Madrid: Bike Tour with Tapas, Plaza Mayor & Retiro Park

Summary

Cycle Madrid’s plazas, royal sights & local flavors with a guide

You’ll pedal through Madrid’s lively plazas and royal landmarks with a local guide who knows all the shortcuts (and jokes). Taste real Spanish tapas at a buzzing market and soak up stories behind every stop — from Retiro Park to Plaza Mayor. By the end, you’ll feel more like a resident than a visitor.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to ring your bell at least once,” our guide Pedro grinned as we wobbled off from the shop near El Retiro. I was nervous about city biking (it’s Madrid, after all), but the rhythm of the group settled in fast. There was this cool breeze cutting through the morning heat — you could smell churros drifting from some side street, and someone’s radio playing flamenco somewhere out of sight. We coasted beneath the trees in Retiro Park first. The leaves flickered gold in the sun and I caught myself smiling for no reason.

Pedro kept tossing us little stories — like how Cibeles Fountain is where Real Madrid fans go wild when they win. He pointed at the Palacio de Comunicaciones and joked it looks like a wedding cake (he’s not wrong). At Puerta del Sol, we stopped for water and watched people pour past us — students, old men arguing over newspapers, a kid chasing pigeons. It felt less like sightseeing and more like being let in on something locals just do every day. The main keyword here is Madrid bike tour but honestly it didn’t feel like “a tour” in that stiff way.

We rolled through Plaza Mayor (I nearly crashed gawking at the painted facades), then tucked into a market in La Latina for tapas. Manchego cheese, olives so salty they made me squint — Pedro laughed when I tried to order in Spanish. The place smelled of jamón and fresh bread; my hands were sticky from orange juice. Riding after lunch felt slower, heavier somehow, but nobody minded. Passing by the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral — those huge stones against bright sky — I remember thinking how much history just sits right there while people zip by on bikes or scooters or whatever.

I keep thinking about that last stretch back through quieter streets, everyone a little tired but loose. Someone’s bell rang again — not sure if it was on purpose or not. You end up feeling like you’ve lived here for an afternoon, which is probably what I liked most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided bike tour of Madrid highlights

• Start tour at store near Retiro
• Briefing before bike ride
• Bike through El Retiro Park
• Visit Cibeles Fountain
• Stop at Puerta del Sol
• Explore Plaza Mayor
• See Plaza de la Villa
• Visit Royal Palace of Madrid
• View Almudena Cathedral
• Visit La Latina market
• Explore Golden Age literature district

Top questions

How long does the Madrid bike tour last?

The guided bike tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is lunch included on this Madrid bike tour?

The tour includes a stop at a local market for authentic Spanish tapas.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, both bicycles and helmets are included for all participants.

What are some highlights of this Madrid bike tour?

You’ll visit Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Cibeles Fountain, Royal Palace of Madrid, Almudena Cathedral, and more.

Is this Madrid bike tour suitable for beginners?

The pace is easy and suitable for all fitness levels; however, minimum age is 13 years old.

Does the tour include entry fees to attractions?

No entry fees are needed as you’ll explore these sites from outside during the ride.

Is water provided during the bike tour?

A bottle of water is included for each participant.

Where does the Madrid bike tour start?

The tour begins at a store in front of “Cason del Buen Retiro.”

What’s included

Your day includes use of bicycle and helmet for every rider plus a bottle of water to keep you going. There’s also a stop at an authentic local market where you’ll get to try real Spanish tapas before heading back with your group and guide.