Discover the best things to see and do in Madrid on a self-guided or guided walking tour. Explore historic landmarks, sample delicious tapas, and wine, and soak up the vibrant culture of this amazing city.
Top Sights and Attractions to Explore on Foot
Madrid is a vibrant city that offers an endless variety of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in art, history, architecture, or just soaking up the local culture, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Madrid.
One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot, either with a self-guided walking tour or a guided tour. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top sights and attractions in Madrid that you can explore on foot, and discuss the benefits of each type of tour.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
If you prefer to explore on your own, a self-guided walking tour in Madrid can be a great option.
One of the benefits of a self-guided tour is that you can set your own pace and take as much time as you like at each attraction. Additionally, self-guided tours are often free or much less expensive than guided tours.
One popular route for a self-guided tour of Madrid is the Madrid de los Austrias or Habsburg Madrid. This area of the city is characterized by its historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming squares. Start your tour at the Plaza Mayor, which is one of the most famous squares in Madrid.
From there, make your way to the nearby Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample some of the city’s famous tapas.
Continue by exploring the nearby streets, which are lined with historic buildings, the stunning Almudena Cathedral, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. Visit the Plaza de la Villa, which features the oldest surviving buildings in Madrid, Casa de la Villa, and the Torre de los Lujanes.
Another must-see attraction in Madrid is the Prado Museum, which is home to one of the world’s largest collections of European art.
Some of the highlights of the museum include works by Spanish artists like Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, as well as masterpieces by other European artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens.
Guided Walking Tour
If you prefer to have a knowledgeable guide show you around the city, a guided walking tour can be a great option. One of the benefits of a guided tour is that you’ll have access to a local expert who can provide you with insider knowledge and interesting anecdotes about the city.
Guided tours are often more structured than self-guided tours, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost or missing any important sights.
One popular guided walking tour in Madrid is the Tapas and Wine Tour. This tour takes you through some of the city’s best tapas bars and wine cellars, where you can sample a variety of delicious food and drinks while learning about the history and culture of Madrid.
Another great guided tour is the Madrid Highlights Tour, which takes you through some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Prado Museum.
This tour also includes a visit to Retiro Park, which is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.
Madrid free walking tours
In recent years, a new and exciting way of exploring cities has gained immense popularity, and it’s here to stay. Many large cities offer free walking tours that provide an affordable and interesting way to discover the city.
We would like to introduce you to OgoTours, a company that offers free walking tours of the Old Town in Madrid. With OgoTours, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of Madrid and experience the city like a true local with their knowledgeable guides.
During the 2.5-hour tour, you’ll walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, exploring sites rich with history and culture.
The OgoTours’ experienced guides will share interesting facts and stories that will give you a unique perspective on the city. After the tour, the guides are available to answer any questions you may have and provide recommendations for the best places to eat, shop, and more.
Despite being a small family-owned business, OgoTours has quickly become one of the top-rated tour companies in Madrid. Their tours come highly recommended by travel blogs and websites, and they have received six consecutive Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor.
Tour spots Madrid free walking tour by OgoTours:
- Plaza Mayor
- Puerta del Sol
- Hundred-year-old businesses
- Town Square
- The Bakery House
- Calle Mayor
- The Royal Theatre
- San Miguel Market
- The oldest restaurant in the world
- Almudena Cathedral
- The Royal Palace
- Plaza de Oriente
Whether you choose a self-guided walking tour or a guided tour, exploring Madrid on foot is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With so many amazing sights and attractions to see, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Madrid.
So put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover all that this amazing city has to offer!