Madrid Walking Tour, Spain along Old Streets
Here we are in Madrid, the capital city of Spain, on our 13th day of Road trip through Spain and Portugal. Madrid is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, I found about Madrid that, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in art, history, food, or entertainment, Madrid is sure to captivate and delight you. There are n number of interesting things to do in Madrid.
Madrid Walking Tour
Madrid is a walkable city. There are good number of paid Madrid walks with tour guides and there are some free walks in Madrid too. We chose to self guide ourselves and had a good experience walking in Madrid.
After a lot of planning and brain storming we settled to do a self guided Madrid Walking tour, walking along the streets from Puerta del Sol to Royal Palace Loop. With Madrid Tourist Map it was easy to chalk out a path for ourselves covering the major sight seeing points along the way.
Madrid Spain Travel Guide
What I liked about Madrid is that it has excellent public transportation system and is extremely well connected. We were staying outside the city at Holiday Inn Madrid – Piramide. Commuting was really easy.
Here are some Madrid highlights that we explored.
One of the top tourist attractions in Madrid is the Prado Museum. We could visit the museum which is actually home to an extensive collection of European art from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The amazing collections in the museum include masterpieces from artists like Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. Prado Museum is one of the finest art museums in the world.
Madrid Walking tour
Another mentionable Madrid highlights is the Royal Palace of Madrid. Today this is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Such a magnificent palace; reminded me of the tour of Versailles in Paris. A true testament to Spain’s rich history and cultural heritage, I was glad I could include it in my itinerary of Madrid walks.
Talk of food, Madrid is well known for its delicious cuisine. You get traditional Spanish dishes, such as paella, and also the more contemporary cuisine. You are sure to find something to suit your taste buds in Madrid. Some of the best places to eat in Madrid include Mercado de San Miguel, which is a historic food market, and Casa Mono, which serves delicious Spanish tapas.
For solo travellers and couples the vibrant nightlife of Madrid is worth experiencing. Madrid is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Whether you are looking for a night out with friends, a romantic evening, or just a good time, Madrid has something to offer. Some of the best bars in Madrid include El Sur, which serves up classic cocktails, and Cafe de Oriente, which offers stunning views of the city.
For a more relaxed experience, explore the beautiful parks and gardens of Madrid. Enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, or just relax in the sunshine, Madrid’s parks are the perfect place to do so. Some of the best parks in Madrid include Retiro Park, which is the largest park in the city, and the Jardín Botánico, which is home to a stunning collection of plants and flowers.
Madrid Highlights
Bear and the Strawberry Tree
The first iconic sight that captured our attention as soon as we got out of the glass fish Metro entrance was “Statue of Bear and the Strawberry Tree”. I always knew strawberries grew in small plants. The tree is madrono tree producing a berry. Here the sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé (1906-1983) has depicted it as a tree representing the heraldic arms of the town, and original symbol of the city.
Madrid’s official symbol, it is made partly with stone and partly with bronze, hard to miss it on Preciados street from Puerta del Sol. I doubt if any tourist would have crossed this spot without taking the pic of this Bear – the iconic symbol of Madrid!
Puerta del Sol is the ideal spot to start your Madrid walking tour. You can refer to it as heart of Madrid City. The architecture around is amazing, just four stories yet must have been like skyscrapers during the days they were built.
Plaza San Idlefonso with its fountain makes another best photography spot. A bronze statue of King Charles III on horseback adorns the center of square. The buildings around have a history of their own.
Madrid trivia
Rick Steves mentions in his guide – The bell atop the governor’s house chimes 12 times, while Madrilenos eat one grape for each ring to bring good luck through each of the next 12 months!
Every street from here spreading out into the city has a name and so uniquely displayed in tiles on the walls. The pictures along with the names give a good idea on what basis the street has been named so. Of course, knowing Spanish helps!
So we went walking street after street. The Calle de Postas has the coach that carried post those days. Puerta del Sol – Gate of the Sun, named after a gate at the eastern gate of the old city, that has now disappeared.
Walking tour Madrid Spain Travel
The little balconies or windows with their flowering pots, locals walking their dogs, made it all so colorful and cheerful. The beautiful houses were designed for upper middle class citizens of Madrid during the beginning of last century.
The buildings share a common British style looks, I just hoped they don’t come under the hammer and get replaced by modern buildings.
Walks in Madrid Spain
Walking in Madrid Spain
Madrid is a shopper’s paradise! For those interested in shopping there are high-end boutiques to street markets. You will get a wide range of shopping options to choose from, you are sure to find something to suit your style and budget in Madrid. Some of the best shopping areas in Madrid include Gran Vía, which is a bustling shopping street, and El Rastro, which is a popular flea market.
There are several markets and cafes along the route. We visited the Mercado de San Miguel, a market place built mostly of iron and glass. Several high end vendors displayed their produce ranging from gourmet food to wines and tapas. I found the items in market very highly priced, cherries cost 17euros a kilo compared to 2euros in Lisbon Portugal.
Madrid Tourism Guide
Shopping in Madrid
Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Plaza Mayor is a grand symbol of Madrid’s cultural heritage. It is the main square in the city and a hub of activity. This historic square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, and is a great place to people-watch, grab a bite to eat, or just soak up the atmosphere.
The last spot of our Madrid walking tour was the Plaza Mayor, a large cobbled square of Madrid. This was city’s main square from medieval times. Three storey building running all around the square looked so similar to Plaza Mayor of Salamanca, except that there were murals drawn on the walls in the central section.
This was designed by the same architect who designed El Escorial, Juan de Herrera. An equestrian statue of Felipe II adorns the center of this square. Innumerable executions, bull fights, fires, royal pageantry and even foot ball matches have been held for centuries in this same place! Overwhelming indeed to just stand in the square and imagine all that history!
Tour of Madrid Spain
Madrid walks
The square’s buildings are private apartments costing from 400,000 Euros to 2 million Euros depending on the area! After a leisurely walk till here we visited Cathedral de Almudena.
What are the nearby attractions of Madrid?
Madrid is located in the heart of Spain, making it a great starting point for exploring the surrounding region. Some popular nearby attractions include:
Aranjuez: This city is famous for its stunning Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens, which are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. 49.2 km via A-4
Avila: This walled city is known for its well-preserved medieval walls and its historic churches and cathedrals, including the Cathedral of Ávila. 109 km via A-6 and AP-6. Read more: Avila – Best Things to Do
Cuenca: This medieval city is famous for its stunning hanging houses, which are built into the cliffs overlooking the Rio Júcar. 171 km via A-3 and A-40
Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: This historic monument with impressive architecture and rich history is located a short drive from Madrid, a distance of 57.3 km via A-6. Read more: El Escorial Monastery
Segovia: One of my favourite medieval European cities, it is famous for its well-preserved Roman aqueduct and its magnificent castle, the Alcázar of Segovia. Distance from Madrid is 91.6 km via AP-61 and A-6. Read more: Tourist Attractions of Segovia
Sierra de Guadarrama: For the adventurous lot among you, this is a great destination from Madrid. Located just a short drive from Madrid, it offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. Distance from Madrid is 99 km via A-6 and M-604
Toledo: A charming hilltop city, I lost track of time while sightseeing its well-preserved medieval architecture, impressive cathedral and synagogue. Distance from Madrid is 72.4 km via A-42. Read more: Must See Toledo Sights
These are just a few examples of the many attractions located near Madrid. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or just soaking up the beautiful Spanish countryside, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Places to visit around Madrid
How many days required to tour main attractions of Madrid
A tricky question to answer! Lot depends on several factors, such as your pace of travel, personal interests, and the specific attractions you want to see.
You can tour Madrid in a day covering the best places to see in Madrid like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, and walking tour of Madrid old town while sampling the city’s famous cuisine and still have time for the lively night life.
Add another day you can explore the Reina Sofia Museum and the city’s charming neighborhoods like the Austrias or La Latina. Take specific walks like: Madrid parks and gardens walks, Madrid architecture walks and Madrid street art walks.
However, in general, most visitors find that 3 to 4 full days is sufficient time to see the majority of Madrid city’s main attractions.
Is Madrid worth Visiting?
Of course, Yes! Madrid is definitely worth visiting. The capital of Spain is a vibrant and culturally rich city, with a rich history, art, galleries, museums, stunning palace and cuisine. Madrid’s lively nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and taverns stay open late into the night. The city also has a great food scene, with everything from traditional Spanish cuisine to international options. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Madrid.
Which is better tourist destination, Madrid or Barcelona?
- Madrid is known for its iconic attractions such as the Prado Museum, Royal Palace of Madrid, and the Plaza Mayor. It lacks a beach.
- Barcelona, on the other hand, is famous for its stunning architecture, especially with works of Antoni Gaudi, such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia. It’s also a coastal city, making it a great destination for beach-goers and those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.
Similarities between the two cities are: both cities are renowned for its cuisine, nightlife, and shopping, making both a popular destination for those seeking an energetic city experience.
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Madrid is such a great walking city! I did a walking tour with a relative from the suburbs of Madrid when I visited, but it was right after I got off an overnight bus ride and I didn’t absorb any of the information. I remembered visiting a market, but I couldn’t remember what it was called — seeing your pictures I’m now 100% sure it was Mercado de San Miguel!
Walking around Madrid’s city center is very nice and inspiring. But I also love to visit all the great, world famous museums they have. Have you been to the castle, too? That’s also very nice.
Walking tours are so much fun. A great way to “feel the local vibe.” Love your pictures of the detail in the architecture. The lady looking out over her balcony is a great shot. Great highlights!
The market sounds like it would be fun to visit and the architecture is more elaborate than I expected. I love that the street signs are so beautifully displayed on tiles! It’s nice to be able to easily recognize them when you’re trying to find your way around… a convenience I have not found in every city!
I love wandering cities and photographing the architecture. The tile street signs and iron balconies would keep me busy for days!!
We have been to Madrid several times and your list contains some interesting things we have never seen. Will definitely look for the statue of the bear and strawberry tree. We often visit markets and are sad we missed the Mercado de San Miguel. If you go back, don’t miss the Palace. It was truly spectacular inside!
We enjoy self-guided tours too. Oh that bear statue – massive and adorable! My experience of strawberries is that they are ground plants.
I prefer Rick Steve’s guides too and generally follow his walking tours.
How important is it to know Spanish to enjoy Madrid? I will need to brush up!
Wow those strawberries are expensive!!
I have never been to Spain; I bookmarked your post to refer back when I go.
I need to spend more time in Madrid. I haven’t been for quite a while – and the last time I was there I was pickpocketed…which kind of put me off! But your photos look great – I think I need to do a walking tour of some sort and really get to know the City
We went to Madrid last year! Liked some other Spanish cities better but there were still some great qualities to Madrid. Didn’t you love all the tiled pictures of the street names? So gorgeous. The funny thing is we took forever trying to find that bear statue! Haha we were looking for something bigger and didn’t see it in that busy plaza.
This was one of the best Virtual tours i have ever had. The place looks like some other world and i totally loved your narration.
When I visit a new place I also take a walking tour either with other groups or just by myself. in this way, I also get to know the people as well as sight seeing. Madrid is in my bucket list and I’m sure when I get to go there someday, the architecture alone would make the visit worth it. Plus I love Spanish accent as I know a little due to the Spanish colonization in our country. Up until now, some Spanish words are widely used in our place.
Personally I love walking tour too during my travels. This is because I truly believe it is the best way to slowly view & understand a place, ppl & culture. Moreover am a foodie, so walking tour helps where I can enjoy street foods/ snacks. I also get to chit chat with local ppl too, esp when I need help for road directions 😉 cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing
Madrid Spain has long been on my bucket list and I’m not sure when would I’ll be able to visit this place. I truly like all those building structures and the street is really clean. I would like to amble around while enjoying the city view. The strawberry is really enticing as well. Thank you so much sharing!
Spain is one of the 3 countries where I want to visit since I was a kid. Seems to be a great walking tour! I loved all the beautiful architecture all through Madrid. Will definitely take your advice.
You’ve just toured us around Madrid. Thank you. Aside from the beautiful narration, the photos are real helpful for us to get a clearer picture of the place’s sights, sounds and other offerings.
Madrid is a city that I am excited to see one day. I wanna see their galleries and would love to meet Real Madrid FC team (will haunt for them).
You went to so many gorgeous places! Your photos are wonderful! They really showcase the amazing architecture in Madrid. I bet they were breathtaking in person! I think walking tours are a great way to explore a city as beautiful as Madrid. Glad you did that!
I have only been once to Madrid and chose to do the free walking tour because I was in a hurry. I only had 20 hours between planes and I wanted to see as much as possible. I remember all the sights from your tour, including the very high prices from the market. The food there looked delicious though.
I’ve always been curious on Spain. I’m not being historically bias but I always get interested on how the country who reigned us for 300+++ years look like. I always teach the history to my students and I would love to get a first-hand experience on how the Spanish people treats other people.
Madrid is one of my dream destinations to see in my lifetime! I envy thay you got to tour there! I’m definitely bookmarking your article for future travel reference. Thank you for sharing this!
Walking tours are such a great and cheap way to explore a city. I especially like Plaza Mayor of Madrid! The art on those walls is splendid
Very nice itinerary of Madrid. It’s actually the first city I visited overseas and it’s still very special to me. 🙂
I plan on visiting Madrid at some point after Christmas! Will definitely take your advice and visit some if not all of these sights!
Wow aren’t the buildings fabulous in Madrid? I loved just wandering those squares and sipping a coffee while people watching.
I’ve never visited Madrid before, but through your pictures, I can see why so many are enamoured by it! I look forward to visiting in future!
Hi 🙂
Madrid is a wonderful city and i think that this tour is perfect for one day. I really like the photos in the post!
Everyone would love to have a walking tour in Madrid. It’s home to some imposing architecture and vibrant street life. I love your photo of Plaza Mayor, it is one of the prettiest open spaces in Spain. It feels like the vibes of Madrid is a fairytale.
I would love to one of those apartments with small balconies. The pics with the old lady looks cute
This just brought me back to my time in Madrid instantly!! I love walking tours as well- really makes you experience the place doesn’t it?
Love the bear and tree symbol, the little balconies, tile street signs, and other indications of the colorful Madrid culture.
So this was a self guided tour?
I always prefer them, as you can your own way and at your own pace!
Some great photos too!
Yes Chris a self guided one. may be I missed out on some places but then I could linger on at some places.
Walking tours are indeed the best way to discover a place. Glad you could do one. There are a few in India too that have started. Hope they pick up soon.
The artwork on the outside of Plaza Mayor is incredible. I can see from your photos why my wife loved this city so much!
Most of the charming and elegant towns and cities of Europe are best seen through walking tours. Madrid is no exception. I feel that you really get close to the heart of a city on walking tours.
Such an interesting walking tour – definitely something not to be missed next time I go to Madrid (or I will just follow your post as a guide ;). Love the pictures!
Alessandra
Madrid is definitely on my bucket list and now you have made me want to go that much more! Your photos inspire me to go sooner than later. Can’t wait to experience it. ?
I love Madrid and absolutely adore Plaza Mayor. Thx so much for bringing back some great memories and for sharing your photos.
Madrid is one of my favourite cities! nightlife there is lovely too, everyone is very welcoming. Yes the markets are a little pricey but food is always fresh, really miss this city
How many days required to visit Madrid ???
At least two days Mahesh. If you can stretch it to 3 days you can give more time for museums too.
The best way to enjoy a city is through a walking tour. Such lovely pictures from Madrid. I especially loved the one of the woman looking from her terrace.
A virtual tour. Thank you.
Oh you brought back the fond memories of Madrid!! Such nostalgia! Visited twice and both times I said hello to that bear! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, I’m going to browse my Madrid pictures now. 🙂
That colonial touch of Madrid! The place looks magical 😀
awesome pics! Spain is high on my bucket list!
Lovely colours! So bright and vivid in there. Spain is one of the 3 countries where I want to visit since I was a kid as they are a colonizer of my country. Thank sfor sharing this! #photofriday
Madrid is breathtakingly beautiful! Plaza Mayor looks like a sight to behold! I’d love to buy a house there, someday!
Great photos of Madrid! Spain is one of my favorite countries and I would love to return someday. Your photo of Mercado de San Miguel with the perfectly arranged cherries was one of my favorite snapshots from everyday life.
Seems to be a great walking tour! Perhaps it’s the best way to explore a city like Madrid.
Such charming high-rises. Love the details and the colours on them.
Thank you for the sights from Madrid, Indrani. 🙂
Amazing pics. Another beautiful post.
Greetings 🙂
Beautiful virtual tour! I loved all the beautiful architecture all through Madrid, aesthetically pleasing and perfectly well-maintained!
great photos, thanks for sharing
Wonderful description and beautiful pics. 🙂
You do realize you are making a lot of people envy you, right? :p
Beautiful pictures!
Really?!!! 🙂
Thank you!
Oh gosh! One day in Madrid! Well, at least the Centro is compact and you can walk anywhere. Looks like you hit the best spots ;0)
Beautifully captured and fascinating narration
The walking tour has revealed the true essence of the city… wonderful pictures. The berry tree and the bear is the one I liked most… 🙂
Madrid is an interesting city to walk around. I didn’t see the bear eating strawberries when we were there in 2010.
You got a lot of nice photos on your walking tour – it looks like a beautiful city.