Tip-based walking tour of monumental Madrid: Alcalá and the Retiro
Madrid · 140 min · 2 €+ · Sol Tours Madrid
Walk through Bourbon Madrid along Calle Alcalá, from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park, with a guide who tells it in Spanish, paying for the tour with a tip at the end. We start at Puerta del Sol, with Carlos III, the Royal Post Office, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and Kilometre Zero. From there we follow Calle Alcalá, the axis of almost the whole route: the San Fernando Academy, the Casino de Madrid, the Four Seasons hotel, the BBVA quadrigas and the Bank of Spain. We reach the Cibeles Fountain, with the Casa de América and the Caryatids building, walk under the Puerta de Alcalá and finish inside Retiro Park. Duration: about 2 h 20 min, on foot. Tour in Spanish. Departures every day at 11:00 and 17:00. Groups of 5 to 25 people. Route adapted for people with reduced mobility. The tip is handed to the guide at the end.
- Calle Alcalá, from Puerta del Sol to the Puerta de Alcalá
- Bank of Spain and Cibeles Fountain
- Finish inside Retiro Park
- Tip-based tour: at the end you give what you think is fair
Puerta del Sol, next to the equestrian statue of Carlos III. Look for the guides with the burgundy umbrella (Sol metro).
- Booking per person — 2 €
You pay €2 per person when booking; the tour itself is tip-based, paid to the guide at the end, whatever you think is fair.
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Frequently asked questions
How does this free tour work?
You book your place for €2 per person, paid by card through Stripe, and the tour itself is tip-based: at the end you give the guide whatever you think it was worth, in person and with no minimum.
How much do people usually tip?
Whatever you felt the tour was worth: there's no set price and no minimum. As a rough guide, many people give between €10 and €20 per person, but it's entirely up to you.
Can I tip by card?
It depends on the guide, so it's safest to bring some cash. If they accept other payment methods, they'll tell you at the end.
How will I recognise the guide?
They'll be waiting at the starting point at the start time. Puerta del Sol, next to the equestrian statue of Charles III. Look for the guides with the burgundy umbrella (Sol metro).
What if it rains?
The tour usually goes ahead anyway, so bring an umbrella or a raincoat. If the guide calls it off, we'll let you know and refund your booking in full (€2 per person).
What if the minimum group size isn't reached?
This tour needs at least 5 people to run. If that isn't reached, the guide may cancel it: we'll let you know in advance and refund your booking in full (€2 per person).
How do I receive my booking?
Right after paying you get a boarding pass with a QR code by email. Show it at the meeting point and you're in.
When is my booking confirmed?
Instant confirmation on payment.
Can I cancel if something comes up?
Yes: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time — email info@activitatum.com with your booking code. If the activity is called off, bad weather included, you change the date at no cost or get the amount back.
Can I book several activities at once?
Yes. Every activity in the catalogue is booked and paid for in the same place, whichever centre runs it, and each one arrives with its own QR pass.