Medieval Madrid: Plaza Mayor, Arab Wall and Temple of Debod

4.9 (87 reviews) Madrid, Spain
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Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

Explore ancient Madrid on a 2.5-hour walking tour: Plaza Mayor,
Cava Baja street, the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, the
Segovia Bridge, Plaza de Oriente and the Temple of Debod with
its breathtaking sunset views. Walk through 10 centuries of
history — from the 9th-century Muslim fortification of Magerit
to the medieval legends, royal palaces and hidden secrets that
shaped one of Europe's most fascinating capitals.

We are the #1 company on TripAdvisor Madrid among more than
1,200 tourism businesses, with the Best of the Best Award for
8 consecutive years — only 1% of experiences in the world
receive it. Over 20,000 reviews back more than 10 years
guiding travelers from around the world through Madrid.

Small groups, maximum 25 travelers per guide. Upon booking
you receive our personalized Madrid guide via WhatsApp. At
the end of the tour your guide recommends the best spots to
eat, drink and explore.

What's included

  • Restaurant and activity recommendations at the end of the tour
  • Printed materials and exclusive illustrated map
  • Personalized Madrid guide via WhatsApp (upon booking)
  • Professional local guide, expert in Madrid's medieval history
  • Guide gratuity (given at the end of the tour based on satisfaction)
  • Monument entrance fees (tour is fully outdoors)
  • Food and drinks

What to expect

  1. Plaza Mayor
    20m
    Madrid's most iconic square, built in 1619 under King Philip III. Stage for bullfights, markets, Inquisition trials and public executions. We'll uncover 400 years of history hidden behind its 237 windows and 9 entrance archways.
  2. Calle De La Cava Baja
    20m
    One of Madrid's oldest streets, built over the outer moat of the medieval city wall. Discover its history as the heart of inns and taverns since the 17th century and why it remains one of Madrid's best streets for tapas and wine today.
  3. El Madrono
    20m
    Madrid's most iconic symbol: the bear leaning on the strawberry tree. We'll tell you the origin of the city's coat of arms, the medieval dispute between Madrid's Council and the Archbishop of Toledo that shaped it, and the story of the madroño liqueur made from its berries.
  4. Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
    20m
    One of the largest domes in the Christian world at 33 meters wide — bigger than the Pantheon in Rome. Built on a convent traditionally founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. We'll admire its facade and tell you about the Goya and Zurbarán masterpieces inside.
  5. Puente de Segovia
    20m
    Madrid's oldest bridge, built by Philip II in 1584. From here you'll have the best panoramic views of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. We'll explain why Philip II ordered such a monumental bridge to cross such a small river as the Manzanares.
  6. Plaza de Oriente
    20m
    Madrid's most elegant garden, flanked by the Royal Palace, the Royal Theatre and 44 statues of Visigoth and Spanish kings. Designed by Joseph Bonaparte during French occupation. We'll share the stories of royal life and the intrigues of the Spanish court.
  7. Templo de Debod
    20m
    A 2,200-year-old Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid, donated by Egypt to Spain in 1968 as thanks for rescuing Nubian temples during the construction of the Aswan Dam. We finish here with the most spectacular panoramic views of Madrid at sunset.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Plaza Mayor, next to the Casa de la Carnicería — the Hotel Pestana Collection building, on the north side of the square (entrance from Calle Toledo). Look for our COMPLETELY YELLOW UMBRELLA — you'll spot us instantly even if the square is busy. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp.

End point

Look for the umbrella in full yellow.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (87)
From
€3.99 per group
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Trip Tours Madrid · Booked through Viator
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