Private Tours in Madrid

There are countless things to see and do in Madrid, but private tours allow you to discover what you like best and create a completely personalised itinerary. Private tours are usually conducted by professional guides who guarantee an enriching experience. You can ask all the questions you need and delve deeper into the monuments of interest.

They are a great option if you want to wander around and explore little-known corners or avoid queues at the ticket office. In addition, this type of experience guarantees independence, peace of mind and comfort. They are a popular alternative for visiting museums, parks and shopping in the main streets of the capital, as well as for taking a stroll and getting to know the city in depth.

When visiting a city, each person has attractions and monuments that they want to prioritise. Some opt for museums, churches and places that treasure culture and history. Meanwhile, there are those who travel to eat well and have fun. To immerse yourself in Madrid like a local, it is best to create a personalised route. This way, you can go out in search of places and experiences that suit your preferences.

In addition to doing it independently, one of the best options for personalising your experience is to leave it in the hands of professionals and book a private tour. These types of experiences allow you to design your own route and rely on a tour guide, who will offer you a list of activities that include places such as the Royal Palace.

This way, you won't have to expose yourself to an unfamiliar city or worry about the organisation.

Details of interest

• Price: from £49 per person.
• Duration: two to six hours, depending on the duration selected.
• Means of transport: these types of tours are done on foot, so wear your most comfortable shoes.
• Advantages of this option: ideal for small groups of families or friends. Generally, these experiences offer comfort, flexibility and a complete itinerary or a personalised route.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include tickets to monuments and attractions.

The Bernabéu Stadium attracts football fans and anyone interested in conventions, concerts and other large-scale events. It is an impressive venue that has also hosted renowned artists such as Taylor Swift, Karol G and Luis Miguel. A visit allows you to see all the legendary places where famous stars have surely been. You can enter the dressing rooms, hear about the team's most iconic moments and feel the excitement of being on the pitch.

You can share the experience with a group, but if you are a big fan and prefer to enjoy it in a more intimate way, you can book a private tour of the Bernabéu. This tour of the Santiago Bernabéu offers exclusive access to restricted areas, as well as a visit to the Real Madrid museum. Get ready to see collections of trophies, old shirts and archive photographs.

Details of interest

• Price: from £105 per person.
• Duration: approximately one and a half hours.
• Transport: you must make your own way there; the easiest way is to get off at the Santiago Bernabéu metro station, connected to line 10.

The Reina Sofía Museum houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. In fact, it has three locations: La Principal, El Palacio de Cristal and El Palacio de Velázquez. Here you can satisfy your curiosity about the history of the museum while appreciating works by Picasso, Dalí and other renowned painters.

Visiting the Reina Sofía Museum is a must to see its best works and take advantage of the temporary exhibitions. You can visit it on your own, but if you want to avoid the queues at the entrance and personalise the experience, it is advisable to sign up for a private tour.

This way, you will discover every detail about the history of the museum and the context behind each work.

Details of interest

• Price: the usual admission price is approximately €12 per person. If you choose a private guided tour, the price can rise to €104 per person.
• Duration: at least two and a half hours.
• Transport: you must make your own way there.
• Advantages of this option: avoid the crowds at the entrance and discover all the museum's secrets.

Segway tours are suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike, as they are easy to handle. They are also ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities in Madrid. You can hire them in most of Madrid's parks and explore the paths, but certain areas, such as El Retiro, are huge and it is difficult to plan a practical route, especially if you do not live in the capital.

A private tour for this activity will take you to the famous Estanque Grande (Great Pond), around the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) and show you the locals' favourite spots. The main advantage of doing the activity this way is that the guide will offer you personalised attention without interruptions.

You can also book this activity as a group if you prefer to socialise with other tourists. Or perhaps you'd rather rent a Segway and explore on your own. But if it's your first time visiting El Retiro, you'll probably prefer a more comfortable experience with an expert leading the tour.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to El Retiro is free, but private Segway tours start at €40.
• Duration: usually one to two hours.
• Transport: you will travel around the park on an electric vehicle, but you must make your own way there.

Passion and flavour come together in these types of activities, which take you through the authenticity of flamenco shows. The best thing is that you don't have to limit yourself to just one perspective of these shows, as they are often combined with a walking tour through the streets of Madrid and a tapas tasting to make the evening even more special. They are the perfect plan for exploring Spanish food and discovering the best local restaurants.

Generally, these types of packages are designed for private tours, which introduce you to Madrid's nightlife in a comprehensive and entertaining way. You will enjoy the heel-tapping and movements of flamenco and, at the end, you will probably receive photographs and videos of the experience. Please note that the regular itinerary is divided into one hour of flamenco and two hours of walking with a professional guide, so comfortable trainers are recommended.

Details of interest

• Price: from €148 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Transport: you must make your own way to the venue where the show takes place, and at the end you must return to your hotel on your own.

Tapas is one of the hallmarks of Spanish cuisine and has many nuances to discover. Gastronomic tourism in Madrid is becoming increasingly popular because it allows you to experience an explosion of flavours and begin to learn about a part of Spain's culinary culture. You can go out on your own to experience it, but if it's your first time or you don't have time to organise an itinerary, you're likely to miss out on the most recommended restaurants, experiences and dishes.

To put yourself in the shoes of a local, there's nothing better than booking a private gastronomic tour. This way, you'll try food in the most authentic places and discover typical craft drinks. In general, these experiences offer up to 20 tastings of dishes, wines and beers.

Another advantage of private experiences is that you can request a personalised menu. This way, you can indulge your taste buds while discovering trendy bars and the best neighbourhoods for eating out.

Details of interest

• Price: from £88 per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Transport: transfers between the hotel and the starting point are not usually included, as these are generally walking tours.

If you're someone who sets aside part of your budget for shopping, get ready to return with your bags full and enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in the Spanish capital. Madrid has plenty of shops and shopping streets where you can find all kinds of clothing, accessories, shoes and jewellery. All you need is an expert eye for fashion to make the experience easier and prevent it from turning into a nightmare of aimless wandering.

This way, you can discover the best boutiques and enjoy the capital's extravagance of luxury. You won't have to limit yourself to large shopping centres; on the contrary, you can explore different neighbourhoods and find competitive prices, as well as pick up on the latest trends.

In this type of experience, your shopping guide will create a personalised itinerary based on your budget and preferences. You may take a break for a tapas tasting or receive informative commentary as you pass through Malasaña, the Barrio de Las Letras, Gran Vía and other notable places.

Details of interest

• Price: from £175 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Transportation: a meeting point is usually set, and you must arrive on your own.

The origins of the tuk tuk date back to Japan in the 1960s, but today they are a classic way to get around big cities. Discover Madrid and its main attractions as you glide through the alleys and hills, without missing a thing. Although the capital can be explored on foot, exhausting walks are not for everyone. If you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, this tour is ideal for you.

These experiences can be customised and you usually have the option of choosing between a one-hour or two-hour tour. Of course, the longer you stay on board, the more places and monuments in Madrid you will be able to see. In addition, a maximum of four people can participate in the tour, due to the capacity of the tuk tuk.

Without a doubt, this is an ideal activity if you plan to spend at least two days in Madrid.

Details of interest

• Price: from €46 per person.
• Duration: usually one to two hours.
• Means of transport: you will explore the city aboard a picturesque tuk tuk.

If you want to take advantage of several museum options, you can organise a joint visit to three of Madrid's most outstanding art museums. The Prado Museum is one of the most popular choices, with outstanding paintings that immerse you in the creations of Spanish artists. The other two most popular are the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum.

The Reina Sofía Museum offers more than 23,000 works, while the Thyssen takes you through the paintings of Van Gogh, Monet and Hopper. Opt for a private and personalised visit to all three, an experience that introduces you to a tour where you will enjoy Spanish art history like never before.

Details of interest

• Price: from €277 per person.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Transportation: you must make your own way to the starting point.

Taking photographs during your trip is the best way to immortalise the moment. However, it can sometimes be difficult to enjoy the moment and concentrate on capturing the monuments around you at the same time. That's why many people choose to hire a private photographer to guide them on a photographic tour. This way, you won't have to leave your belongings behind, use awkward tripods or ask strangers to help you with this task.

You'll be able to find the best spots for photos and make sure you visit them at a time when the sun is at its best. However, you can also plan your own route. To do this, I recommend avoiding crowded areas so you can get a shot without any tourists in the frame.

If you want to take the perfect photos of Madrid, you have to visit:

• Ikonos, which offers immersive rooms where you can take unique and fun photos.
• The Royal Palace, which is impressive both inside and out, where you can capture photos straight out of a fairy tale.
• El Escorial, located near Madrid, is a village with a unique charm where every corner is perfect for taking photos without too many tourists.
• Parque del Capricho is a peaceful and picturesque setting where you can lose yourself in its mazes and capture the architecture of the 18th century.
• Gran Vía: you can't visit Madrid without taking at least one photo on this important shopping street.
• Puerta de Alcalá, this famous photo spot has an important historical context, and at certain times of the day, you can find it clear of crowds.

Details of interest

• Price: from €90 per person.
• Duration: between one and two hours.
• Transport: usually on foot, with a fixed meeting point.