Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
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At a glance
- Duration
- 1h–1h 30min
- Price from
- $12 / person
- Location
- Madrid, Spain
- Languages
- EN, EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Meeting point
- This tour starts at Teatro Espanol. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Description
The charming Huertas area has been Madrid’s literary hub ever since 1583. On this walking tour through Barrio de las Letras (known as the Literary Quarter), you’ll find out how writers shaped the city, from the Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) up to the present day. You’ll stroll through the district’s quaint streets to see where a world-weary Cervantes settled to pen Don Quijote, just down the road from his greatest frenemy, Lope de Vega. You'll also see where, centuries later during the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway whet his whistle in bars like La Venencia and Ceveceria Alemana. The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers. On this leisurely 60-minute walk through Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary district, you'll find out how the area, the city and the country were shaped by some of the world’s greatest writers.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 14
- Adult (ages 6+)
- $12
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Teatro Espanol
This self-guided tour starts in front of Teatro Español on Plaza de Santa Ana. You'll learn about the theatre's ties to Madrid's Literary District while you walk through the area.
Casa Alberto
Along the way, you’ll discover interesting shops like Miguel Miranda bookstore and Brown Bear Bakery, and historical bars like Viva Madrid and Casa Alberto.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by Lope de Vega’s House Museum, the playwright’s charming 16th-century house and garden.
Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso
As you walk, you'll pass by the ancient convent, Convento de las Trinitarias Descalzas de San Ildefonso, where Cervantes’ bones are interred.
You’ll also see a statue of Spain’s greatest writer, Miguel de Cervantes, standing proudly in Plaza de las Cortes where you can learn all about Spain’s rocky road to democracy.
Ateneo de Madrid
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by the historic literary institution, Ateneo de Madrid and learn about the bitter rivalries raging between Madrid’s talented writers.
La Venencia
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
On this self-guided tour, you'll pass by some of Hemingway’s favourite drinking holes which includes La Venecia and Viva Madrid.
On this tour, you'll pass by the statue of Frederico Garcia Lorca, Spain’s greatest poet and learn a bit more about the poet.
The tour ends at El Angel del Jardin, a picturesque garden and florist that’s haunted by the lively spirits of the neighbourhood’s long-dead writers.
What's included
Included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation
How it compares in Madrid
- Starting price $12 is 83% below the typical $69 for tours of similar length in Madrid
Excurgo comparison of 1,714 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour take?
Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour lasts about 1h–1h 30min. The itinerary has 10 stops.
How much does Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour cost?
Prices start at $12 per person for this Madrid experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Can I cancel Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is This tour starts at Teatro Espanol. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Madrid’s Literary District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
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from$12
Free cancellation