About this English self-guided 2h:14m walking tour in Madrid
Welcome to the lively city of Madrid! A place filled with iconic history, great food and drink, architecture that will have you swooning, and parks you will never want to leave. We are going to take a walk through the heart of Madrid to some of the city’s most treasured locations, as well as places you might have not heard about. We’re going to touch on a little bit of everything mentioned above, and I have some details and stories about them all that I’m so excited to share with you! I hope you enjoy our tour, Madrid is an amazing place so thank you for choosing to share your experience with me! So let’s dive in, why don’t we?
Our first stop of our tour today is Puerta de Sol, which translates to “Gate of the Sun”. Makes sense doesn’t it? We are not only in the center most hub of Madrid, but it is also the actual geographical center of Spain. So calling it the Sun feels more than fitting. But where the name historically originated from is that this iconic square used to be one of the gates into the city, and it faced east, where the sun rises.
With a wonderful backstory, there are also many features to be mentioned here, so stay with me! As you walk the square, you will come across a plaque in the pavement inscribed with “Kilometer Zero”. This is the exact point where all six of Spain’s national roads measure their distances to and from Madrid.
There is also the Puerta del Sol Building, or the “Real Casa de Correos”, and is one of the most prominent and influential structures in Puerta de Sol Square. Built in the late 18th century, it stands as a magnificent example of NeoClassical architecture. You can notice this through the symmetry portrayed in its facade, with its central entrance and a wing on each side. It originally served as Madrid’s postal service, but throughout the years has evolved into many different government offices. Today, it acts as a cultural center, constantly hosting events and exhibitions all related to Madrid’s rich history. During New Year’s Eve, Puerta del Sol becomes the party of your dreams. Everyone is gathered, specifically to watch the clock tower, “El Reloj de la Puerta del Sol”, strike midnight. The bell chimes twelve times to signify midnight, and it is a tradition to eat a grape for each chime for good luck in the new year.
The most notable aspects of this lively and historic square is The Statue of The Bear and The Strawberry Tree. As you may know, this symbol has been associated with Madrid for centuries, as it appears on Madrid’s coat of arms. The iconic emblem is said to have originated during medieval times when Madrid was just a small town surrounded by forests. These forests housed many creatures and plants, but the bears and the strawberry trees were so commonly found, the two became a part of Madrid’s culture. The statue depicts a bear reaching up to a strawberry tree, representing Madrid’s connection to its natural environment.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Madrid
Place 2Puerta Del Sol
Place 3Directions
Place 4Plaza Mayor
Place 5Directions
Place 6Mercado de San Miguel
Place 7Directions
Place 8Almudena Cathedral / Royal Palace
Place 9Directions
Place 10Plaza de Oriente
Place 11Teatro Real
Place 12Directions
Place 13Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales
Place 14Directions
Place 15Gran Vía
Place 16Telefonica Building
Place 17Directions
Place 18Mercado de la Reina
Place 19Cybele Palace
Place 20Directions
Place 21Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Place 22Directions
Place 23Directions
Place 24Museo Nacional del Prado
Place 25Directions
Place 26El Retiro Park
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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
