirs.

Absolutely! Thanks to the compact city center, well-connected public transport within and around the city, green spaces, and walker friendly zones (pedestrian centered Grand via), you can tour Madrid on your feet (or a bike if that’s your style!). 

Generally, for lower crowds and better touring opportunities, November to March is the best timeframe, while May to July has the best weather, but significantly larger crowds, as well as September to October. 

July to August are the hottest months, so most Madrid citizens are seeking relief from the 40°C weather.

Yes! As a city that receives over 5 million tourists yearly, Madrid is made to be explored. From the historical and cultural centers, to the enthusiastic locals ready to share their love of Spanish cuisine, to the navigable transport system, you will feel very welcome here.

Dos 

• Looking forward to the siesta: Though not observed by everybody in the city, taking a midday break (2-5PM), especially during the hotter months of June to August, is a great way to embrace slower living, After all, you're on vacation! 
• Drinking tap water - Tap water in Madrid is safe to drink, so carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated! 

Don’ts 

• Showing up to dinner early - In Spain, generally expect to show up to dinner a little late. Most evening meals start at around 9pm, so don’t freak out if you’re waiting for a bit. You can always sample some tasty tapas as you wait. 
• Sticking to the path well traveled - Though the major sites of Madrid are worth exploring, it would be a shame to stick to only popular sites. Try a tour that features Madrid’s hidden gems or ‘off the beaten path’ sites with local for a full experience.

This depends on the kind of adventure you want to have, so here are some elements from each city to consider; 

Barcelona 

• The ultimate travel hub for architecture lovers - Here you’ll see sites like La Sagrada Família, Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, Park Güell, another Gaudí creation with colorful mosaics and stunning views and Casa Batlló and Casa Milà which are unique modernist buildings by Gaudí.
• A perfect getaway for sand and sea lovers - What’s better than a vibrant city? A vibrant cit with a beach! Barceloneta Beach lets you enjoy the sun, sand, and sea and Port Vell is a lively waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and an aquarium.

Madrid

• The heart of Spain, bursting with culture & history - Come see where Spain’s roots start, with sites like the Royal Palace, one of Europe's largest palaces, showcasing stunning architecture and lavish rooms. You can also check out the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco as well as iconic squares like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.
• A city known for the food and street scene - Looking to live and eat like a local? Madrid features a lively tapas culture, where you can enjoy hopping from bar to bar in areas like La Latina. Likewise, you can hang out in lively neighborhoods like Chueca and Malasaña with a local. 

Each city has much to offer, so it's a tough decision, but we say, why not try them both! By train, Barcelona to Madrid takes 2hrs 40 min, and by plane, it’s 1hr 30 min.