Madrid Then and Now
Madrid, Spain
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
From its old world charm to its chic and sleek modernity, Madrid is a city that has seen many changes. Journey through time on this Madrid tour that takes you from the gardens and cloisters of centuries gone by, to the multicultural neighbourhoods and trendy buildings that make up Madrid’s modern vibe. With snacks along the way and a mind-blowing view to finish, this tour is surely set to satisfy.
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Highlights
- Travel through time in Madrid, from the 17th to 21st centuries
- Weave your way around the city with a local guide
- Discover the hidden spots of La Latina, an old neighbourhood where Madrid was founded
- Take a stroll through Madrid’s multicultural district, and grab an Indian, Asian, of African snack along the way
- Visit a local food market to taste local produce and see how the people of Madrid shop
- Learn about flamenco culture and contemporary art in Madrid’s Lavapiés
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Plaza Isabel II, at the statue of the woman in the middle of the square, facing the Opera House’s façade.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Gran Vía, Number 1
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, three snacks, and one metro ride.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, drinks, personal shopping, and tips / gratuities for your guide.
We’ll kick off this jam-packed Madrid tour at the spot where the city was founded – and what better place to start! Here you’ll meet your local guide, who will begin by giving you an introduction and feel for the city of Madrid. We’ll wander along to the bustling, bohemian neighbourhood of La Latina, which was the centre of the settlement and is now full of charming coffee shops and traditional restaurants. With the help of your local guide, you’ll stumble upon all the little gems La Latina has to offer, such as a 17th century garden, old inns transformed into chic, trendy hotels, and a square that was once used as a bullring.
As we continue to tour Madrid, we’ll cross an old gorge and reach the old main street, which was the centre of commerce in Madrid for centuries. Here we’ll take a step back in time to Madrid of years past and stop off at an old cloister convent to taste some delicious sweets made by nuns!
Next up, we’ll head to Lavapiés, Madrid’s multicultural neighbourhood. Home to the original born and raised Madrileños, a name for the people of Madrid, this area has now turned in to a fusion of all kinds of world cultures. African restaurants rub shoulders with Asian shops and Indian cafés, and local traditions mix with what’s hot on the alternative art scene. We’ll take our time to get to know Lavapiés by visiting a lively food market and an arts centre, and learning about gypsy and flamenco culture in Madrid. We’ll make another stop here to enjoy a local snack from one of the multicultural stores, and discuss the issues that surround immigration in this area.
To create the perfect finish for this Madrid city tour, we’ll take a short metro ride to one of the city’s most breathtaking spots, a place that will give you epic views right over the cityscape. Some people say that one of the best things about Madrid is its beautiful sky, and at the end of this Madrid tour you’ll find out why!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, three snacks, and one metro ride.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, drinks, personal shopping, and tips / gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
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