Madrid: City Bike Tour with Tapas Option & E-Bike Choice

Summary

Cycle Madrid’s plazas parks & old streets with local stories

You’ll roll through Madrid’s plazas and parks by bike or e-bike, hearing local stories as you go. Pause for photos at places like Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park, taste jamón at San Miguel Market if you choose tapas, and finish with ideas for your own adventures. Expect laughter, real city sounds, and new corners of Madrid you might’ve missed otherwise.

What’s the experience like?

We met at the bike shop near Puerta del Sol — it was already buzzing even though it wasn’t that late in the morning. Our guide, Jeroen, handed out helmets and baskets (mine squeaked a bit, which made me laugh), checked everyone’s bikes, and off we went into the Madrid streets. The first thing I noticed was how different the city feels from a bike — you catch these little bits of street music and the smell of coffee drifting from open windows. We stopped at Plaza de Oriente where Jeroen pointed out details on the statue of Philip IV that I’d never have noticed on my own. He told us about Madrid’s founding, mixing in his own stories about moving here from Amsterdam. I liked that he didn’t rush us — people snapped photos or just stood quietly for a minute.

The route took us past the Royal Palace (honestly, it’s even bigger than I expected) and then into Plaza de la Villa. There was this moment where Jeroen talked about the Spanish Inquisition right there by the old city hall — heavy history but somehow softened by the way he explained it. Riding through San Miguel Market was tricky with all the foot traffic; I nearly clipped a guy carrying a bag of oranges but he just grinned at me like “it happens.” We got to try some jamón and cheese if you picked the tapas option (I did), washed down with a small beer — not fancy but exactly what you want after biking around for an hour.

I kept thinking how much more relaxed Madrid felt from a bike seat compared to walking in crowds. In Retiro Park, we coasted under these tall trees while kids played soccer nearby and older men argued over chess moves. The air smelled green — hard to describe but you know what I mean if you’ve been in city parks after rain. Jeroen pointed out a hidden pond where turtles sunbathed on rocks (I wouldn’t have found that spot alone). We rode mostly on cycle paths or quiet streets, so even if you’re not super confident cycling in cities, it felt manageable.

By the time we circled back through Plaza Mayor and ended near Puerta del Sol again, my legs were tired but in that good way where you feel like you’ve actually seen something real. The group lingered outside chatting about which tapas bars to try next; someone asked Jeroen for his favorite spot and he scribbled down an address on their map. I still think about that vertical garden at CaixaForum — just this wild burst of green against concrete — and how much more alive Madrid felt after seeing it all this way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Madrid's historic center by bike

• Start at Plaza de Oriente
• Visit Royal Palace of Madrid
• See Madrid Plaza de la Villa
• Stop at San Miguel Market
• Explore Plaza Mayor
• Ride through a varied neighborhood
• View vertical garden at CaixaForum Madrid
• Pass by Prado Museum
• Visit Retiro Park
• End at Puerta del Sol

Top questions

How long is the Madrid city bike tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and covers roughly 12 km through central Madrid.

Is there an electric bike option available?

Yes, you can choose between a regular bicycle or an electric bike when booking.

Are tapas included on this tour?

If you select the tapas option during booking, you'll get three tapas and one drink during the break.

Which attractions do we visit on this Madrid highlights tour?

You’ll see Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park, Prado Museum (outside), CaixaForum vertical garden, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de Oriente.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you'll meet at the central bike shop near Puerta del Sol.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is available in English or Dutch.

Are helmets provided for this Madrid bike tour?

Yes, helmets are included along with your choice of normal or electric bike.

Can children join this city cycling tour?

Specialized infant seats are available for children up to 22 kg for an extra fee.

Do I need experience biking in cities?

A moderate level of fitness and some experience cycling in urban environments is recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes your choice of regular or electric bike with helmet plus pannier bag or basket for your things; tours run in English or Dutch; lockers are available at the shop; if needed there’s an infant seat option (small fee); choose to add three tapas with a drink midway through your ride before finishing back near Puerta del Sol.