Top 10 free walking tours in Spain
We’ve been living in Spain for just over 3 years now and have only really scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the country. Having to fit travel in around school holidays doesn’t help (too hot in the summer and no half terms!), but we’re managing to gradually visit more and more places in this amazing country. (So far Valencia and Granada are our favourites!)
We’ve written before with some recommendations of some of the best places to book guided tours and excursions in Spain, but we know too well that money is often a big factor when it comes to traveling around and it’s always nice when you find some free or low cost activities – which is why we love these free walking tours in Spain.
If you’re planning a Spanish trip and are looking for some free things to do in Spain, take a look at the list below of 10 amazing free walking tours in Spain. They cover some of the most popular Spanish cities, so that you can explore with an expert for free and get to know more about this beautiful country.
All tours are given by a local guide and although completely free to join it is appreciated if you give your guide a tip.
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Madrid
First on the list of free walking tours in Spain is Madrid. This Free Walking Tour of Madrid takes you around the city’s most symbolic places, monuments and buildings. Your expert guide will tell you everything you need to know about Madrid’s history and legends.
After meeting at Real Casa de Correos/Presidencia de la Comunidad de Madrid building, your local guide will take you on a stroll through the medieval part of the city and El Madrid de los Asturias, where you’ll discover how Madrid was established and learn more about the most significant periods in the city’s history.
During the tour you will get to visit some of the Madrid’s most iconic streets, squares and landmarks including Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and its gardens in Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de la Villa, the Opera House, and the Mercado de San Miguel.
- Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
- Language: English
- Pets: Permitted
Book the free walking tour of Madrid here
Barcelona Park Guell
Fans of Gaudí will love this Free Walking Tour of Park Güell where you will get to explore Barcelona’s most famous park. Your local guide will show you around the most important spots in this World Heritage Site that has become one of the most famous examples of art nouveau in Barcelona.
You will explore and learn more about the park’s famous monuments including the Dragon Stairway, the Hypostyle Room, and the Laundry Room Portico, ending your tour with a visit to the viewpoint of Park Güell, which offers incredible views of the city and the sea.
Duration: 1 hour
Language: English
Pets: Not permitted
Book the free walking tour of Barcelona here
Alicante
We might be biased because we live here, but Alicante is a city that you definitely need to visit! During this Free Walking Tour of Alicante you will get to spend time admiring Alicante’s main monuments and learning about the city’s history.
After meeting in Alicante Town Hall Square you’ll take a stroll along the Explanada de España, before visiting the central square Portal de Elche and the Gabriel Miró square. You’ll take a walk down San Francisco street, also known as Mushroom Street, stop at the Teatro Principal, and learn about one of Alicante’s most important festivities in the Fogueres Museum.
And that’s not all, your guide will also take you to the Salvetti Palace, the co-cathedral of San Nicolás de Bari, the convent of the Precious Blood of Christ, as well as the Ferrisa Gate or the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante, before finishing at Basilica of Santa Maria.
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Language: English
Pets: Not permitted
Book the free walking tour of Alicante here
Granada
There’s so much to see and do in Granada and one of the best ways to explore is with the help of a local. On this Free Walking Tour of Granada your expert local guide will lead you around the historic centre and teach you about the most important monuments and history of the city.
From the Plaza de Bib-Rambla and it’s “Fountain of the Giants”, your guide will lead you round the Granada Cathedral, the old silk market, and the Royal Chapel. You will stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Muslim Albaicín quarter, which dates back to the time of the Nasrid Kingdom, before ending your tour in Plaza de Santa Ana.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Pets: Not permitted
Book the free walking tour of Granada here
Seville River Banks
The Seville River Banks Free Tour gives you the opportunity to delve into Seville’s Golden Age and learn about how the conquest of the New World made Seville one of the most affluent cities in Europe.
You will meet your local guide at the Plaza San Francisco, before walking to the admire the Plaza del Triunfo, home to not one but three UNESCO World Heritage buildings, as well as the exteriors of the Archivo General de Indias, the Real Alcázar of Seville and the cathedral.
Other important stops on the tour include the Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Casa de la Contratación, the Royal Mint, the Customs House, the Church of La Caridad and the Atarazanas.
If you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones you might even see some sights you recognise!
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Pets: Permitted
Book the free walking tour of Seville here
Córdoba
During this Free Tour of Córdoba your expert local guide will tell you all about the legendary history and culture of Córdoba and show you the most important places of interest in this amazing city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
You will walk through the winding streets of Córdoba old town, past typical whitewashed Andalusian houses, and admire the beautiful balconies and courtyards overflowing with flowers.
On the tour you will visit some of the best-known sights in Córdoba, including the Roman Bridge, the Fortress of the Christian Kings, the Gate of the Moon, the Synagogue, the Souk, the Hospital del Cardenal Salazar, and the famous Mosque-Cathedral.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Pets: Not permitted
Book the free walking tour of Córdoba here
Almeria
In this Free Walking Tour of Almeria you will get to discover one of Spain’s best kept secrets, exploring the city’s different streets and neighbourhoods with an expert local guide.
The tour starts at the Plaza de la Catedral in Almeria’s historic centre, where you will get to admire the impressive façade of the Cathedral of Almería and find out some interesting facts from your guide.
You’ll then pass by the Civil War shelters with the Alcazaba fortress in the distance, walk the Almería Walk of Fame, and visit the Heritage Interpretation Centre or the Doña Pakyta Art Museum to learn more about about local culture.
After a stroll through the old Muslim quarter and the Almedina you will finish the tour back at your starting point.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Pets: Not permitted
Book the free walking tour of Almeria here
Valencia
As mentioned at the start of this post, Valencia is one of our favourite Spanish cities and this Valencia Free Tour is a great opportunity to discover the monuments of this amazing, historic city.
The tour starts in the Plaza de la Virgen, where your local guide will tell you the stories behind its main monuments the Virgen de Los Desamparados Basilica and the Turia fountain. You will then continue to the Miguelete, the belltower of the Valencia Cathedral, before heading to the gothic Llotja de la Seda, and on to the Valencia Central Market. After a visit to the Serranos Towers your free tour of Valencia will finish at Plaza del Mercado.
Duration: 2 hours
Language: English
Pets: Permitted
Book the free tour of Valencia here
Valencian Street Art
Another great tour to join in Valencia, especially if you have kids or teens in tow, is the Free Walking Tour of Valencian Street Art.
After meeting up with your guide in the Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia’s Old Quarter, the walking tour will take you through the historic El Carmen district with it’s golden-stoned labyrinthine streets and Medieval Moorish past.
In these narrow winding streets flanked by ancient buildings, you’ll see plenty of the vibrant street art that decorate the walls of the city. Your guide will tell you all about the main artists who have created these murals and left their mark on the city, from local Valencians to international painters.
Only on this free tour will you get to discover the secret hidden corners of Valencia, usually known only to locals!
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Language: English
Pets: Permitted
Book the free tour of Valencian Street Art here
Modernist Bilbao
Last but not least on our list of free waking tours in Spain is Bilbao. Bilbao is home to incredible avant-garde architecture which you will have the opportunity to learn more about in this Free Walking Tour of Modernist Bilbao.
Starting in front of the Puppy sculpture in front of the famous Guggenheim Museum, you will explore the streets of the city and learn about its history and monuments.
One of the first stops is the Plaza Euskadi, heading on to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Zubizuri Bridge, Plaza Moyua, Plaza Circular, and two iconic buildings in modern Bilbao the palace of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the Campos Elyseos Antzokia theater.
Finally you will have chance to admire the beautiful stained glass windows at Abando Indalecio Prieto station before ending the tour outside the iconic Bailen skyscraper.
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Language: English
Pets: Permitted
Book the free walking tour of Bilbao here
If you like Bilabo and are looking for some of the best places to visit in Basque Country check out this blog post.
Which one of these free walking tours in Spain are you most interested in?
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I’ve been to Madrid and Barcelona and I loved them both. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful country. Thanks for sharing.