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Madrid in a Day Tour: Royal Palace, Historic Center & Prado Museum

4.8(916 reviews)Madrid, Spain
4hDurationEnglishOffered inMobile ticketTicketNot includedPickupModerateLevel

About this experience

This walking tour of Madrid includes visits to the Royal Palace, the historic center, and the Prado Museum. Participants will receive skip-the-line tickets for both the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum. An optional early access ticket for the Prado Museum allows guests to enter one hour before the museum opens to the public, providing a guided tour of the galleries. The tour is led by a local guide who will share insights about the city's history and culture. The group size is limited to 16 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience. It is suitable for those interested in art and history but may not be ideal for individuals seeking a fast-paced or large group experience.

Itinerary

1

Museo Nacional del Prado

Your tour starts when you skip the line and enter the Prado art museum, home to one of the greatest collections of European art in the world. Breeze past the crowds and head straight inside to enjoy a full tour of the museum’s highlights. Along the way, you'll meet the masters who have defined Spanish art throughout the centuries, from the court painters of the Spanish Royal Family to legendary artists like Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Bosch, Tintoretto and more. Your guide will tell you the stories behind the art and help you understand what makes each piece so celebrated—which just isn't possible to do on your own in a museum boasting over 1,000 pieces on display! If you wish, choose the Prado Early Access option for a VIP experience in the Prado Museum where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the galleries one hour before they open to the public.

2

Plaza Mayor

Leaving the museum, you’ll walk the medieval streets of central Madrid, stopping at famous landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol as your guide tells your story of how the city went from an outpost of a crumbling Moorish empire to the preeminent Catholic power in Europe. And while there's plenty of history to be found in these streets, today the area is one of the city's coolest neighborhoods. You'll also learn how to make the most of it during the rest of your stay as your guide shares tips on where to eat, shop, and relax.

3

Puerta del Sol

Sightseeing & photo stop.

4

Royal Palace of Madrid

Stroll towards the heart-stopping Royal Palace, where you'll enter with skip-the-line tickets to explore an incredible collection of paintings and textiles in each room. On your guided visit of the world's largest in-use royal palace, you'll see the palace's impressive chapel, the king's and queen's dressing rooms, the throne room—where bureaucrats are still received by the king and queen today—and more. You'll also hear the story of Madrid's most famous "mayor", King Carlos III, who was instrumental in shaping the modern city you've gotten to know throughout the day.

What's included / not included

Local English-speaking guidePlaza MayorSkip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Prado MuseumPuerta del SolLiterary QuarterOpera House (outside)VIP early access ticket to Prado Museum (if option selected)Skip-the-line tickets and guided tour of Madrid Royal Palace
Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-OffGratuities

Additional information

Accessibility and comfort

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Good to know

  • This tour is in English.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.

Traveller reviews

4.8916 reviews

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