What You Will Do
First of all, quietly, we will get to know each other while tasting a tasty coffee and a portion of homemade cake. one of the most famous in Madrid.
The most important thing you should know is that this tour not only visits the most historic part of Madrid, the Madrid of the Austrians, but also enters 3 of the neighborhoods with the greatest personality in the Spanish capital: Lavapiés, La Latina and Las Letras.
Our experienced guides introduce our visitors to the local way of life through its markets, squares, alleys and churches. We are looking forward to receiving you to show you part of the b-side of the European capital with more sunny days per year. Welcome!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Just Come by Central Experiences.
Metro: Line 1 TIRSO DE MOLINA (1 MINUTE AWAY)
1
La Latina
Distric 1: La Latina. We will start on our store (Mesón de Paredes, 11).
Wll have a good coffee and carrot cake to introduce eachother. Next we will visit the bohemian neighborhood of La Latina.
The narrow and winding streets of this irregularly laid-out area, mostly dating back to the Middle Ages, usually lead onto a square.
2
Iglesia Parroquial de San Millan y San Cayetano.
5 minutes
This church was built by the architect Marcos López in 1669 and finished by Francisco de Moradillo in 1761; it is also believed that José de Churriguera and Pedro de Ribera.
3
Plaza Tirso de Molina
In the high part of the neighbourhood, along the streets that run into the colourful Tirso de Molina Square – peppered with flower stalls –, there are clothing and accessories wholesalers (but a few of them are retail suppliers too)
4
Lavapies
Next stop: district 2: the tourist Lavapiés.
Since the sixteenth century, Lavapiés has been inhabited by the lower classes. Local residents used to live in apartment blocks, or tenements, called corralas that were arranged around an interior courtyard.
5
Mercado de Anton Martin
5 minutes
Antón Martín Market
mercado_de_anton_martin.jpg
Anterior
Siguiente
Description
Information
(active tab)
Map
This shopping centre, named after the famous Plaza de Antón Martín, is part of the new trend for gourmet markets, where traditional food stalls sit alongside various restaurants, serving up largely street food and international cuisine, with flavours of Spain, Italy, Asia and Latin America.
6
Barrio de Las Letras
Next neighborhood: district 3: Las Letras! (Literary Quarter).
In the seventeenth century, the Golden Age of Spanish Literature, Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Tirso de Molina and Góngora, among other authors, had their homes here – hence the name. Some of the streets in this neighbourhood pay tribute to this and other brilliant chapters of Spanish history, culture and art.
7
Galeria Canalejas
10 minutes
A visit to the former Palacio de la Equitativa, between Calle Alcalá and Calle Sevilla, is this exclusive shopping centre, the latest symbol of luxury in the heart of Madrid. Find over 40 boutiques selling fashion, accessories, perfume, and high-end jewellery and watches by some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands (including Hermès, Cartier and Rolex), not forgetting a fantastic selection of restaurants and gastronomic concepts designed by renowned Michelin-star chefs.
Covering an area of 15,000 m2, Galería Canalejas is spread across three floors, with the ground floor and first floor dedicated exclusively to shopping. Luxury boutiques of international firms like Hermés, Cartier, Aquazzura, OMEGA, Rolex, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Zegna, Jimmy Choo or Louis Vuitton can be found here. The commercial area is also home to the Beauty Gallery by Isolée, with more than 20 brands of premium cosmetics, make-up and signature perfumes.
8
Puerta del Sol
Close by Galeria Canalejas one of the city’s most famous sites, Puerta del Sol with its semi-circular shape, it is a junction for many of the city’s historical and busiest streets such as Mayor, Arenal, Alcalá and Preciados, as well as the starting point for all major radial roads in Spain.
9
Plaza Mayor
District 4: Austrias: 5 minutes away, Madrid’s grand central square is found in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city. Steeped in history, the bustling plaza is the perfect place to begin your stroll through one of Madrid’s most charming districts. While you’re there, have a bite to eat or a coffee at one of the sunny terraces, buy yourself a souvenir in any of the time-honoured shops, watch street musicians and artists working their magic, and soak up the city’s rich history. The square also plays host to events such as the drum parade at Easter, outdoor concerts, and the city's Christmas market in December, so be sure to check the calendar when you're visiting.
10
Plaza de la Villa
This is one of Madrid’s best-preserved historical monuments. It is located in the historical zone, next to the Puerta del Sol Gate, and up until not long ago, you could find there the site of the capital City Council.
11
Catedral de la Almudena
5 minutes
Madrid's cathedral, which stands in Hapsburg Madrid, has a short but tortuous history. The first plans for the church were drawn up in 1879 by Francisco de Cubas, who wanted to create a pantheon for the late Queen Maria de la Mercedes. The foundation stone was laid in 1883, but when Pope Leo XIII granted a bull in 1885 for the creation of the Madrid-Alcalá bishopric, the plans for the church were changed to become plans for a cathedral.
12
Plaza de Oriente
This 1.6-hectare garden is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Madrid. The gardens were planned by José Bonaparte, who wanted the gardens to highlight the Palacio and the Teatro Real. Since then, they have undergone significant restoration work. Miguel de Oriol directed the most important restoration work in 1997.
13
Royal Palace of Madrid
Home to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII, Madrid's Royal Palace takes us on a journey through the history of Spain. Though it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence.
14
Mercado San Miguel
5 minutes
Opened back in May 1916 as a local food market, in 2009 the Mercado de San Miguel – one of the city’s finest examples of cast-iron architecture located a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor – became Madrid’s first gourmet market. Nine years later, in 2018, it was relaunched with a number of internationally-renowned chefs joining the ranks.
Show 13 more stops