A rich tapestry of art, culture, history, and a modern charm makes Spain an unforgettable destination. Today we will focus on its capital city. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace and world-class art museums to trendy neighborhoods and family-friendly experiences available in a highlights tour of Madrid.
Cooltourspain caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re marveling at Velázquez’s masterpieces at El Prado museum, or enjoying a sunny day at Retiro Park, you’ll discover why Madrid is a city that truly has it all. Plan your walking visit today and create sightseeing memories that will last a lifetime!
- How can I spend 3 days in Madrid? Itinerary for a 3 day long weekend
- Would Rick Steves consider it as a safe destination?
- Trip planner including kids and teenagers
Would these classic must-see attractions be included in a Madrid highlights tour?
Many streets within the city center limits, such as Calle Mayor or Gran Vía, were developed during different periods of royal influence. In this sense, our Madrid hightlights tour will connect key royal sites and exemplify the city’s regal urban planning with today’s lifestyle.
Each site offers insights into the local and national culture, as welll as political history and backgrounds of Spain’s monarchy. Whether exploring these landmarks with a group guided visit, or a private guide, will provide a deep appreciation for the city’s role as the heart of Spain. It’s obsvious that quite diffent than doing it on a self-guided visit.
Please take into consideration that the majority of spots are easily walkable. You won’t need a taxi, uber or private transport to move within the area, although a private chauffeur is available were required. Do not hesitate contacting us at info@cooltourspain.com or via whatsapp at +34638399784. Alternatively, please fill out the following contact form with as many details as possible.
The monarchies’ heritage around the city center

Los Austrias area is rich with the heritage of Spain’s monarchy, reflecting centuries of royal influence through its architecture, landmarks, and urban layout. Cooltourspain’s Madrid highlights tour will focus on the Habsburg dinasty, and the many landmarks that you should visit during a two or three days visit in town.
One of the main attractions is the Royal Palace, which was built on the site of the Alcázar, a Moorish castle. It exemplifies Baroque and Classical styles. Although the Spanish royal family no longer resides here, it remains the official residence for state ceremonies and functions. Visitors could visit with us the opulent Throne Room, the Royal Armory, and the lush Sabatini Gardens. Entrace ticket is 15€ per person.
You’ll also visit Plaza de Oriente, which is adorned with statues of Spanish monarchs from the Gothic period. It’s a serene spot to admire the palace’s façade and enjoy views of the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), another cornerstone of royal heritage.
How could the Madrid highlights tour feature a kid-friendly experience at museums?

Art enthusiasts would believe that Prado Museum is a treasure trove of worldwide masterpieces. It’s home to works by artists such as Goya, Velázquez, or El Greco. Moreover, this world-renowned artistic reference offers an immersive journey through Spanish and European art history, but when travelling with kids, the importance of a Madrid highlights tour would rely on targetting the experience to the youngest in the family.
In this sense, an art historian’ expertise will TIER questions according to the children or teenagers’ age. The classroom setting helped them preparing a guided visit which would focus on learning by doing / playing. Thus travellers flying with kids should expect that the focus would be put on them, rather than the adults themselves.
Shortened storytelling and interactive elements such as scavenger hunts, might be the best way to engage kids. What about searching for specific details in paintings or sculptures? They love hearing stories and being read, so our guide could highlight paintings with captivating narratives, such as Velázquez’s Las Meninas.
Walking experiences for all audiences

Cooltourspain walking tours that are designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and engaging for a wide range of people, regardless of their age, interests, or cultural level. This Madrid highlights tour typically focuses on ensuring inclusivity and adaptability in several ways. For example,
- Designed to accommodate families with children, adults, and seniors.
- The guided visits often cater to diverse preferences, such as history, art, or culture, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Guides use clear, engaging language that avoids overly technical or specialized jargon
Moreover, the services may include a stop either in the middle, or at the end, to enjoy some of the best tapas in the districts that you’re walking by.
Which are the best insider tips for an alternative Madrid highlights tour?
Rooftops, local food markets, contemporary art galleries, and even El Rastro are some of the best things to do while in town. If you’re thinking about how to spend two or three days with a Madrid highlights tour, then you should hit the most classic areas, but also the off the beaten path.
Embajadores, also known for the Lavapies’ street art community, or Malasaña neighborhoods are the most common districts to visit for a first time visitor. However, if you’ve already visited the Spanish capital city before, then we’d suggest you heading towards Carabanchel or Tetuan.
What to do in Madrid, Lavapies district?

Embajadores, one of Madrid’s most multicultural and vibrant neighborhoods, offers a unique mix of history, culture, art, and gastronomy. Known for its diverse community, it hosts restaurants from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. All of it blend with the traditional Spanish population. Consequently, after the alternative Madrid highlights tour, you could book a table to eat in the area.
Lavapiés is a hotspot for street art, with vibrant murals adorning many of its protected buildings. You may take a walk along Calle Embajadores, or at any of the nearby streets / Plazas to see the artworks painted by local and international artists. Here it’s the information about the street art walks.
You’ll also find small boutiques and artisan shops for unique finds, from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. It’d be interesting if you could visit Calle Doctor Fourquet, known for the number of contemporary art galleries. For instance, MPA, Espacio Mínimo, or F2.
Price for a private guide on a Madrid highlights tour

Here you’ll find information about an approximate pricing for the Madrid highlights tour. Payments accepted via credit/debit card, paypal or bank transfer. We adjust the quote depending on the total number of hours, and the requirements for the reservation. For your information, our professional team leaders speak English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Generally, our 2 hours tour start on 181€, to which you would have to add any tickets if you’re interested in visiting any particular museum, or major touristic attraction. Please take into consideration that the price that you’d be paying doesn’t just correspond to the time given, but to the knowledge and experience of our professional tour guides.
You should also take into consideration that we require payments to be processed in advance. In order to block in our calendars the date & time you request, transactions will be placed via credit/debit card, or paypal. You may contact us via whatsapp +34638399784, or by email at info@cooltourspain.com Alternatively, you may fill the following contact form.
Malasaña and La movida madrileña

Malasaña is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in town, known for its vibrant artsy vibe, historical charm, and thriving food and nightlife scenes. The district is an open-air gallery with murals, graffiti, and painted shop shutters, and any Madrid highlights tour with Cooltourspain team members will include an explanation about the local street art community.
In this sense, La Movida Madrileña was a cultural movement that emerged in Madrid during the 1980s, coinciding with Spain’s transition to democracy after the Franco dictatorship. It symbolized a newfound freedom of expression, embracing bold creativity and challenging traditional norms through music, art, film, fashion, and nightlife.
Originally known as Barrio de las Maravillas, the area also played a key role in Spain’s history, particularly during the Uprising of May 2, 1808, when locals resisted Napoleon’s French troops. The iconic Plaza del Dos de Mayo commemorates this event, with monuments honoring the bravery of Madrid’s citizens.
Cooltourspain’s opinion about Madrid highlights tour
If any of our team members were to guide a Madrid highlights tour, it would likely blend classic landmarks with a modern, artistic twist. We believe that it would be valuable for first-time visitors, and travellers who have already visited our city but never experienced it on a guided way.
It’s definitely a starting point, but advocate for a deeper exploration of the city’s modern, alternative, and authentic side. Would you like to join us?
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