Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Madrid, Spain
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Duration1h - 1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

The charming Huertas area has been Madrid’s literary hub ever since 1583. On this walking tour through Barrio de las Letras (known as the Literary Quarter), you’ll find out how writers shaped the city, from the Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) up to the present day.

You’ll stroll through the district’s quaint streets to see where a world-weary Cervantes settled to pen Don Quijote, just down the road from his greatest frenemy, Lope de Vega. You'll also see where, centuries later during the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway whet his whistle in bars like La Venencia and Ceveceria Alemana.

The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers.

On this leisurely 60-minute walk through Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary district, you'll find out how the area, the city and the country were shaped by some of the world’s greatest writers.

What's included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

What to expect

  1. Teatro Espanol
    Pass by
    This self-guided tour starts in front of Teatro Español on Plaza de Santa Ana. You'll learn about the theatre's ties to Madrid's Literary District while you walk through the area.
  2. Casa Alberto
    Pass by
    Along the way, you’ll discover interesting shops like Miguel Miranda bookstore and Brown Bear Bakery, and historical bars like Viva Madrid and Casa Alberto.
  3. Pass by
    On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by Lope de Vega’s House Museum, the playwright’s charming 16th-century house and garden.
  4. Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso
    Pass by
    As you walk, you'll pass by the ancient convent, Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso, where Cervantes’ bones are interred.
  5. Pass by
    You’ll also see a statue of Spain’s greatest writer, Miguel de Cervantes, standing proudly in Plaza de las Cortes where you can learn all about Spain’s rocky road to democracy.
  6. Ateneo de Madrid
    Pass by
    On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by the historic literary institution, Ateneo de Madrid and learn about the bitter rivalries raging between Madrid’s talented writers.
  7. La Venencia
    Pass by
    On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
  8. Pass by
    On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
  9. Pass by
    On this tour, you'll pass by the statue of Frederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s greatest poet and learn a bit more about the poet.
  10. Pass by
    The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Teatro Espanol. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends in front of Antiguo cementerio de la iglesia de San Sebastián.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator
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