The Free Walking Tour concept may not be very popular among Indonesians. So far, I haven’t seen or heard of it in major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta. However, in Europe, Free Walking Tours are widespread in tourist cities like Madrid, Paris, Rome, Berlin, London, and Copenhagen, where they always draw crowds.
I first heard about Free Walking Tours from a friend who traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark. Her stories piqued my curiosity, so I wanted to try it, even though I’m generally not a fan of organized tours as they make me feel restricted. But for the sake of experience, I decided to give it a shot.
When traveling to Madrid, Spain, a friend I was staying with suggested I join a Free Walking Tour. Since I only had three days in Madrid before heading to Barcelona, he recommended it as a way to get familiar with the city’s main attractions quickly. I agreed right away.
To join a Free Walking Tour, you need to reserve or book in advance. My friend opened the website Madrid a Pie, which is in Spanish. Reservations can be made directly through the website, or more simply, via SMS or WhatsApp at +34655918507. I made my reservation through WhatsApp.
When booking, I just mentioned my name and the date I planned to join the Free Walking Tour. Shortly after, I received a confirmation message, along with a meeting point location at Plaza Mayor, right in front of the Tourist Information Office and the House of the Bakery Plaza Mayor.
At the meeting point, a tour guide with a white umbrella labeled “Free Tour” would be waiting. They also reminded me to arrive a bit earlier than the start time. Tours start at 11:00 AM, which is somewhat late, as activities tend to begin later in the day during early winter.
The next day, I left the apartment at 10:00 AM. Since I wasn’t yet familiar with Madrid, my journey to Plaza Mayor was a bit delayed. I had to ask a local for directions after getting off the metro, and I sprinted there because it was already past 11:00 AM.
When I arrived, there were many people with umbrellas. In addition to white umbrellas, there were yellow ones, but I was told to meet in front of the Tourist Information Office. I found a woman with a white umbrella, told her I was part of the tour, and she asked if I wanted an English or Spanish guide. I chose English.
The guide, who was a curly-haired student, started by sharing the history of Plaza Mayor. The tour then proceeded with everyone introducing themselves. I was the only participant from Asia. From here, the tour began.
Free Walking Tours in Madrid offer a variety of themes, making it easy to pick one based on your interests. They’re ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and culture, as the sites visited are historical landmarks with impressive architecture reflecting Spain’s civilization. Tours usually last about two hours.
Basic Madrid
This is the main tour for those interested in learning about Madrid’s history and must-see tourist attractions. In just two hours, you get a comprehensive look at Madrid’s most popular tourist spots. I took this Basic Madrid tour, which covers:
- Plaza Mayor to Sobrino de Botin: Known as the world’s oldest operating restaurant, established in 1725.
- Mercado de San Miguel: A unique market offering various Spanish delicacies.
- Carboneras Convent of Corpus Christi and Calle del Codo: The narrowest street in Madrid.
- Plaza de la Villa: Known for its three historic buildings in different architectural styles.
- Calle Mayor: Includes the balcony where King Alfonso XIII was once attacked.
- Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace: The Spanish royal residence.
- Plaza de Oriente and Palace of the Opera: Iconic plazas with scenic views.
- Calle Arenal to Puerta del Sol: The tour ends near the Bear and Madroño statue, Madrid’s emblem.
Myths and Legends
This tour explores places steeped in myths and legends. Starting from Plaza Mayor, the tour continues to the historic main street, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza de Ramales, Casa del Pastor, and other sites full of intriguing stories. The tour lasts about an hour and a half.
The Madrid of the Austrias
This tour dives into the history of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, covering their arrival, succession, family intrigues, incestuous relations, and wars. Beginning at Plaza Mayor, the tour guides you through iconic sites in Villa y Corte, Calle Cuchilleros, and many others filled with anecdotes and historical insights.
In addition to these three routes, there are nine other options. But be prepared—true to its name, the Free Walking Tour involves a lot of walking. “Free” isn’t entirely accurate, as at the end of the tour, participants give tips to the guide based on their satisfaction, typically around 20 Euros. I personally tipped 10 Euros.