More about: Madrid Private Tours and Visits
There are plenty of things to see and do in Madrid, but private tours allow you to get to know what you like best and create a completely personalized itinerary. Private tours are usually conducted with professional guides who guarantee an enriching experience. You will be able to ask all the questions you need and go deeper into the monuments of interest.
They are a very good option if you want to wander around and explore little-known corners or avoid the queues at the ticket offices. In addition, this type of experience guarantees independence, tranquility and comfort. They are a popular alternative to visit museums, parks and go shopping along the main arteries of the capital, as well as to take a walk and get 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 want to prioritize. 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 personalized 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 to personalize 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.
In this way, you will not have to expose yourself to an unfamiliar city or worry about the organization.
Details of interest
- Price: from 49 € per person.
- Duration: from two to six hours, depending on the selected duration.
- Means of transportation: this type of tour is done on foot, so prepare your most comfortable shoes.
- Advantages of this option: ideal for small groups of families or friends. Generally, these experiences offer comfort, flexibility and a complete itinerary or customized route.
- Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
2. Take advantage of a private visit to the Bernabeu.
The Bernabeu stadium attracts soccer 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 go 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 field.
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, vintage jerseys and archival photographs.
Details of interest
- Price: from 123 € per person.
- Duration: approximately one hour and a half.
- Means of transport: you must get there on your own, the easiest way is to get off at the Santiago Bernabéu metro station, connected to line 10.
3. Access to the Reina Sofia Museum without queues
The Reina Sofia Museum houses a large 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 appreciating works by Picasso, Dalí and other renowned painters.
Visiting the Reina Sofia Museum is a must to get to know its best works and take advantage of the temporary exhibitions. You can visit on your own, but if you want to avoid the lines at the entrance and personalize 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.
Details of interest
- 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 parks in Madrid you can rent them and ride the trails, but certain areas such as El Retiro, are huge and it is difficult to trace a functional route, especially if you do not 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' favorite spots. The main advantage of taking the activity this way is that the guide will offer you personalized attention without interruptions.
You can also book this activity in a group if you prefer to socialize with other tourists. Or, perhaps, you prefer to rent a segway and get to know it 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.
Details of interest
- Price: admission 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 move around the park aboard an electric vehicle, but you must arrive on your own.
5. Attend a flamenco show with a private tapas tasting.
Passion and flavor come together in these types of activities, which take you through the authenticity of the flamenco shows. The best part 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 complete and fun way. You will enjoy the heels and movements of flamenco and, at the end, you will probably receive pictures 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 transportation: you must get to the place where the show takes place, at the end you must 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 too many nuances to discover. Gastronomic tourism in Madrid is becoming more and more popular because it allows you to experience an explosion of flavors and begin to know a part of the culinary culture of Spain. You can go out on your own to experience it, but if it's your first time or you don't have time to organize an itinerary, you will probably miss the most recommended restaurants, experiences and dishes.
To put yourself in the shoes of a local, 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 personalized menu. This way, you will fulfill the whims of your palate, while discovering trendy bars and the best neighborhoods to eat.
Interesting details
- Price: from 88 € per person.
- Duration: about three hours.
- Means of transport: does not usually include transfers between the hotel and the starting point, as they are usually walking tours.
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, get ready to return with your bags full and enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in the Spanish capital. In Madrid there are plenty of stores and shopping streets where you can get all kinds of clothes, accessories, shoes and jewelry. You just need an expert eye in fashion that can facilitate the experience so that it does not become a nightmare of hours aimlessly.
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 malls; instead, you'll be able to explore different neighborhoods and find competitive prices, as well as catch the latest trends.
In this type of experience, your shopping guide will create a personalized 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 Via and other highlights.
Details of interest
- Price: from 195 € per person.
- Duration: about three hours.
- Means of transport: generally a meeting point is fixed and you must arrive on your own.
8. Stroll through Madrid Japanese style
The origins of the tuk tuk go back to Japan in the 60's, but nowadays they are a classic for touring big cities. Discover Madrid and its main attractions while you glide through the alleys and hills, without leaving any place aside. 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 customized and you usually have the option of choosing between a one-hour or two-hour tour. Of course, the longer you are on board, the more sights and monuments of Madrid you will be able to take in. Additionally, a maximum of 4 people can participate in the tour, due to the capacity of the tuk tuk.
Undoubtedly, it is an ideal activity if you plan to spend at least 2 days in Madrid.
Details of interest
- Price: from 46 € per person.
- Duration: usually from one to two hours.
- Means of transport: you will 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 organize a joint visit to three of the most outstanding art museums in Madrid. The Prado Museum is positioned as one of the favorite 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 more than 23,000-plus works, while the Thyssen takes you through the paintings of Van Gogh, Monet and Hopper. Opt for a private and personalized visit to all three, an experience that introduces you to a tour where you will enjoy the history of Spanish art like never before.
Details of interest
- Price: from 277 € per person.
- Duration: approximately three hours.
- Means of transport: you have to arrive independently to the starting point.
10. Take advantage of a photographic tour of the city
Taking pictures during your trip is the best way to immortalize the moment. However, sometimes it is difficult to enjoy the moment and, at the same time, concentrate on capturing the surrounding monuments. 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 will be able to find the best spots for photos and make sure to visit them at a time when the sun is favorable. However, you can also plot a route on your own, for this I recommend you avoid congested areas and thus achieve a framing without tourists.
If you want to take the perfect photos of Madrid you have to visit:
- Ikonos, it offers immersive rooms where you can take unique and fun pictures.
- The Royal Palace, is impressive both inside and outside, here you can capture photographs taken from 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 environment where you can get lost in its labyrinths and capture the architecture of the eighteenth century.
- Gran Vía, you can't go 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.
Details of interest
- Price: from 90 € per person.
- Duration: between one and two hours.
- Means of transport: generally on foot and a meeting point is fixed.