More about: Madrid Private Tours and Visits
There are plenty of things to see and do in Madrid, but private tours allow you to see what you like best and create a completely personalised itinerary. Private tours are usually conducted with professional guides who guarantee an enriching experience. You'll be able to ask all the questions you need to ask and go deeper into the monuments of interest.
They are a very good option if you want to wander the streets and explore little-known corners or avoid the queues at the ticket offices. In addition, this type of experience guarantees independence, tranquillity and comfort. They are a popular alternative for visiting museums, parks and shopping along the main thoroughfares of the capital, as well as for taking a stroll and getting to know the city in depth.
1. Discover the nooks and crannies of Madrid with an exclusive route
When visiting a city, each person has attractions and monuments that they wish to prioritise. Some opt for museums, churches and places that treasure culture and history. Meanwhile, there are those who travel to eat well and have fun. To immerse yourself in Madrid like a local, it's best to create a personalised route. This way, you can go in search of places and experiences according to your preferences.
Besides doing it independently, one of the best options for personalising your experience is to leave it in the hands of professionals and book a private tour. This type of experience allows you to design your own route and rely on a tour guide, who will offer you a list of activities that include places like the Royal Palace.
This way, you won't have to expose yourself to an unfamiliar city or worry about the organisation.
Interesting details
- Price: from 49 € per person.
- Duration: from two to six hours, depending on the selected duration.
- Means of transport: this type of tour is done on foot, so pack your most comfortable shoes.
- Advantages of this option: ideal for small groups of families or friends. Generally, these experiences offer comfort, flexibility and a full itinerary or customised route.
- Disadvantages of this option: Entrance fees to monuments and attractions are usually not included.
2. Take advantage of a private tour of the Bernabéu
The Bernabeu stadium attracts football fans and anyone with an interest in conventions, concerts and other large-scale events. It is an imposing venue where renowned artists such as Taylor Swift, Karol G and Luis Miguel have also performed. A visit allows you to pass through all the mythical places, where famous stars have surely been. You can enter the dressing rooms, hear about the team's most iconic moments and feel the excitement of being on the pitch.
You can share the experience with a group, but if you are a big fan and prefer to experience it intimately, you can book a private tour of the Bernabeu. This tour of the Santiago Bernabeu can offer exclusive access to restricted areas as well as a visit to the Real Madrid museum. Be prepared to see trophy collections, old shirts and archive photographs.
Details of interest
- Price: from €123 per person.
- Duration: approximately one and a half hours.
- Means of transport: you must get there on your own, the easiest way is to get off at Santiago Bernabéu metro station, connected to line 10.
3. Access the Reina Sofía Museum without queuing up.
The Reina Sofía Museum houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. In fact, it has three locations: La Principal, El Palacio de Cristal and Palacio de Velazquez. Here you can satisfy your curiosity about the history of the museum while you appreciate works by Picasso, Dalí and other renowned painters.
A visit to the Reina Sofia Museum is a must if you want to see the best works and take advantage of the temporary exhibitions. You can visit on your own, but if you want to avoid the queues at the entrance and personalise the experience, it is advisable to sign up for a private tour.
This way, you will discover every detail about the history of the museum and the context behind each work.
Interesting details
- Price: The usual entrance fee is approximately €12 per person. If you choose a private guided tour it can go up to €104 per person.
- Duration: at least two and a half hours.
- Means of transport: you must arrive on your own.
- Advantages of this option: avoid the crowds at the entrance and discover all the secrets of the museum.
4. Get to know the most personal side of El Retiro on board a Segway
Segway tours are suitable for beginners and advanced riders, as it is an easy vehicle to handle. They are also ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities in Madrid. In most of Madrid's parks you can rent them and ride along the trails, but certain areas, such as El Retiro, are huge and it's difficult to map out a functional route, especially if you don't live in the capital.
A private tour for this activity will take you to the famous Estanque Grande, go around the Palacio de Cristal and show you the locals' favourite spots. The main advantage of taking the activity this way is that the guide will give you personalised attention without interruptions.
You can also book this activity in a group if you prefer to socialise with other tourists. Or you may prefer to rent a Segway and explore on your own. But if this is your first time visiting El Retiro, you may prefer a more comfortable experience, with an expert leading the tour.
Interesting details
- Price: Entry to El Retiro is free, but private Segway tours can be found from €40.
- Duration: usually one to two hours.
- Means of transport: you will travel around the park on board an electric vehicle, but you must arrive on your own.
5. Attend a flamenco show with a private tapas tasting.
Passion and flavour come together in these types of activities, which take you through the authenticity of the flamenco shows. The best thing is that you don't have to limit yourself to just one perspective of these shows, as they are often combined with a walking tour through the streets of Madrid and a tapas tasting to make the evening extra special. They are the perfect plan to explore Spanish food and discover the best local restaurants.
Generally, these types of packages are designed for private tours, which introduce you to Madrid' s nightlife in a full and fun way. You will enjoy the heels and movements of flamenco and, at the end, you are likely to receive photos and videos of the experience. Please note that the regular itinerary is divided into one hour of flamenco and two hours of walking with a professional guide, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Details of interest
- Price: from 148 € per person.
- Duration: approximately three hours.
- Means of transport: you must get to the place where the show takes place, at the end of which you will have to return to the hotel on your own.
6. Unveil the secrets of Spanish cuisine
Tapas is one of the representations of Spanish gastronomy and has so many nuances to discover. Gastronomic tourism in Madrid is becoming increasingly popular because it allows you to experience an explosion of flavours and get to know a part of Spain's culinary culture. You can go out on your own to experience it, but if it's your first time or you don't have time to organise an itinerary, you're likely to miss out on the most recommended restaurants, experiences and dishes.
To put yourself in the shoes of a local, there's nothing better than hiring a private gastronomic tour. This way, you will taste food in the most authentic places and discover typical artisanal drinks. In general, these experiences offer up to 20 tastings distributed among dishes, wines and beers.
In addition, the positive thing about private experiences is that you can order a personalised menu. This way, you can indulge your taste buds while discovering trendy bars and the best neighbourhoods to eat in.
Interesting details
- Price: from €88 per person.
- Duration: around three hours.
- Means of transport: transfers between the hotel and the starting point are not usually included, as they are usually on foot.
7. Go shopping in the best areas of Madrid
If you are one of those who set aside part of your budget to go shopping, be prepared to come back with your bags full and enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in the Spanish capital. Madrid has plenty of shops and shopping streets where you can find all kinds of clothes, accessories, shoes and jewellery. You just need an expert eye for fashion that can facilitate the experience so that it doesn't turn into a nightmare of hours of aimless wandering.
This way, you'll be able to discover the best boutiques and enjoy the capital's luxurious splurge. You won't have to limit yourself to the big shopping centres; instead, you'll be able to explore different neighbourhoods and find competitive prices, as well as catch the latest trends.
For this type of experience, your shopping guide will create a personalised itinerary, according to your budget and preferences. You may pause for a tapas tasting or receive informative feedback as you pass through Malasaña, Barrio de Las Letras, Gran Vía and other highlights.
Interesting details
- Price: from €195 per person.
- Duration: around three hours.
- Means of transport: generally a meeting point is set and you must arrive on your own.
8. Stroll around Madrid Japanese style
The origins of the tuk tuk go back to Japan in the 1960s, but nowadays they are a classic for touring big cities. Discover Madrid and its main attractions as you glide through the alleyways and hills, leaving no place behind. Although the capital can be explored on foot, exhaustive walks are not for everyone. If you prefer a more leisurely itinerary, this tour is ideal for you.
These experiences can be customised and you usually have the option of choosing between a one- or two-hour tour. Of course, the longer you are on board, the more of Madrid's sights and monuments you will be able to take in. In addition, a maximum of 4 people can participate in the tour, due to the capacity of the tuk tuk.
Without a doubt, this is an ideal activity if you plan to spend at least 2 days in Madrid
Interesting details
- Price: from 46 € per person.
- Duration: usually one to two hours.
- Means of transport: you'll get to know the city aboard a picturesque tuk tuk.
9. Don't miss a private tour of art museums
If you want to take advantage of several museum options, you can organise a joint visit to three of Madrid's most outstanding art museums. The Prado Museum ranks as one of the favourite options, with outstanding paintings that immerse you in the creations of Spanish artists. The other two most popular are the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum.
The Reina Sofia Museum offers over 23,000 works, while the Thyssen takes you through the paintings of Van Gogh, Monet and Hopper. Opt for a private, personalised tour of all three, an experience that takes you on a journey through the history of Spanish art like never before.
Details of interest
- Price: from 277 € per person.
- Duration: approximately three hours.
- Means of transport: you must arrive independently at the starting point.
10. Take advantage of a photographic tour of the city
Taking photographs during your trip is the best way to immortalise the moment. However, it is sometimes difficult to enjoy the moment and, at the same time, concentrate on capturing the sights around you. For this reason, many people choose to hire a photo tour guided by a private photographer. This way, you won't have to leave your belongings behind, use cumbersome tripods or ask strangers to help you with this task.
You can find the best spots for photos and make sure to visit them at a time when the sun is favourable. However, you can also plot your own route and I recommend avoiding congested areas for a tourist-free frame.
If you want to get the perfect photos of Madrid you should visit:
- Ikonos, it offers immersive rooms where you can take unique and fun photographs.
- The Royal Palace is stunning both inside and out, here you can capture photographs straight out of a fairy tale.
- El Escorial is located near Madrid and is a town with a unique charm where every corner is perfect for taking pictures without too many tourists.
- Parque del Capricho, is a quiet and picturesque setting where you can lose yourself in its labyrinths and capture the architecture of the 18th century.
- Gran Vía, you can't pass through Madrid and not capture at least one photograph in this important commercial artery.
- Puerta de Alcalá, this famous photographic spot has an important historical context, and at certain hours it is possible to find it clear.
Interesting details
- Price: from 90 € per person.
- Duration: between one and two hours.
- Means of transport: it is generally done on foot and a meeting point is set.