Madrid tours

Things to do in Madrid

Madrid is a city that never really pauses, a place where the streets are alive with laughter and the buzz of its lively residents. Picture yourself meandering through the grand avenues, the aroma of churros and coffee drifting from the busy cafes, or standing in admiration at the Prado Museum's masterpieces. With a local guide at your side, private tours in Madrid become a journey that goes beyond the usual. Whether it's the charm of a walking tour through historic quarters, the culinary pleasures of a food and wine tour, or the advantage of skipping the queues at world-famous attractions, your guide weaves Madrid’s dynamic culture and history into every experience. Let the city's pulse carry you along. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Madrid. Explore Madrid your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Madrid tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Madrid for every interest, including: History tours: Walk Madrid de los Austrias with your guide from Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, hearing court stories along narrow lanes. Add the Egyptian Temple of Debod for a sunset viewpoint tied to 20th‑century history. Museums tours: Hit the Prado for Velázquez, Goya and Bosch highlights, then continue to the Reina Sofía to stand before Picasso’s Guernica. Round out a custom museum tour with the Thyssen or the intimate Sorolla Museum, depending on your interests. Art and Culture tours: Wander the Barrio de las Letras to read writers’ quotes underfoot and pop into independent galleries around Huertas. Balance it with street art in Lavapiés and a reserved seat at a flamenco tablao, or a guided visit to Matadero Madrid. Central neighbourhoods are easy to explore on foot, and the Metro and Cercanías trains make cross‑town travel simple. If you prefer door‑to‑door touring, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Madrid inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Madrid with a private walking tour, exploring its diverse neighborhoods alongside a local guide. Experience the city’s vibrant life and hidden gems that only a resident might share. - La Latina: A lively area perfect for those who love street markets and traditional tapas. Meander through narrow lanes and enjoy local flavors at bustling eateries. Your guide can show you the best spots for an authentic experience. - Malasaña: Known for its alternative vibe, this neighborhood suits cultural tourists and young travelers. Explore its trendy shops, cafes, and street art. Your guide can introduce you to the area’s creative scene. - Salamanca: Ideal for luxury seekers and those interested in high-end shopping. Walk along elegant boulevards lined with designer stores. Your guide can point out the best boutiques and chic cafes. - Lavapiés: Perfect for those seeking cultural diversity and artistic connections. Discover international eateries and vibrant art spaces. Your guide can provide insights into the neighborhood’s multicultural tapestry. - Retiro: Families and nature lovers will enjoy the expansive Retiro Park and nearby attractions. Relax in the green spaces or visit nearby museums. Your guide can suggest the best picnic spots and local cafes. Day trip ideas from Madrid From Madrid, day trips to nearby historic cities are simple, and your tour can zero in on art, food, or architecture so you spend more time seeing and less time figuring things out. Toledo: a hilltop city with a soaring cathedral, two graceful synagogues, and lanes where sword makers still work, so you get a tight mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage, plus river views from the Mirador del Valle; if you like art and craft, El Greco sites and small workshops fit well, and your guide can shape the day around cathedral hours and a quick marzipan stop. Segovia: a Roman aqueduct cuts across the town, the clifftop Alcázar looks out over the plain, and the Gothic cathedral anchors the main square, so this suits you if big landmarks and roast meats are on your list; fast trains make it an easy Madrid day trip, and your tour can include a quiet viewpoint above the aqueduct and time for cochinillo at a classic spot. Ávila: massive stone walls wrap the old town and you can walk the ramparts, with small churches tied to Santa Teresa nearby, so if fortifications and calm streets appeal, this is a clear pick; your guide can choose less busy gates for wall access and add a stop for yemas de Santa Teresa. San Lorenzo de El Escorial: the royal monastery and palace show stark Renaissance style, the library stands out, and the town sits by the Guadarrama foothills, so it works if you want royal history and a bit of nature in one day; your tour can pair the complex with the Silla de Felipe II overlook or a short forest walk and an easy lunch in the town centre. Alcalá de Henares: a UNESCO university city with storks on bell towers, Cervantes’ birthplace, and long arcades lined with tapas bars, so literature fans and casual eaters both find a good rhythm here; courtyards, small museums, and a relaxed tapas crawl fit well, and your guide can pace the route to keep things unhurried. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Madrid most travellers miss.