Mary A.United States
Vanessa was outstanding. Very knowledgeable and she did a great job of navigating us thru the museum and surrounding city highlites and kept us on time without us feeling rushed. Definitely would highly recommend Vanessa.
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Private tour in Madrid Vanessa R
Madrid Private Tour: Personalize your tour (4h)
5.0
(6) reviews
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4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Vanessa R.
5.0
Guide rating
189
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 hrs
Avg. response time
Welcome to Madrid – and beyond! I’m Vanessa, and I’d love to help you discover Madrid in a truly authentic and unforgettable way. Not just the famous highlights, but the soul of the city — its hidden squares, lively terraces, historic taverns and the unique rhythm of Spanish life. Madrid is an exciting, vibrant and full of history, but just 60–70 minutes away by car you’ll find extraordinary cities such as Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial and Ávila. These places perfectly complement Madrid and tell the fascinating story of Spain over more than 2,000 years, shaped by Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians. I’m a proud madrileña with Swiss roots and more than 10 years of experience as a professional guide. and several guiding awards (Best tours in Madrid in 2021 and 2025) I’ve lived in several European countries, but Madrid has always been my favorite city — and I love sharing its stories, culture and lifestyle with curious travelers. Together, we’ll explore Madrid’s history and legends, its Muslim origins, charming neighborhoods, world-class art museums, unique shops, traditional tapas and outstanding local wines. We can admire the city from special viewpoints, stroll through atmospheric streets and experience Madrid the way locals do. Outside Madrid, you’ll discover quieter, smaller cities with an incredibly rich and tangible past — places that once ruled Spain centuries before Madrid even existed. Forget about guidebooks, confusing maps and crowded routes. Let me design a personalized tour tailored to your interests, taking you off the beaten path to experience the real Spain. After the tour, I’ll also share my best local tips and recommendations so you can make the most of the rest of your stay. If there’s something specific you’d like to see — such as the Thyssen Museum, Retiro Park, Aranjuez or Lavapiés — just let me know. I’ll be happy to create a custom tour just for you. Unlike group tours, this is a 100% private Experience, adapted to your preferences, rhythm and curiosity. Ideal for travelers who value quality, authenticity and personal attention. Bienvenidos! I can’t wait to show you my city! Licensed Tour Guide in Spain and at Spanish National Heritage Sites (Royal Palace, El Escorial, Toledo, Segovia, Ávila) More than 10 years of professional guiding experience Expert in History and Art History
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Vanessa R.
Mixing already published tours or going outside the more touristic areas. Up to you.
Overview of your Madrid tour
The idea of this tour is to offer you the possibility to have a personal experience and design with me the itinerary in Madrid. You tell me what you want and I will fill it in the given time. Anything from 2 to 8 hours. - Adding the visit to more than one museum: Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofia, Royal Collections Gallery, etc. - City Centre and Prado Museum - City Centre and Royal Palace - City Centre, Prado Museum and Royal Palace - "A la carte". Several suggestions a little bit different than the usual city tour. The Literary Quarter, Off the Track, shopping and handicrafts, markets and gastronomy, the Retiro Park, . . . Let me know your thoughts and I will send you a proposal.
Recent Reviews
Michael C.United States
Vanessa was a fabulous guide - She crafted the perfect tour for my wife, son and I. We really appreciated the time spent in The Prado -- perfect balance of time spent inside and focusing on the must-see masterpieces.
Rosemary S.United States
This was our first time using Tours by Locals and I can assure you it will not be the last. Our guide, Vanessa R who was born and raised in Madrid was the best guide and tour we could have done in Madrid. Communication before our arrival was helpful for us as well as our guide as we were able to express what we were looking for and she was then able to make suggestions. We also had many questions and we learned so much about Madrid... I highly recommend this guide Vanessa as well as Tours by locals. Thank you Vanessa. Madrid - we will be back!
James (Jim) S.United States
We did a custom tour with Vanessa to see some of the interesting neighborhoods of Madrid outside the main attractions. Vanessa did an excellent job putting together a tour that was very interesting, it pulled in the history of Madrid, the neighborhoods’ architecture, culture and vibe, best things to see, do and eat in each neighborhood. It was very well done and gave Vanessa a way to combine her local knowledge and neighborhood interest with the history, culture and food of Madrid. We walked the neighborhoods of Chueca, Salamanca and Malasana had a great lunch at the most interesting place. Vanessa made the day incredibly fun, informative and interesting. She is just the greatest! We were able to go back and explore and enjoy the places we learned about for several days. It was so good we booked a tour on the core of Madrid with her several days later!
Steven P.United States
Vanessa was our guide for 2 different tours. Both were excellent. She is sweet , friendly and very knowledgeable - strongly recommend her
Your Madrid tour itinerary
We will define it once you share with me your thoughts. - Adding the visit to more than one museum: Prado, Thyssen, Reina Sofia, Royal Collections Gallery, etc. - City Centre and Prado Museum - City Centre and Royal Palace - City Centre, Prado Museum and Royal Palace - "A la carte" - ...
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
It is a walking tour. Depending on the situation we could use some public transportation.
What's included
Other: A drink at the end of the tour if it last more than 3 hours.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: For extra personal costs you can almost always pay with credit card. Be happy to take some euros in case you prefer to pay with cash.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Admission tickets if necessary
Public Transportation
Meeting location
Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
Puerta del Sol, by the the Bear and the Strawberry Tree Statue
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Art And Culture
Architecture
Tour reference number
1284502
Languages
English
French
German
SpanishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Madrid best suited for?
This private tour in Madrid is perfect for travellers who want a personalized experience and the opportunity to design their own itinerary. Whether you're interested in exploring museums like the Prado, Thyssen, or Reina Sofia, visiting the Royal Palace, or discovering off-the-beaten-path areas like the Literary Quarter, this tour can be tailored to your interests. It's also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly.
Can this private tour in Madrid be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.