Live Tours are carried out by our hosts, who are outdoors, on location and connected live to you via video call at all times.
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French
- Duration60 Minutes
Did you know that up to the 18th century Madrid was a dusty and sober town? When the French dynasty of the Bourbons took over the throne, they decided to embellish the city with majestic monuments. And they chose El Paseo del Prado showcase their majesty.
We also know this avenue as El Triángulo del Arte (the art triangle) because here you can find some of the most important museums in Spain, such as El Prado, The Reina Sofía, which boasts Picasso’s Guernica, and the sexy Thyssen Museum, that holds an exquisite collection of 20th century masters.
Come and walk with me under a canopy of centenary trees and discover the winged horses on top of the Ministry of Agriculture, or the iron-cast Atocha Station. Let us stop at the booksellers stands, the 18th century botanical gardens, and stare back at the statues of Velazquez and Goya located at the entrance of El Prado.
We will pass in front of the Ritz and the Palace hotels, where no artists were allowed to stay, and the fountains of Neptune, Apolo and Cibeles, where soccer fans celebrate their teams’ triumphs. Watch out with goddess Cibeles! for the lions that carry her chariot were once lovers who desecrated her temple. If you like art and history, dust your top hat and cane or your gown and let us stroll through Madrid’s most charming avenues.
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Hosted By Manuel
I have spent half of my life moving from place to place: Europe, the US, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Being a born nomad has made me very curious, always investigating and learning new things. I am also deeply passionate about art, history and architecture. Notwithstanding, I am also a foodie, and a wine and nature lover.
I got my bachelor's degree at the American University (Washington DC) and a MBA at Schiller International University (London). My first job was at the Spanish embassy in Stockholm (Sweden). After a sabbatical year in South East Asia I came back to Spain. But I still had the travelling itch, so I worked as a business reporter all over the world and then as a travel writer.
After getting married, I settled down in Madrid. When my kids became a bit older, I became a tour guide: the job of my life! It allows me to show people beautiful places with a different perspective, to discover hidden gems and to unfold fantastic stories. Besides guiding I also paint watercolors of what catches my attention through the course of my travels.
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