Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- 1–1.5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
The charming Huertas area has been Madrid’s literary hub ever since 1583. On this walking tour through Barrio de las Letras (known as the Literary Quarter), you’ll find out how writers shaped the city, from the Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) up to the present day. You’ll stroll through the district’s quaint streets to see where a world-weary Cervantes settled to pen Don Quijote, just down the road from his greatest frenemy, Lope de Vega. You'll also see where, centuries later during the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway whet his whistle in bars like La Venencia and Ceveceria Alemana. The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers. On this leisurely 60-minute walk through Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary district, you'll find out how the area, the city and the country were shaped by some of the world’s greatest writers.
Inclusions
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
What's not
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Itinerary
This self-guided tour starts in front of Teatro Español on Plaza de Santa Ana. You'll learn about the theatre's ties to Madrid's Literary District while you walk through the area.
Along the way, you’ll discover interesting shops like Miguel Miranda bookstore and Brown Bear Bakery, and historical bars like Viva Madrid and Casa Alberto.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by Lope de Vega’s House Museum, the playwright’s charming 16th-century house and garden.
As you walk, you'll pass by the ancient convent, Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso, where Cervantes’ bones are interred.
You’ll also see a statue of Spain’s greatest writer, Miguel de Cervantes, standing proudly in Plaza de las Cortes where you can learn all about Spain’s rocky road to democracy.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by the historic literary institution, Ateneo de Madrid and learn about the bitter rivalries raging between Madrid’s talented writers.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
On this tour, you'll pass by the statue of Frederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s greatest poet and learn a bit more about the poet.
The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- This tour starts at Teatro Espanol. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Madrid
- Its from-price is 91% below the median of the 1722 experiences we list in Madrid.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Madrid
Madrid is Spain's sunny, sociable capital, home to great art museums, royal palaces, leafy parks and tapas bars that stay busy past midnight.
Three great galleries line the Paseo del Prado: the Prado Museum with Velázquez and Goya, the Reina Sofía with Picasso's Guernica, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza with its sweeping private collection. Beside them, El Retiro Park offers a boating lake, shaded avenues and the glass Palacio de Cristal.
Top-ranked sights in Madrid: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid), Puerta del Sol.
Special offers in Madrid
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
