Elegant Salamanca and Chueca: A Self-Guided Tour in Madrid

one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

Elegant Salamanca and Chueca: A Self-Guided Tour in Madrid, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on a journey through Madrid’s historic Salamanca and Chueca neighborhoods, on this self-guided audio tour with Context. Led by art historian Andrea Van Houtven, this tour reveals stories of grandeur and resilience, from the grand Palacio de Cibeles to the vibrant streets of Chueca. Discover how Spanish kings, queens, and prominent citizens shaped these neighborhoods, and hear about Madrid's transformation from a medieval town into a bustling metropolis. Along the way, marvel at architectural gems like the Puerta de Alcalá, and explore landmarks steeped in history, from the National Archaeological Museum to the Instituto Cervantes. Through Andrea’s insights, experience Madrid's cultural evolution and the historic milestones that define its charm today.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Palacio de Cibeles

Passing by

Start at the iconic Cybele Palace, an architectural marvel that once housed Madrid’s central post office and now serves as a cultural hub with a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city.
Calle De Serrano

Passing by

Stroll down the fashionable Calle de Serrano, a boulevard lined with luxurious shops, elegant mansions, and historical sites marking Madrid’s urban expansion.
Puerta de Alcala

Passing by

Marvel at the grand Puerta de Alcalá, commissioned by King Charles III in the 18th century and inspired by Italy’s majestic city gates, a symbol of Madrid’s rich past.
Cibeles Fountain

Passing by

Take a moment at the iconic Cibeles Fountain, a neoclassical landmark featuring the goddess Cybele, representing Madrid’s connection to classical art and mythology.
Stop 5

Passing by

Discover the impressive Bank of Spain, one of Spain’s national treasures, where legend has it that hidden gold lies within its secure walls.
Circulo De Bellas Artes

Passing by

Explore the Círculo de Bellas Artes, a gathering place for artists and intellectuals, founded in 1880, with its rooftop views and exhibitions dedicated to Madrid’s vibrant arts scene.
Gran Via

Passing by

Walk along the bustling Gran Vía, known as Madrid’s “Broadway,” home to ornate architecture, theaters, and iconic buildings that showcase the city’s early 20th-century modernization.
Stop 8

Passing by

Pass by the Instituto Cervantes, dedicated to promoting Spanish culture and language worldwide, embodying Madrid’s role as a cultural capital.
Stop 9

Passing by

Visit the Panteón de Bárbara de Braganza, the only royal mausoleum dedicated to King Ferdinand VI and Queen Barbara, highlighting a unique piece of Madrid’s royal history.
Stop 10

Passing by

Conclude your tour outside the National Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from Spain’s ancient past, including the famous La Dama de Elche sculpture—an icon with a mysterious origin story.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins in front of the Palacio de Cibeles, the largest building in the centrally-located Plaza de Cibeles. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour begins in front of the Palacio de Cibeles, the largest building in the centrally-located Plaza de Cibeles. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]