Medieval Madrid: Plaza Mayor, Arab Wall and Temple of Debod
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Explore ancient Madrid on a 2.5-hour walking tour: Plaza Mayor, Cava Baja street, the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, the Segovia Bridge, Plaza de Oriente and the Temple of Debod with its breathtaking sunset views. Walk through 10 centuries of history — from the 9th-century Muslim fortification of Magerit to the medieval legends, royal palaces and hidden secrets that shaped one of Europe's most fascinating capitals. We are the #1 company on TripAdvisor Madrid among more than 1,200 tourism businesses, with the Best of the Best Award for 8 consecutive years — only 1% of experiences in the world receive it. Over 20,000 reviews back more than 10 years guiding travelers from around the world through Madrid. Small groups, maximum 25 travelers per guide. Upon booking you receive our personalized Madrid guide via WhatsApp. At the end of the tour your guide recommends the best spots to eat, drink and explore.
Inclusions
What's included
- Restaurant and activity recommendations at the end of the tour
- Printed materials and exclusive illustrated map
- Personalized Madrid guide via WhatsApp (upon booking)
- Professional local guide, expert in Madrid's medieval history
What's not
- Guide gratuity (given at the end of the tour based on satisfaction)
- Monument entrance fees (tour is fully outdoors)
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
Madrid's most iconic square, built in 1619 under King Philip III. Stage for bullfights, markets, Inquisition trials and public executions. We'll uncover 400 years of history hidden behind its 237 windows and 9 entrance archways.
One of Madrid's oldest streets, built over the outer moat of the medieval city wall. Discover its history as the heart of inns and taverns since the 17th century and why it remains one of Madrid's best streets for tapas and wine today.
Madrid's most iconic symbol: the bear leaning on the strawberry tree. We'll tell you the origin of the city's coat of arms, the medieval dispute between Madrid's Council and the Archbishop of Toledo that shaped it, and the story of the madroño liqueur made from its berries.
One of the largest domes in the Christian world at 33 meters wide — bigger than the Pantheon in Rome. Built on a convent traditionally founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. We'll admire its facade and tell you about the Goya and Zurbarán masterpieces inside.
Madrid's oldest bridge, built by Philip II in 1584. From here you'll have the best panoramic views of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. We'll explain why Philip II ordered such a monumental bridge to cross such a small river as the Manzanares.
Madrid's most elegant garden, flanked by the Royal Palace, the Royal Theatre and 44 statues of Visigoth and Spanish kings. Designed by Joseph Bonaparte during French occupation. We'll share the stories of royal life and the intrigues of the Spanish court.
A 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid, donated by Egypt to Spain in 1968 as thanks for rescuing Nubian temples during the construction of the Aswan Dam. We finish here with the most spectacular panoramic views of Madrid at sunset.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 583
- 41
- 30
- 20
- 11
Ratings come from 85 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Plaza Mayor, next to the Casa de la Carnicería — the Hotel Pestana Collection building, on the north side of the square (entrance from Calle Toledo). Look for our COMPLETELY YELLOW UMBRELLA — you'll spot us instantly even if the square is busy. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 25 travellers
- Operated by
- Trip Tours Madrid
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Madrid
- Its from-price is 96% below the median of the 1722 experiences we list in Madrid.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 214 of 1722.
- 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.
