Madrid
The Bourbons in Madrid: a special tour of the centre
The Bourbons sat on the Spanish throne in the year 1700, and they are still ruling over the country today. Until then, Madrid was full of narrow streets, palaces and churches. With the Bourbon influence came a classicism style, and the restructuring of urban spaces.
Museums, libraries, promenades, fountains, academies and gardens were all built, and are still in perfect condition today. Some of them are very famous, whist others you can discover on a tour of Madrid through the Bourbons, which we recommend in this article.
If you like, we can do this bespoke tour of Madrid especially for you, meaning you’ll be able to discover all the route’s secrets in the hands of a professional guide.
What’s more, we have other tours to discover Madrid in a fun and authentic way like an ebike tour with food and wine or a segway tour through the old town.
La Puerta del Sol: beginning of the Madrid through the Bourbons tour
The Puerta del Sol square is one of Madrid’s tourist sites everyone needs to visit. This is where the clock tower from which the twelve chimes that bring in the new year ring out. Did you know that in Spain new year is brought in by eating 12 grapes?
You will also be able to admire the ‘Oso y el Madroño‘ (the bear and the strawberry tree), the statue of Carlos III and the Casa de Correos (Royal Post House).
We suggest taking a route through the streets of Alcalá and Caballero de Gracia, where you will discover Casa de Postas, the Real Casa de Aduanas, the Real Academia de Bellas Artes and, finally, El Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, one of the great works of neoclassical architecture.
We follow the route to Plaza de Cibeles
Plaza de Cibeles is where Real Madrid fans celebrate their titles, but it’s also one of the most beautiful places in the city. The Palacio de Linares and Palacio de Buenavista are found in the square.
The fountain in the middle of the square represents the Greek goddess Cybele and is a great place for obligatory photos and selfies.
Visit the Puerta de Alcalá and finish at the Prado Museum
A few metres away is one of Madrid’s five Arc de Triomphes, La Puerta de Alcalá. Located in Plaza de Independencia, for centuries it has welcomed travellers from Aragon and France.
From here you can choose whether to walk around the Parque del Retiro, full of beautiful architecture, sculptors and landscapes, or you can go down the Paseo del Prado, which during the reign of Carlos III, housed buildings dedicated to science.
If you choose the second option, we recommend continuing to the Prado Museum, passing by the Fuente de Apolo, the Fuente de Neptuno, the Botanical Garden and the Congreso de los Diputados (Congress of Deputies).
Without doubt, the Madrid through the Bourbons tour is a great way of discovering the Spanish capital’s most famous sites. If you would like to go on the tour accompanied by a guide, remember that we do bespoke tours of Madrid so that you can enjoy a unique day out and you don’t miss a thing.
