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Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace

476 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 476 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Madrid, Spain
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from $2.27 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace Image 1
Royal Palace Groups
Historic Center of Madrid Discover the beauty of Madrid de los Austrias ️ ⭐️
Historic Center of Madrid Discover the beauty of Madrid de los Austrias ️ ⭐️
Madrid of the Austrias Tour
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, Italian, Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Madrid Essential is the most complete tour of the historic center
of Madrid : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market,
Arab Wall, Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace. In
2 hours and a half, our expert local guides reveal you
medieval secrets, hidden histories and corners
that never appear in travel guides.

We are the No1 company on City Balloon Tours Madrid among more than 1,200
tourism companies. We have been with the Award for 8 consecutive years
City Balloon Tours Best of the Best — only 1% experiences
in the world receives it. More than 20,000 reviews on City Balloon Tours,
Google, GuruWalk and Free Tour. More than 10 years touring Madrid
with travelers from all over the world.

Small groups, maximum 25 people per guide. Includes material
printed and illustrated map exclusive to Trip Tours Madrid. Al
booking you receive our personalized guide to Madrid by
WhatsApp. At the end of the tour, your guide recommends where
eating, drinking and what not to miss.

What's Included

  • Local professional guide, expert in Madrid history
  • Exclusive printed matter and illustrated map
  • Restaurant recommendations and plans at completion
  • Meals Food or drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments (completely outside tour)
  • Food or drinks
See 2 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Puerta del Sol
28013 Madrid, Spain

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

28013 Madrid
Spain

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Puerta del Sol

The nerve center of Madrid: the Km 0 of all roads in Spain, the clock of the 12 grapes of New Year's Eve and the statue of the Bear and the Madronño. You will discover the history of this square since the 15th century and the secrets that hide its buildings.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plaza Mayor

The most emblematic square in Madrid, the scene of bullfights, cars of faith of the Spanish Inquisition and royal coronations.400 years of dark and fascinating history in every stone.
Read more

25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mercado San Miguel

One of the most beautiful iron markets in Europe, built in 1916. History, architecture and the best recommendations to enjoy it if you want to go in to try something.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plaza de la Villa

The political heart of medieval Madrid. The oldest square in the city, with three centuries of architecture at a glance: Gothic, Plateresque and Baroque Madrid.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Arab Wall

The oldest remains of Madrid, from the 9th century. The original fragments of the wall that founded the city and the story of why Madrid was called "Magerit".
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Catedral de la Almudena

The only cathedral in Madrid, consecrated by John Paul II. Scenario of the royal wedding of Philip VI and Letizia. Complete history and curiosities that almost no one knows.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Royal Palace of Madrid

The largest royal palace in Western Europe. Façade, gardens and stories of the kings who inhabited it. We finish at the viewpoint with the best views of Madrid
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Teatro Real

It is one of the most important theaters in Europe and the first performing arts institution in Spain. We could not finish this tour without seeing its impressive facade and tell you all about its history.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-247547P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
476 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 476 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
461
4 stars
11
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
Madrid Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Local professional guide, expert in Madrid history.
  • Exclusive printed matter and illustrated map.
  • Restaurant recommendations and plans at completion.
  • Personalized guide to Madrid by WhatsApp (when booking).
The following is NOT included:
  • Meals. Food or drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments (completely outside tour).
  • Food or drinks.
  • Tip to guide (delivered at completion to satisfaction).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Madrid Essential : Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local professional guide, expert in Madrid history
  • Exclusive printed matter and illustrated map
  • Restaurant recommendations and plans at completion
  • Personalized guide to Madrid by WhatsApp (when booking)
  • MealsFood or drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments (completely outside tour)
  • Food or drinks
  • Tip to guide (delivered at completion to satisfaction)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name