Things to do in

Community of Madrid

Embark on a guided 2-hour tour of Madrid's Royal Palace. Admire art pieces by Giordano and Goya while exploring the palace at a peaceful time of day alongside an expert guide with in-depth knowledge about the home to Spanish Royals past and present.  Start at the Opera Metro Station in Plaza de Isabel II, home to the Teatro Royal, where you will meet your guide. After a picturesque walk through Plaza de Oriente, enjoy skip-the-line privileges before entering the palace. Relish visits to the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, and Private Royal apartments. Be amazed as to how these rooms are brought to life in an engaging and fascinating way by your professional guide. Marvel at exclusive works of art by Giordano and Goya, as well as historical articles such as historic tapestries, suits of armor, and ornate swords. Take in in the building's 19th-century design and beautiful floral layout, which serves as an excellent backdrop for memorable photos. After the guided visit, feel free to take a relaxing stroll on your own through the Royal Gardens and visit other highlights such as the Royal Armory and Pharmacy.

Immerse yourself in the history, architecture, and cultural delights of Toledo, Segovia and visit the historic and beautiful Alcázar. Choose between a shared or private tour experience departing from Madrid. Your journey into Toledo begins with a breathtaking view of the city at the Mirador del Valle, a perfect opportunity to snap a stunning panoramic photo. As you enter the old district of Toledo, a walking tour will guide you through the historical Jewish quarter. The second half of your excursion takes you to the historical city of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the impressive Roman aqueduct, its impressive cathedral, and marvel at the architecture from ancient Roman and medieval times.  Saving the best for last, you’ll be led to the Segovia Alcazar, one of Spain's most famous castles from the 12th century. Afterward, take some time to explore the city on your own, along with insider tips from your guide to discover hidden gems. 

Experience the passion of flamenco and Spanish music at the historical Torres Bermejas tablao in the heart of Madrid. Enhance your evening with a traditional menu and drinks if selected. Opened in 1960, admire the unique interiors inspired by the Bermejas towers of Granada's beautiful Alhambra. Marvel at the walls of Arabic motifs, ornate tiles and wood-carved ceilings as the flamenco performers captivate you with their unforgettable artistic interpretations. Watch the stunning choreographies of the Cuadro Flamenco, composed of the best singers, guitarists, clappers, and dancers of the flamenco tradition. Be part of this amazing folkloric culture at a flamenco night complete with dining options inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine.

Take some time getting to know Madrid while riding through the city aboard an open-top double-decker bus. With one ticket, you will be able to hop on and off the bus all day along the route of your choice, or change to another, admiring the architectural and cultural magnificence of Madrid. Commentary is available via a headphones audio system in 14 different languages. Route 1 • Museo del Prado • Puerta de Alcalá • Barrio de Salamanca • Plaza de Colón • Plaza de Cibeles • Gran Vía, 14 • Gran Vía, 30 • Gran Vía, 54 • Plaza de España • Princesa esq. Alberto Aguilera • Plaza de la Moncloa • Teleférico • Templo de Debod • Puerta de San Vicente • Puente de Segovia • Puento de Toledo • Teatro Real • Palacio Real • Puerta de Toledo • San Francisco el Grande • Catedral de la Almudena • Plaza Mayor • Puerta del Sol • Círculo de Bellas Artes • Museo Thyssen • Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía • Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid Route 2 • Plaza Neptuno • Plaza de Cibeles • Plaza de Colón • Museo Esculturas • Museo de Ciencias Naturales • Nuevos Ministerios • Santiago Bernabéu • C.S.I. Científicas • Museo Lázaro Galdiano • Serrano • Museo Arqueológico • Puerta de Alcalá • Alcalá • Puerta del Sol • Plaza de las Cortes • Plaza de Neptuno High Season: March to October 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Low Season: November to February 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Since it opened in 1819, the Prado Museum has acquired a dazzling array of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative art that cover the history of Spanish art to form one of the finest collections of European art in the world. Based on the former Spanish Royal Collection, the Royal Museum would become known as the National Museum of Painting and Sculpture, and subsequently the Museo Nacional del Prado. The collection currently comprises around 7,600 paintings, 1,000 sculptures, 4,800 prints and 8,200 drawings, in addition to a large number of historic documents. With your full-day ticket, you will have access to more than 1,300 works currently on display in the main building. The size of this collection can cause headaches for visitors trying to choose what to see, but the Prado has organized 3 routes that focus on its masterpieces, dating from the Romanesque to the 19th century. Once inside, you can purchase an audio guide to quickly lead you to works by artists such as Bartolomé Bermejo, Pedro Berruguete, Sánchez Coello, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, Murillo, Alonso Cano, Velázquez and Goya.

Enjoy fast access to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of Spanish royalty. Enter through an express security check and explore one of the world’s largest palaces. Wander the corridors that have witnessed centuries of Spanish history. Admire the architecture and decoration of the salon rooms, including frescoes by famous artists. Enter the private apartments of monarchs, visit the throne room, and stroll through the banquet halls. Witness the Hall of Mirrors from the reign of Charles IV. See artworks by painters such as Caravaggio, Juan de Flandes, Francisco de Goya, and Velázquez. Visit the Royal Armory and discover its exhibits of porcelain, watches, furniture, silverware, and more. Explore the heritage of Spain’s monarchy at the Royal Palace.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Real Madrid football team in the Bernabéu Stadium museum. Tour exclusive areas, and learn all about Real Madrid's legendary players and football glory. Start your adventure with a panoramic view of the stadium, giving you an idea of the sheer greatness of the club. As you tour the stadium, hear about the different cups won by Real during its long history. Watch videos of legendary fixtures, and see some of the kits, boots, and equipment used by the team over the years. Plus, you'll have to chance to admire the vast array of club memorabilia.

Enjoy a visit to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and discover the ideological and cultural aspirations of the Spanish Golden Age. See how Italian and Flemish artistic forms blend together and learn of the era of Philip II. Explore the building that houses several different purposes. First, the monastery of San Lorenzo el Real was created for the monks of the order of St. Jerome. Explore around and learn of Emperor Charles V and his wife who once lived there. Experience the untouched layout of the building, which to this day is largely unaltered. From the Library to the palace, walk through and find the Basilica, erected in 1574, and ponder the artwork that took years to complete.

Embark on a full-day guided tour to the UNESCO-listed cities of Avila and Segovia from Madrid aboard an air-conditioned bus. Marvel at Avila's cathedral and most emblematic monuments on a walking tour. Sep inside the Alcazar of Segovia with entrance tickets and a guide. Take a walking tour of Avila, one of Spain’s oldest cities. Marvel at its well-preserved, castle-like walls dating from the 11th century. Enter the old quarters which house important Romanesque churches, Gothic palaces, and the city’s 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Walk by the exterior of the Avila Cathedral, admdire the Romanesque Basilica of San Vicente, and visit the central town square of Plaza Mayor. Take a short walk through the city’s old streets to the Convent of Saint Teresa. Then, continue on to Segovia, a city rich in historical monuments. See the magnificent Roman Aqueduct from the time of Emperor Augustus. Soak in its rich architectural heritage by following your guide to the Gothic-style Cathedral. Finally, cross the Canonjías neighborhood until you come to the Alcazar of Segovia, one of the most spectacular fortresses in all of Spain. After admiring its exterior, step inside to discover its legends and glorious past.

Leave Madrid in the morning and travel 50 minutes to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Visit the baths upon arrival and then begin the tour of the San Lorenzo Monastery. Learn the long history of Spain, specifically the reign of Felipe II. See the building that best summarizes the ideological and cultural aspirations of the Spanish “Golden Age” and is named a World Heritage Site. See places like the Patio de Reyes, Cloister, Chapter Rooms, The Basilica (except on Sundays), The Pantheon of Kings and Infants, and the Royal Rooms. Travel to the Valley of the Fallen located in the Peña de Cuelga Muros after leaving San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Visit its surroundings and the basilica carved into the rock, and the burial place for 33,847 people who died in the Spanish Civil War. Be amazed by the great granite cross that is visible from kilometers away.