Free Tour Madrid: Essentials, Austrias & Old Town

The Madrid of the Austrias is an important chapter in the history of the Spanish capital. This part of the city is one of the most emblematic and touristic areas, full of unparalleled architectural beauty. On this tour you will learn how the Habsburg dynasty gave this air to the city. 

You will meet your guide at Puerta del Sol, next to the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree. It is the most famous square in Madrid and you will immediately begin to learn about the history of its buildings, statues and balconies. Will you be able to find the figure of a sun engraved on the ground? In addition, you will stop right at the Kilometer Zero of the city and you will know what it means. 

Then, you'll walk down Calle Mayor to Calle de la Sal and you'll be told stories of merchants, just before arriving at Plaza Mayor, one of the most outstanding sites of Madrid de los Austrias. In this square square there are too many curiosities and history: the Casa de la Panadería, the Arco de Cuchilleros, the Casa de la Carnicería, the statue of Felipe III and much more!

You will walk past Casa Botin, the oldest store in Madrid and you will be attracted by the aroma of its dishes if you pass by at lunchtime. Further on, you will see the Mercado de San Miguel, beautiful for its iron architecture and much visited by tourists. 

The Free Tour Madrid de los Austrias will continue to the Plaza de la Villa, where the old town hall used to be and where three curious streets originate: El Codo, Cordón and Madrid. Nearby, you will also see the oldest pharmacy in the city and the statue of the Curious Neighbor - the stories of Hapsburg Madrid are fascinating!

Then, you will be able to see vestiges of the Arab Wall of Madrid. A good time to imagine the walled city and learn more about its origins. The road will take you to the Almudena Cathedral, where the patron saint of Madrid is located. You will see that it is a neoclassical church and you will learn why it did not reach a gothic style. Just in front, you can admire the Royal Palace. Did you know it is the largest in Western Europe?

Before ending the tour, you will walk through the Plaza del Oriente, among statues and curiosities, until you reach the Teatro Real (The Opera House), an important enclosure in the city with a curious shape that will surprise you. 

After 2.5 hours you will be fascinated to have toured the most incredible areas of Madrid de los Austrias, and then continue walking at your own pace through the city. 

Free Tour: you choose the price

A free tour is a guided walking experience through the most emblematic places of the city, without paying a fixed price. At the end, participants decide how much to give the guide according to their satisfaction and budget, with a suggested tip of 10€-15€ per person. 

The free tours are led by professional guides passionate about sharing the history and culture of Madrid, who enjoy making each tour a unique and fun experience.

• The use of comfortable shoes and clothes is recommended. The entire tour is done on foot.