Madrid in a Day with Prado Museum and Royal Palace

Wander through the tranquil paths of El Retiro Park, marvel at masterpieces in the Prado Museum, and refresh with a lunch break at a guide-recommended eatery. Then, continue to the bustling Puerta del Sol, meander through the historical Madrid of the Habsburgs, and ponder the magnificent Cathedral of La Almudena before wrapping up your adventure with a tour of the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid.

Madrid Full Day Tour Description

Your 8-hour tour includes:

• Expert-guided tour in English

• Small group with max 12 people

• Skip-the-line entry and audio guide at the Prado Museum

• Skip-the-line entrance to the Royal Palace

• Madrid's most iconic sights including El Retiro Park and Old Town

• Free time for lunch

Meet at Puerta de Alcala

Your journey starts at a convenient time in the morning at the Puerta de Alcalá, an iconic gateway standing proudly in the Plaza de la Independencia. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide and a small group of fellow explorers for the day. Take a moment to marvel at the impressive neoclassical architecture of the gate, which was designed in the late 18th century by Francesco Sabatini and tune in as your guide shares stories of its construction commissioned by King Carlos III and its role as a ceremonial entrance into the capital.

Plaza de Cibeles and Paseo del Prado

After the meet and greets are out of the way, you’ll venture over to Plaza de Cibeles. This bustling square is famed for its stunning fountain, which depicts Cybele, the Roman goddess of fertility, seated on a chariot pulled by lions. Surrounding the plaza are striking buildings like the Palacio de Cibeles, formerly the postal headquarters and now a cultural hub. The Paseo del Prado, just a short walk from the plaza, is another highlight well worth checking out. Known as Madrid’s art walk, this avenue is lined with trees and sculptures that lead directly toward the Prado Museum.

El Retiro Park

Before continuing to the Prado Museum, detour to El Retiro Park, which is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a moment of tranquility. Built in the 17th century, the park belonged to the Spanish monarchy until 1868, when it became a public park. Follow your guide’s lead around the park’s beautifully manicured gardens and peaceful walkways and to the striking Crystal Palace. Along the way, learn how the park was once a retreat for the Spanish monarchy before opening to the public in the late 19th century. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a puppet show or an informal music performance.

Prado Museum

Next, your skip-the-line ticket brings you straight inside the Prado Museum, one of the world's premier art galleries. The Prado's halls are lined with a fine collection of European art, from the 12th to the early 20th century. Your guide will highlight key pieces including Velázquez’s "Las Meninas" and Goya’s "Black Paintings." Learn about the context in which these masterpieces were created as well as the innovative techniques used by the artists that continue to influence the art world today.

Free time for lunch

After immersing yourself in the artistic wonders of the Prado Museum, it's time for a well-deserved lunch break. Lunch is not included in the tour, but your guide will suggest several nearby restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine or international dishes. Whether you crave tapas, a hearty paella, or a quick bite, you'll find plenty of options to recharge before the afternoon's exploration.

Puerta del Sol

Re-energized, meet back up with your guide and fellow group members at Puerta del Sol. This lively square has long served as a meeting point for locals and is even deemed the ‘zero kilometer’ point from which all distances in Spain are measured. While you’re here, your guide will point out the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the Twelve Grapes on New Year's Eve, and recount tales of the square's history as a hub of social and political activity. The Puerta del Sol originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century and the name of the gate came from the rising sun which decorated the entry, since the gate was oriented to the east.

Madrid of the Habsburgs (Old Town)

A short walk from Puerta del Sol leads you into the labyrinthine streets of the Habsburg Madrid, the city’s oldest quarter. As you wander through narrow alleys lined with historic buildings, your guide will help you discover the Renaissance and Baroque architecture that flourished during the reign of the Habsburg dynasty. You'll learn how this era, known as the Golden Age, was a time of artistic and cultural growth, lending the city a grandeur that still impresses today.

Cathedral of La Almudena

Next, you'll visit the Cathedral of La Almudena. While you won’t be going inside during this tour, the Neoclassical exterior is still a sight to behold. As you take in its lovely facade featuring pale stone and intricate details, tune in as your guide shares stories from its century-long construction. After all, did you know that while it wasn’t completed until 1993, it was envisioned back in the 16th century to honor Madrid's patroness, the Virgin of Almudena?

Royal Palace of Madrid

Your final destination is the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful palaces. With your skip-the-line ticket, you'll bypass the long queues and enter directly into the opulence of Spain's royal history. Inside, explore stunning rooms filled with art, armor, and exquisite furnishings. Learn about the palace’s role in royal ceremonies, and hear stories about the monarchs who once called this home. While your tour ends here, feel free to continue exploring the palace at your leisure or ask your guide for recommendations on how to spend your evening in Madrid. Adios, and thanks for joining!