Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth booking?
Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour is a 5.5-hour experience in Madrid, Spain, from $273 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $273 per person
History and architecture will collide in Madrid on this combo tour of the Old City and Royal Palace. This 5.5 hour Exclusive 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.
What you get
About this experience
History and architecture will collide in Madrid on this combo tour of the Old City and Royal Palace. This 5.5 hour Exclusive 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.
What's included
Included
- Professional Guide
- Royal Palace Admission Ticket
- Guided Museum Tour & Walking Tour
Not included
- Hotel Pick -up
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena
We start our tour make with the Almudena Cathedral, a Catholic Church consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. You will also see the Museo de la Catedral de la Almudena, a museum that is part of the church.
10 minutes here
Arab Wall
Next we will visit the Muslim Walls of Madrid, also known as the Arab Walls, located on the road Cuesta de la Vega. The walls are probably the oldest construction surviving in the city, and their construction is linked to the origin of Madrid.
10 minutes here
Calle Mayor
After this we will walk along the Calle Mayor, a centric street in Madrid starting in the Puerta de Sol and ending at the Cuesta de la Vega. Created in the Middle ages, this road became the main thoroughfare of the city in the Early Modern Period.
10 minutes here
Plaza de la Villa
Along the Calle Mayor we will see the Plaza de la Villa we will see the 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 centres of Madrid.
10 minutes here
La Latina
You will then walk through La Latina, a historic neighbourhood in the centre of downtown Madrid. The area occupies much of the oldest section of Madrid and is filled with small narrow streets for you to explore.
10 minutes here
Plaza de los Carros Madrid
Plaza de los Carros is a nice little square with a lovely fountain. Here you can enjoy a nice drink and and take in the buzzing atmosphere.
10 minutes here
Plaza De Puerta Cerrada
Following on you will then see the Plaza de Puerta Cerrada, located in the La Latina neighbourhood of the historic center of the Spanish city of Marid. Built on a medieval Islamic fort, the La Latina neighbourhood is city’s oldest and one of its liveliest.
10 minutes here
Plaza De La Paja
A major marketplace during the 13th and 14th century, Plaza de la Paja is known for its crowed streets pulsing with life. However, one can find small moments of serenity in the most surprising places.
10 minutes here
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 Marid. Well-known historical archway with stairs leading to the prominent, 16th-century Plaza Mayor.
10 minutes here
Puerta del Sol
Getting to 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 centre 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.
10 minutes here
Real Casa de Postas
Following, you will see the Real Casa de Postas, an administrative building, neoclassical in style which was the home to the telegraph service offices of the National Police force until it was bought by Madrid’s Regional Government in 1985.
10 minutes here
Mercado San Miguel
Afterwards you will visit the Mercado San Miguel, located in the heart of the city centre, next to the historic Plaza Mayor. This historic market is not only considered beautiful but is full of food from all around the country.
10 minutes here
Plaza Mayor
We will then head to Plaza Mayor, a grand arcaded square in the centre of Madrid. First build during the Habsburg period of Philipp III’s reign, it was once the centre of old Madrid, and is very popular with locals and tourists alike today.
10 minutes here
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. You will be able to enjoy along the way 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.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Madrid
Meet by the Petrvs Statue (Saint Peter) at Plaza de la Armería, across from the main entrance outside of the Palacio Real de Madrid
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private French Tour 11am
Private Museum Tour & Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
Private English Tour 11am
Private Museum Tour & Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Tour Includes All Entrance Fees;Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break);Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Private Italian Tour 11am
Private Museum Tour & Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR IN ENGLISH
Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour; Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum
Private Spanish Tour 11am
Private Museum Tour & Walking Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Babylon Tours Madrid
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very worthwile due to the excellent guide
David was our guide. He did a great job. He told lots of stories, showed a lot of pictures - in one word: he made the tour very interesting for us. Thank you David!!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent history walking tour of Old City
This was an excellent tour! Our guide, Isabella, spoke excellent English &, knew so much history of the palace & royal family... but presented it in such an interesting way... not boring at all! She recommended places to eat, and when we returned to do so, we were not disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with an amazing guide
José M. was an energetic, attentive, and very knowledgeable guide. He had a great personality and speaks excellent English…by far the best of any guide I’ve had in recent memory. Put your walking shoes and prepare to get some exercise and fresh air. The skip the line aspect of the tour for the Old Palace was amazing. It likely saved us an hour of wait time. Jose methodically took us from room to room explaining all the fine details. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
A Great Day
Tour guide David was the best. He had so much knowledge and he made certain that we saw everything with a great explanation.
via Viator
Great!
Leticia was amazing! Very informative & knowledgeable, best tour guide! She was super friendly and definitely recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $273 to $1,074
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Babylon Tours Madrid, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.3.
See everything Babylon Tours Madrid runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Madrid.
How much does Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $273 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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 5.5 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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Around 4 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?
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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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Included: Professional Guide; Royal Palace Admission Ticket; and Guided Museum Tour & Walking Tour. Not included: Hotel Pick -up; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Meet by the Petrvs Statue (Saint Peter) at Plaza de la Armería, across from the main entrance outside of the Palacio Real de Madrid Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English, Italian, French 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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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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.
Is Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Royal Palace + Old City Madrid Exclusive Guided Walking Tour?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Private French Tour 11am, Private English Tour 11am, Private Italian Tour 11am, SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR IN ENGLISH. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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