Madrid Royal Palace and Old City Combo Tour

History and architecture will collide in Madrid on this combo tour of the Old City and Royal Palace. This 5.5 hour private guided combo tour will explore Europe’s largest royal residence as well as the streets and attractions around it. It’s the ideal way to make the most of your time in the Spanish capital.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena - We start our tour with the Almudena Cathedral, a Catholic Church consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. You will also visit the Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena, a museum that is part of the church.

  • Arab Wall - Next, we will visit the Muslim Walls of Madrid, also known as the Arab Walls, located on Cuesta de la Vega. These walls are likely the oldest surviving structures in the city, and their construction is tied to the origins of Madrid.

  • Calle Mayor - After this, we will walk along Calle Mayor, a central street in Madrid that starts at Puerta de Sol and ends at Cuesta de la Vega. Created in the Middle Ages, this road became the main thoroughfare of the city during the Early Modern Period.

  • Plaza de la Villa - Along Calle Mayor, we will see Plaza de la Villa, one of Madrid’s best-preserved monuments. Located in the historical zone next to the Puerta del Sol Gate, it is one of the main medieval centers of Madrid.

  • La Latina - You will then walk through La Latina, a historic neighborhood in the heart of downtown Madrid. The area occupies much of the oldest section of Madrid and is filled with small, narrow streets for you to explore.

  • Plaza de los Carros Madrid - Plaza de los Carros is a charming little square with a lovely fountain. Here you can enjoy a nice drink and take in the buzzing atmosphere.

  • Plaza De Puerta Cerrada - Next, you will see Plaza de Puerta Cerrada, located in the La Latina neighborhood of the historic center of Madrid. Built on a medieval Islamic fort, the La Latina neighborhood is the city’s oldest and one of its liveliest.

  • Plaza de la Paja - A major marketplace during the 13th and 14th centuries, Plaza de la Paja is known for its crowded streets pulsing with life. However, one can find small moments of serenity in the most surprising places. The square is an ideal place to have a drink or bite to eat while admiring beautiful architecture that spans several centuries.

  • Tablao Flamenco Arco de Cuchilleros - Afterwards, you will see the Arco de Cuchilleros, a well-known historical archway with stairs leading to the 16th-century Plaza Mayor, arguably the most famous plaza in Madrid.

  • Puerta del Sol - Nearing the end of our tour, we will visit Puerta del Sol, a bustling square in the center of Madrid and one of the city’s most famous sites. It is the center of the radial network of Spanish roads and also contains the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes and the beginning of a new year.

  • Real Casa de Postas - Next, you will see the Real Casa de Postas, a neoclassical administrative building that housed the telegraph service offices of the National Police force until it was acquired by Madrid’s Regional Government in 1985.

  • Mercado San Miguel - Afterwards, you will visit Mercado San Miguel, located in the heart of the city center, next to the historic Plaza Mayor. This historic market is not only considered beautiful but is also full of food from all around the country.

  • Plaza Mayor - We will then head to Plaza Mayor, a grand arcaded square in the center of Madrid. First built during the Habsburg period of Philip III’s reign, it was once the center of old Madrid and is very popular with locals and tourists alike today.

  • Royal Palace of Madrid - After a break for lunch, since the royal family only uses it for official receptions, the Royal Palace and its over 3000 rooms are open to the public. Your engaging guide will show you the famous main staircase, designed by Sabatini, which includes over 70 steps. You’ll head into the Throne Room and admire the ceiling painted by Tiepolo, and the Hall of Alabarderos, dedicated to the palace guards. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy works by artists such as Goya, Mengs, or Giaquinto, and even take a close look at the symbols of the Spanish monarchy: the crown and the scepter. You will also discover a complete set of stringed instruments made by the legendary Antonio Stradivari. After visiting all of the rooms available to you, you’ll have walked in the footsteps of royalty, experiencing Madrid at its most elegant.

What's Included
  • Royal Palace Admission Ticket
  • Professional Guide
  • Guided Museum Tour & Walking Tour
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Pick -up
  • Gratuities
Additional Information
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: The Palace might be subjected to occasional closures or delayed opening or special event limiting access to our tour. When this occurs, we will provide guests with a reschedule option, or appropriate alternative. There is a link provided to verify beforehand the exceptional closing days online. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ access.
Location
Plaza de la Armería
Meet by the Petrvs Statue (Saint Peter) at Plaza de la Armería, across from the main entrance outside of the Palacio Real de Madrid
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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556selenac
Aug 9, 2024
Great! - Leticia was amazing! Very informative & knowledgeable, best tour guide! She was super friendly and definitely recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
849mariok
Apr 25, 2024
Excellent experience - Jaime Pérez, our guide, did a great job explaining the background of the palace, the significance of the rooms, the intricacies of the paintings. He wa son time, affable and with a sense of humor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goplaces26466410074
Mar 18, 2024
Fantastic Palace Tour - Our tour guide Beatriz made this one of the best tours we experienced while visiting Spain. Her knowledge, expertise and beautiful ability to share Spanish history was unparalleled. I would recommend Beatriz and Babylon tours to anyone looking for an enriching and fulfilling tour experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D8669qlandreak
Oct 7, 2023
Great Tour - Great tour, very lovely and informative guide. Booking was easy and efficient. The communication was awesome. I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
8heidih8
Jul 24, 2023
Perfection! - Our tour Luis David was perfect! 10/10. He had perfect English and could answer any of our questions with ease. The tour was very comprehensive of Palacio Real and Old city Madrid. He was a wealth of knowledge, a Madrid native, and loved his beautiful city rightfully so. The tour was at a moderate comfortable pace. Luis David has a comfortable and open demeanor. Also the customer service was excellent as my tour itinerary had to change. They did everything they could to rearrange the schedule due to a palace closure that was out of their control (and they did not have to do that). Wow… im blown away and will definitely always see if Babylon tours are available in any city that I visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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