Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour
Madrid, Spain

Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour

Outty Ranking 69 4.8 · 46 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $89
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 46 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour worth booking?

Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Madrid, Spain, from $89 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 46 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (46)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$89 per person

Ready to experience a side of Madrid like a local, with a local? This is a tour, unlike any other! If you want to take a step away from the touristy path, there's no better way than by diving into the city's alternative side. Welcome to Chueca! If you're done with the main highlights, why not step away and take a less-traveled path that will show you an unexpected side of Madrid? Follow a local guide on a private tour full of surprises and check out Mercado San Anton, Plaza del dos de Mayo, and more that let the true form of the city shine! Withlocals Off the Beaten Track Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

What you get

    About this experience

    Ready to experience a side of Madrid like a local, with a local? This is a tour, unlike any other! If you want to take a step away from the touristy path, there's no better way than by diving into the city's alternative side. Welcome to Chueca! If you're done with the main highlights, why not step away and take a less-traveled path that will show you an unexpected side of Madrid? Follow a local guide on a private tour full of surprises and check out Mercado San Anton, Plaza del dos de Mayo, and more that let the true form of the city shine! Withlocals Off the Beaten Track Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tips and tricks about the local way and information on Covid-19 regulations from our local guide
    • CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset
    • Your local host will reach you to make sure all precautionary measures are taken
    • Local guide
    • Private tour
    • Due to post Covid-19 policy this tour has a limited amount of participants
    • Private experience only for you and your family/friends with social distance involved

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Extra drinks and snacks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mercado De San Anton

      Mercado de San Antón is a traditional market combined with a restaurant-terrace and a multifunctional space.

      30 minutes here

    2. Plaza del Dos de Mayo

      The lively Plaza del Dos de Mayo is undoubtedly the heart of the Malasaña neighbourhood.

      30 minutes here

    3. Plaza de Chueca

      Depending on your host and their chosen route for the tour, this stop might also be included in your route.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Madrid

    Cervecería Santa Bárbara

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Cervecería Santa Bárbara

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Withlocals

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Post Covid-19 regulations are applied to this product with regards to the number of participants, delivery methods of the tour and content of the tour.

    Photos

    Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 2Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 3Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 4Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 5Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 6Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 46 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    46 verified traveler reviews for Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    43
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    davidwF914PS · January 2025

    With Locals

    Great couple of hours with Beatriz. Walking dictionary of Spanish history. Love learning about the Islamic component of Spanish culture. She is a better teacher than we are students. Will try to finish all the homework she set - lots more little places to explore in Madrid before we head home.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jaime_M · December 2024

    Knowledgeable and...

    Knowledgeable and friendly guide, we enjoyed our time !! The guide was personable and we learned a lot !!

    via Viator

    JStravel1920 · November 2024

    Terrific city tour with wonderful guide

    Elena was fantastic and really connected with our group of 6 first time Madrid visitors. She really took at lot of time to get to know us and our preferences, and to design a tour to fit our entire group. We loved the art & architecture focus and really appreciated some special "insider" surprises she provided. We're so glad to have a new best friend in Madrid. Highly recommended!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Barbara_R · November 2024

    Local guide did not show up

    I gave this tour one star-Not because the tour guide was bad- but the experience of getting on the tour was not up to what we used to on tours booked through Viator. We walked to the meeting place with our friends who had booked the same tour. Nobody from the tour company showed up until almost 10 minutes past the starting time. When the tour guide, Martel(sp?) arrived,he apologized for being late. He only had our friends’ names and not ours. He explained that we had booked private tours, so we each would have our own tour guide. However, our tour guide was not there. After I messaged through Viator, I received a phone 15 minutes after the tour was supposed to start from the tour company, Withlocals, advising me that our tour guide had an emergency and was not going to show up. They offered a refund (which we took) or rescheduling for the next day. I can’t help, but wonder if we would’ve been notified at all of the cancelled tour if we hadn’t reached out first. This is the first tour we have taken where the local tour guide did not contact us before the tour started. That should’ve been a warning sign. The tour guide that had been assigned to our friends kindly offered to allow us to go with them, which we did. While off to a very bad start, the tour accomplished what we had wanted-A glimpse into Madrid from a local’s point of view. The guide was personable and knowledgeable. While we won’t hesitate to book through Viator again-I cannot recommend the local tour company, Withlocals because of their poor communication and service.

    Response from the operator: Dear guest, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We deeply apologize for the confusion and lack of communication you faced before and during the tour. We understand how frustrating it must have been to arrive and not have your tour guide present, and we sincerely regret that we didn’t notify you sooner about the cancellation. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we’re taking immediate steps to improve our communication procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future. We’re glad to hear that despite the rough start, you were able to enjoy the tour with your friends and that the guide was knowledgeable and personable. We appreciate your understanding and hope to have the chance to provide a better experience in the future. Best regards, Withlocals team

    via Viator

    eelsongs56 · September 2024

    Informative + Engaging tour, recommended.

    Excellent tour from a friendly and engaging guide. Clearly Beatriz is an expert on the history of Madrid, and is well acquainted with Spanish and European history. We toured many sites and viewpoints. I had already visited One or two, and she expertly modified our route in the moment. She offered some recommendations for eating. Highly recommended.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $89 to $155
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    16
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Withlocals, who run 170 experiences we rank across 55 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.4.

    See everything Withlocals runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)69
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)66
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Madrid.

    How much does Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Madrid usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Madrid is not rushed.

    Is Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 46 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Madrid, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Madrid can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Madrid and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Madrid within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Madrid?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Madrid experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Madrid Essential: Historic Center, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace, Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park, Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Madrid?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Madrid?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Included: Tips and tricks about the local way and information on Covid-19 regulations from our local; CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset; Your local host will reach you to make sure all precautionary measures are taken; Local guide; and Private tour. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Extra drinks and snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Cervecería Santa Bárbara Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Madrid. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Private City Tour?

    +

    Across 46 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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