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Madrid: Where ancient grandeur meets defiant spirit, and every corner whispers a story waiting to be heard.

Three Self-Guided Audio Tours to rediscover Madrid

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Shadows to Splendor: The Two Dynasties That Forged Madrid – Madrid Audio-Tour
Tour 01
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Pic by dalbera on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Shadows to Splendor: The Two Dynasties That Forged Madrid

Step into the dramatic architectural battle for Madrid's soul. On this immersive walk, you will uncover how two vastly different royal families—the paranoid, deeply religious Habsburgs and the enlightened, cosmopolitan Bourbons—used bricks, marble, and urban design as weapons of ideology. From the claustrophobic, shadow-drenched alleys of the Spanish Inquisition to the triumphant, sunlit boulevards of the Enlightenment, discover how the very streets of Madrid tell a tale of empire, decline, and spectacular rebirth.

4 Stops
79 Min
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Rebel City: Madrid's Red Thread of Resistance – Madrid Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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Pic by Alessio Maffeis on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Rebel City: Madrid's Red Thread of Resistance

Madrid is a city that refuses to be quiet. Beneath the tapas bars, the royal palaces, and the sunny plazas lies a fierce, bloody, and inspiring history of ordinary people fighting for their streets. Join Ian, a political historian, and Lucia, a local insider, as they peel back the postcard-perfect facade of Spain's capital. From the desperate civilian uprising of 1808 to the massive 15-M encampments, and from the dark, hidden basements of Franco's secret police to a reclaimed tobacco factory buzzing with modern anarchism, this tour reveals the true pulse of Madrid. You won't just learn history; you'll feel the heartbeat of a city that never stops resisting.

4 Stops
78 Min
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Neon & Needle: The Gritty Heart of La Movida – Madrid Audio-Tour
Tour 03
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Pic by Juan Antonio Segal on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Neon & Needle: The Gritty Heart of La Movida

Step into the electric, chaotic, and deeply nostalgic world of post-Franco Madrid. This tour pulls back the curtain on 'La Movida Madrileña', the explosive countercultural renaissance of the 1980s. You will walk the very streets where a newly liberated youth collided with a conservative, transitional Spain. Through dive bars, neon-lit squares, and underground anthems, we will explore the DIY fashion, the punk music, the birth of Pedro Almodóvar's aesthetic, and the devastating shadow of the heroin epidemic. This is a journey into a fleeting era of absolute, dangerous freedom.

4 Stops
40 Min
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City Pass

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Discover Madrid – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Madrid.

Madrid pulses with an undeniable rhythm, a city that lives life to the fullest, from the grandeur of the Palacio Real to the bohemian alleys of Malasaña. Did you know Madrid is the highest capital city in Europe? This elevated position has often fostered a fierce independence and a unique blend of cultures, visible in its diverse culinary scene and architectural tapestry.

From the regal splendor shaped by the Habsburgs and Bourbons to the defiant whispers of revolution echoing through Puerta del Sol, Madrid's past is etched into its very streets. Our audio tours guide you through these layers, revealing the city's hidden narratives – whether you're exploring the opulent interiors of a royal residence or the vibrant energy of La Movida in Chueca. Let Red Thread be your companion to Madrid's multifaceted soul.

Madrid Highlights
  • Vibrant nightlife until dawn
  • World-class art in the Golden Triangle
  • Hidden courtyards and secret plazas
  • New perspectives for visitors and locals alike

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Frequently Asked Questions about Madrid

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

What's the best way to experience Madrid's history?
Dive deep into the city's past with our "Von Schatten zu Pracht" tour, exploring landmarks like the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, taking about 79 minutes.
Can I discover Madrid's alternative side?
Absolutely! Our "Neon & Nadel" tour whisks you through Malasaña and Chueca, uncovering the vibrant counterculture of La Movida in just 40 minutes.
Are the tours suitable for walking?
Yes, all Red Thread tours are designed for immersive walking experiences. The "Rebellenstadt" tour, for example, guides you through significant historical sites over 78 minutes of comfortable exploration.
Can I create my own tours in Madrid?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Madrid on a topic of your choice. All Infos here
Can I use the Madrid tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Madrid tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in nearby cities like Salamanca, or international destinations like Zürich, Berlin, Boston and many more. All cities can be found here.
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