1. Free walking tour of Madrid in English
This free walking tour of Madrid is the most essential one, the tour every visitor to the city should take! It covers Madrid’s main landmarks, giving you the perfect introduction to the city’s history, legends, and fun facts along the way.
The tour lasts about two hours and it’s in English. You can book for up to six people. During the walk, you’ll visit some of Madrid’s most iconic spots, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Palace, Plaza de la Villa, the Opera House, and Mercado de San Miguel.
💡 Free tours don’t have a set price. At the end of the visit, you simply tip the guide whatever amount you think is fair. How much you give usually depends on how much you enjoyed the tour, how long it lasted, your personal situation, or even the country you’re in. As a general rule, I’d say a minimum of €10–12 per person is reasonable.
2. Free walking tour of Madrid at night
Another one of the best free walking tours in Madrid is the night tour. The city looks just as beautiful, if not even more so, after dark than it does during the day. Stroll through Madrid’s streets once the sun goes down and uncover its secrets and legends on this free guided walk.
The tour starts at Plaza de Oriente, right next to the Royal Palace. Along the way, you’ll visit spots like the Cornisa del Palacio Real (where you can enjoy views over Casa de Campo), Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Calle Preciados, the Cibeles Fountain, the City Hall façade, and the famous Puerta de Alcalá.
3. Chueca and Malasaña free tour
If you want to explore two of Madrid’s most vibrant neighborhoods in more depth, there’s no better option than this free walking tour. It starts at Plaza de la Luna and takes you to Malasaña, where you’ll pass by the Lara and Alfil theaters, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes, and the popular Calle del Pez.
The tour continues to Plaza del Dos de Mayo, the heart of the neighborhood. Nearby, you’ll find some bars that played a key role in the cultural movement known as La Movida Madrileña in the 1980s. Get ready to uncover its fascinating story!
Next, the walk heads to the Madrid History Museum before taking calle Fuencarral toward Chueca. You’ll visit its iconic square and explore some of its most famous shops, many of which have strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community.
I hope this article about the best free walking tours of Madrid in English has been useful to organize your trip to Madrid.
I’ve also put together these itineraries to help you plan your visit:
If you want to share your experience in the city or have any questions, I encourage you to leave a comment. See you next time!
