Fernwayer's Private Tours in Madrid
Private tours, led by subject experts, in parts of the city visitors often overlook. Be immersed in Madrid's nightlife, its eclectic history, and the spirit of Flamenco in experiences that promise exclusive access and unique points of view.
Most visitors to Madrid are taken to the same streets and hear the same list of facts, but it's time to discover the city beyond its Plaza Mayor. And there's a lot to discover, because Madrid is full of surprises and energy. The Spanish capital has an unbeatable nightlife and culinary scene, a world-class selection of museums and galleries, and is packed with history and iconic buildings and parks.
Fernwayer's Madrid experiences go deep into the city's diverse history and culture, bringing you closer to its past and present. They are hosted by experts in their fields and residents who want to share their perspectives and favourite spots in the city. Live and breathe the city like a local for a night, whether you're being immersed in the world of flamenco, sipping award-winning cocktails, or exploring the streets of Barrio de las Letras. This is Madrid as it's lived and loved by Madrileños.
Join a gastronomy obsessive who will take you to the best tapas the city's trendiest neighborhood has to offer. Visit the Prado or Reina Sofia with an art historian who will reveal the histories behind legendary paintings by Goya, Velázquez and Picasso. There are also essential day trips. Go back in time to when three religions lived side by side in medieval Toledo. In Valladolid you'll explore a vineyard, taste exquisite wines, and indulge in a long Spanish lunch. This is Madrid as it's lived and loved by Madrileños.
FERNWAYER'S MADRID ESSENTIALS
These curated experiences will immerse you in the full diversity of Madrid city and its region. Go beyond the typical stories and streets to discover the city as it is experienced by people who live here. Your local expert hosts will make sure your next trip to Madrid unique and unforgettable.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
Fernwayer’s Madrid Journeys — suggested itineraries, designed by us, booked by you — are anchored in our curated experiences.
Just one day in Madrid? One Night in Madrid is the perfect experience if this is your first time in the city, or you won't be there for long. This nightlife tour begins with a deep dive into the city's official history, before taking you through the streets of Chueca and Malasaña, where you'll encounter its countercultures past and present. With 5 days in Madrid, you'll want to embark on a real adventure with Madrid in Streets and Stories. You'll visit royal landmarks, live an evening full of flamenco magic, see masterpieces by legendary painters, and eat your way through the city's mouthwatering tapas scene.
We Can Help
Prefer expert guidance? In a one-hour session, we'll design a tailored itinerary anchored in Fernwayer’s exclusive experiences, self-explore spots, and handpicked dining and hotel recommendations. While we don’t handle bookings, we’ll help you craft an unforgettable journey. Book a consult at info@fernwayer.com. Share where you want to go, how many days, interests, and group size.
FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS
If you want to dive into the culture of Madrid and Spain, go on a quest to find the elusive duende, the spirit of Flamenco, in an experience that blends gastronomy with music and dance, or go on an exclusive tour of one of the city's most renowned Flamenco Academies, where'll be treated to an intimate Flamenco performance. If you want to get a sense of local life through the eyes of someone who lives here, spend an evening exploring the Malasaña neighborhood with a historian, or the Austrias neighborhood with a professional photographer. Dive into heritage and see the past come alive at a medieval castle, and learn how one neighborhood was once famous for being the home of great writers. Go beyond the city with day tours to Toledo, a city bursting with religious history, or Valladolid, an area famous worldwide for its viniculture.
Each experience is tied to place, led by locals, and made for travelers who want more than just a view.
Culture Tours
Being the capital of a country with one of Europe's most vibrant living folk cultures, Madrid is of course full of the best of the best flamenco performers. Our flamenco experiences take you closer to this tradition. Join a flamenco historian to explore the spirit of flamenco through a dance class and gourmet dinner coupled with an intimate flamenco show. Groups can enjoy a unique and rare tour through Spain's oldest Flamenco Academy. The craftsmanship and artistry which surrounds this tradition, which you can connect with directly in our Pizzicato experience, is also alive and well.
Local Life Tours
Madrid is famous for its street life and welcoming residents. Fernwayer's local life tours break down the barriers between new arrivals and the city's eclectic community. Explore the central Letras and Austrias through the perspective of a resident who can provide a person and historical view of these streets. An evening in Chueca and Malasaña will provide an opportunity for you to discover Madrid's more countercultural side. Join a professional photographer on a photography walking tour where you'll be invited to pay special attention to central Madrid's various architectural styles, shapes, and colors.
Heritage Tours
From the country's so-called Golden Age to the cultural explosion of the late 1970s, Madrid has a wealth of history. Fernwayer's experiences aren't the typical, history-as-a-list-of-facts walking tours you'll find elsewhere. Instead, you'll meet professional historians and journalists who have studied their topics thoroughly. In the La Letras neighborhood you'll feel how Cervantes and other literary giants impacted the city. A tour of classic bars frequented by Ernest Hemingway will bring the early 20th century to life. You'll be shown marks left during the Civil War and learn how the city was transformed by that conflict. A day trip to Manzanares promises an exclusive and unforgettable exploration of Madrid's medieval past.
Day Tours from Madrid: Toledo, Valladolid & Galicia
Discover the unique charm of Spanish life beyond the capital, all within reach of a day's travel. Embark on our uniquely crafted day tours in Madrid, designed to offer quick and practical escapes into completely different worlds. Each tour provides a gateway to immerse yourself in authentic experiences that capture the essence of Spanish heritage and natural beauty. Join one of the best wine tours from Madrid in Villadolid. Take a train to Toledo and explore the unique history of this Roman-era city where religions and cultures have blended over the ages. Our Madrid day tours are tailored to deepen your connection with local culture and landscape.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Madrid's size means each neighborhood is often a little town within itself. The city's various outdoors spaces provide opportunities to unwind. Nothing's too far away thanks to the city's public transport network (Metro lines 1, 2 and 5 are the handiest), and a taxi is often close to hand.
Where to stay? Although it's a sprawling city, if you stay within what's often termed the "Central Almond" (due to its shape), the city should feel manageable. Salamanca: For those seeking luxury, Salamanca offers high-end shopping and Michelin restaurants. Officially, Salamanca includes neighborhoods such as Goya and Lista, but stay closer to the Paseo de la Castellana. Sol: If you want quality hotels while being in the heart of the action, within walking distance of flamenco tablaos and the Plaza Mayor, the part of Madrid Centro known as Sol is the place to be. Chamberí: For those who want to stay in a neighborhood that feels more local, and enjoy escaping the hustle of the city center, Chamberí offers plenty of trendy bars, cafés, boutiques, and beautiful streets.
For more neighborhood highlights, flip the cards below.
Madrid Neighborhood Guide
Salamanca
This upscale and elegant neighborhood is famous for its designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and fine dining. Being just northeast of Retiro Park, open space is easily accessible, making it a good spot for families. While it's not close to the typical tourist sites, this residential area is perfect if you're looking for comfort, safety, and a more refined atmosphere.
Malasaña
If you want to be near nightlife and energy, Malasaña will offer you plenty of options for entertainment. Located just north of the Gran Vía, this alternative and bohemian neighborhood is perfect for travelers who like a creative, social scene and aren't too worred about a bit of noise. Recommended experience: One Night in Madrid.
Sol
Sol is perfect if you're a first time visitor seeking easy access to landmarks and transport links. This central Madrid neighborhood is home to the Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor, so is unsurprisingly often lively and crowded. You may not get much of a local atmosphere here, however. Recommended experience: Madrid's Magic in Monochrome.
Chamberí
This residential neighborhood, with the tree-lined Plaza de Olavide at its heart, boasts traditional taverns and trendy eateries, but quieter nights than its sourthern neighbors Malasaña or Chueca. You'll find more options for boutique stays or apartments here, and transport links that make accessing the city center a breeze.
La Latina
This traditional and authentic neighborhood is home to legendary markets and the El Rastro flea market on Sundays. Located in the southwest corner of the city center, this neighborhood is perfect for couples who want history, local charm and nightlife on their doorstep.
Austrias
The collaquial name for the Habsburg-era old town in Madrid Centro. This historic and architecturally grand area boasts cobblestone streets and grand plazas. Ideal if you want to soak up Madrid’s history and be close to cultural icons like the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. Recommended experience: True Colors of Madrid.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This FAQ provides clear, field-tested answers: how long you should plan to visit Madrid; if you'll be able to reach the key sites by foot; the best time of year to go to beat the intense summer heat; whether there's enough cultural sites to keep you occupied; if it's family-friendly, and more.
How many days do I need in Madrid? With just two or three days, if you want to be kept busy, you can cover the main highlights: the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and a good amount of tapas hopping. If you stay four or five days, you’ll have time to go deeper into the city’s cultural offerings, such as the Reina Sofía or Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, while also enjoying a day trip to Toledo, Segovia or Valladolid. Those who stay six days or more can explore at a slower pace, take multiple day trips, and really experience Madrid like a local, including discovering the magic of the lesser known neighborhoods, which contain their own charm. In short, Madrid is a city you can keep returning to, and definitely has enough to keep you entertained.
Is Madrid walkable? Madrid’s historic center is wonderfully walkable, made even better by its imperial, historic streets, and traditional shop fronts and taverns. The neighborhoods of Sol, Austrias, La Latina, Las Letras, and Chueca all sit close together, and you can easily cover the main sights on foot. Still, Madrid is a sprawling capital, and when you want to visit areas like Salamanca, Chamartín, or the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, the metro becomes your best friend. It’s fast, reliable, and inexpensive. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also plentiful. Expect to walk a lot in the heart of the city but rely on the metro for longer journeys.
What is Madrid's metro and public transport system like? Madrid’s public transport is extensive and reliable, with the Metro, buses, and Cercanías trains connecting the city and nearby towns. For visitors, the 10-ride “Metrobús” ticket is a convenient, reusable option, offering ten journeys on metro or urban buses with a small per-ride discount. The Tourist Travel Pass (Abono Turístico) provides unlimited travel across metro, bus, and Cercanías lines within selected zones for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 consecutive days. This is ideal for those exploring the city and its surroundings extensively.
What’s the best time of year to visit Madrid? Madrid is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring and autumn. From March to May, the city enjoys mild, sunny days that are perfect for exploring on foot or lingering at a café terrace. September and October bring similarly comfortable weather, with fewer crowds than in the height of summer. If you do visit in summer, be prepared for intense heat—temperatures can reach 35–40°C (95–104°F). Also keep in mind that a majority of locals spend their August on the coast. Winter is cool but rarely freezing, making it a pleasant time for museum-hopping and cozy evenings of tapas. The Fiestas San Isidro is a city-wide celebration that takes place every May which blends tradition with contemporary music and performances. Keep in mind that the events often draw large crowds.
Is Madrid family-friendly? Madrid is very welcoming to families. Retiro Park is a natural magnet for children, with playgrounds, puppet shows, and rowboats to hire. The Royal Palace and its gardens make for an exciting outing, while museums such as the Prado and CaixaForum often run activities tailored for younger visitors. Madrid Río Park, a large greenbelt along the river, is perfect for cycling and playtime, and nearby day trips to places like Toledo or Segovia often appeal to kids thanks to their castles and medieval streets. When it comes to accommodation, neighborhoods like Salamanca and Chamberí are especially good choices, thanks to their quieter, family-friendly feel and abundance of parks. The only adjustment may be Madrid’s late dining culture, but with a bit of planning, families usually find the city easy and enjoyable.
What’s the nightlife like, and where should I go? Madrid has a reputation for being one of Europe’s liveliest cities after dark, and it’s well deserved. Dinner rarely begins before nine, and bars don’t fill up until close to midnight. Clubs run until dawn. But nightlife in Madrid isn’t just about dancing until sunrise. You can spend an evening hopping between tapas bars in La Latina, sipping cocktails in Sol, or joining the stylish crowds in Chueca’s bars and clubs. If you’re looking for something cultural, flamenco shows are a wonderful option, with tablaos like Cardamomo and Corral de la Morería offering an authentic experience. For a more relaxed evening, rooftop bars along Gran Vía or at hotels such as the Riu Plaza España offer sweeping views over the city.
Are there good museums and galleries in Madrid? Madrid is world-renowned for its museums and galleries, offering something for every kind of art lover. At the heart of the city is the Golden Triangle of Art, which includes the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Prado houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, while the Reina Sofía is home to modern and contemporary art, including Picasso’s iconic Guernica. The Thyssen-Bornemisza spans European art from the 13th to the 20th century, bridging classical and modern styles. Beyond these, Madrid has smaller, innovative galleries, such as CaixaForum, Museo Sorolla, and the Museum of Romanticism, making it a vibrant city for cultural exploration.
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