Santa Cruz Palace Madrid

Santa Cruz Palace Madrid: Our most recommended tours and activities

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  1. Madrid Old Town Private Tour with Chocolate & Churros

  Take a private 3-hour walking tour through the heart of Madrid, and learn how the Spanish capital has developed over the centuries. Meet on Puerta del Sol, site of Madrid’s easternmost gate in the 15th century. Admire the statue of King Carlos III in the center of the square as your guide explains the history of a country that dominated the 7 seas for centuries and gave birth to Cortes, Cervantes, Velazquez and Goya. Marvel at Hapsburg era buildings on Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, and admire the baroque Santa Cruz Palace, inspired by Italian architecture. En route to the Royal Palace, pass the 9th-century church of San Gines. Continue to the Teatro Real (Royal Theater), just in front of the Royal Palace. Stop to admire the Almudena Cathedral, built on the site of an old city mosque. Go to Plaza de la Paja and learn why it was the most important square in the Middle Ages. End wi...

  Our guide was Tanya, in short summary she is great. Let me explain, Tanya is not native resident of Spain but already lives here for 10 years and is already fully integrated in mindset of native Spaniards. She fluently speaks Spanish, English and as we discovered Russian. She knows Spanish history, culture and mindset very good. This tour is great point to start your aquitance with Madrid. You will learn it's history, unpleasant truth, small secrets and much much more. Pace is great and visited sites are with very interesting stories. I would advise to ask for chocolate surprise for end of your trip as awesome ending for such great siteseing. Don't forget to take water and sanitizer for your hands.

  Reviewed by Andris, 9/6/2021
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  2. Madrid: Old City Tour in Italian

  Explore the origins of Madrid on this 2.5-hour walking tour in which you will learn about the Spanish capital, including its history, culture, traditions, and everyday life. This tour is a fantastic introduction to the history of Madrid, from its foundation by the Muslims and the establishment of the city as capital of Spain, through to the 20th century. You will walk the narrow streets of the Old City, hearing fascinating stories about Madrid in lieu of boring facts and figures. During this tour, you will discover the main attractions of Old City Madrid while immersing yourself in the history of Spain. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be dropped off at Teatro Madrid, from where you will be free to continue exploring at your own leisure.

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  3. Madrid: Historical Center 2.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour

  Learn the fascinating history of Madrid on a 2.5-hour walking tour, and travel back in time as you stroll the medieval streets of the historical city center. Marvel at the monuments of Plaza Mayor and admire the Baroque façade of Santa Cruz Palace. See the impressive Almudena Cathedral up close, and learn the curious story about the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery House) where the city's tourist office is located. Watch the locals going about their everyday life at San Miguel Market. Learn more about the Habsburg rulers of the 16th and 17th centuries, and discover the site of the world's oldest restaurant. Explore the Bourbon history of the city and see main monuments such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and the gardens of Plaza de Oriente. Get a deeper appreciation for the history of notable characters who shaped the history of the city along the way.

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  4. Hapsburgs Madrid Walking Tour

  In this walking tour of Hapsburgs Madrid, discover the emblematic buildings that make the city’s architecture famous. Named for the dynasty that ruled Spain until 1700, many of the splendid buildings along your walking tour date back to the so-called Golden Age of Spain’s colonial period during the 16th century. With unique architectural blends of Baroque and Renaissance styles, there are few equivalents to the distinct Hapsburg style that characterizes Madrid. Your tour takes you through all the major sights of Hapsburg Madrid, from the Plaza de la Villa, or the old town hall, the Plaza de Oriente, the stunning Basílica de San Miguel, and down the bustling Calle Mayor, a street which connects the major sights across town. As a pick-me-up, you’ll enjoy an included coffee or tea at a local cafe midway through the tour.

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  5. Skip-the-Line Royal Palace of Madrid and Guided Walking Tour

  Enter the Royal Palace of Madrid without waiting in line, and see some of the 3,000 rooms of Europe's largest working royal palace. Marvel at the staircase by Sabatini and visit the Throne Room to admire the ceiling painting by Tiepolo. Enter the Royal Pharmacy containing cabinets of medicinal plants and formulas dispensed to the monarchy. Discover a collection of stringed instruments by Stradivari in the Royal Chapel. Then, explore the historical city center on a walking tour. Follow your guide down medieval streets to sites such as Plaza Mayor and Almudena Cathedral. Learn the curious story about the Casa de la Panaderia (Bakery House) and marvel at the fresh produce at San Miguel Market. Hear about the Habsburg rulers of the 16th and 17th centuries, and discover the world's oldest restaurant. Explore the city's Bourbon history and stroll in the gardens of Plaza de Oriente. Get a dee...

  This tour was excellent and Sean our guide was an expert on both Spanish and Madrid history. He was very engaged and genuine in his pride and passion for his city and country. He even provided local restaurant recommendations per our request. Super nice tour!

  Reviewed by William, 2/21/2019