BOOKINGS FOR THE “ESSENTIAL MADRID: THE AUSTRIAS” TOUR – 10:45 AM & 5:00 PM: HERE.
Madrid is a city where there’s always something new to discover and historic places waiting to be uncovered. You can set off on your own adventure with a guidebook in hand — or even better, go with someone who can show you the city’s true highlights.
The best way to do it is with our friends at Tour & Friends, specialists in creating truly authentic, high-quality cultural experiences in Madrid through their Free Tours. Their mission is to share the culture of this incredible city through activities that combine creativity, fun, and the fascinating history that defines Madrid.
And honestly, it makes a difference. Because Madrid isn’t just about taking a picture in Plaza Mayor and moving on. Madrid is a mix of curious stories, kings making pretty questionable decisions, and streets where something is always happening.
This is the perfect place to start. Read on to discover everything we offer in this Free Tour, where you’ll get to know a bit of Madrid’s history in an entertaining and engaging way.
Short on time but don’t want to miss the essentials of Madrid? Then this is the perfect tour for you.
MEETING POINT: Plaza Mayor
HOW TO IDENTIFY US: you’ll find the guides with a microphone and a black umbrella featuring the Tour & Friends logo and official credentials. Don’t get confused with the other tours around there — there are plenty, but this is the one actually worth doing.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT: like many walking tours across Europe, this is a pay-what-you-want walking tour (free tour). We call it “free” because you’re free to decide how much to pay at the end of the experience. That means there’s no upfront payment — you simply tip the guide whatever you feel is fair once the tour finishes to show your appreciation.
BOOKINGS FOR THE “ESSENTIAL MADRID: THE AUSTRIAS” TOUR at 10:45 AM and 5:00 PM: HERE.
This tour dives straight into the adventure of Madrid’s fascinating history and the Habsburg dynasty, which built one of the most powerful empires in history. You’ll discover the origins of this incredible city as we walk through the beautiful streets of the old town.
The adventure begins in Plaza Mayor, and from there you’ll step into the oldest side of Madrid. You’ll uncover the medieval gates, Al-Andalus, the Reconquista, and how a small town eventually became the wonderfully chaotic city we know today.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories and curiosities you’ve probably never even thought about before. Like why Madrid’s coat of arms features a bear and a strawberry tree, the story behind Puerta Cerrada, or why, if Madrid supposedly means “source of water”, it barely seems to rain here at all.
You’ll also learn about the origins of some of the city’s best traditions: the famous tapas, historic taverns, vermouth on tap, the streets of Cava Baja, and even the oldest restaurant in the world.
And of course, the tour ends near the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, where Madrid once again proves that doing things modestly has never really been its style.
On top of that, we’ll reveal some of the most entertaining and surprising secrets about Spain’s most famous historical figures, along with the mysteries hidden behind some of Madrid’s most iconic buildings.
But wait! Tour & Friends know you’re here to have fun, eat amazing food, and make the most out of your time in Madrid. That’s why they’ll also give you all kinds of top recommendations, from the best restaurants to try traditional Madrid dishes, to free visits to the city’s main museums, the coolest neighborhoods to explore, and plenty more.
And if you want to get ahead and discover even more before the tour, you can check out our bastard blog, where we share curiosities, hidden spots, bars, and plenty of other secrets you’ll love uncovering.
TOUR ROUTE:
TOUR DAYS: every day.
MEETING POINT: Plaza Mayor
SCHEDULE: 10:45 AM and 5:00 PM
Now all that’s left is to head to the meeting point, get your walking shoes ready, sharpen your listening skills, and set off on the adventure. Don’t forget to have fun and capture those moments you’ll want to remember later.
And afterwards, you already know the plan: crash at Bastardo Hostel, your favorite hotel in the center of Madrid, where your perfect room is waiting after a proper Madrid night out. We’re just a few minutes from the end of the tour and, like any good Madrid spot, there’s always something going on here.
Concerts, exhibitions, DJs, workshops, people from all over the world, and spontaneous plans that somehow end with bars closing around you. Pretty normal stuff in this city.
And of course, if the tour leaves you hungry or in the mood for a drink, you can stop by Limbo, our bar & grill, where cold beers, vermouth, and a good atmosphere are pretty much guaranteed.
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