Lavapiés: The most multicultural neighbourhood of Madrid, Private Walking Tour

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English, Italian, Spanish
Official private guide
Pick up from the hotel
Local taxes

Private transportation

Overview

Lavapiés is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Madrid, and often known as the most multicultural in Europe. It is located inside the downtown area, an industrial part of the city since the XVIII century, when royal factories were created. Bullfighters, Caleseros (carriages drivers), and Manolos (Jewish descendants) inhabited here traditionally. The tiny and old apartments made for the low-class workers were chip enough for the immigrants from the '80s on, generating a new cultural landscape. For the past 10 years, there have been great projects to rehabilitate the old buildings and promote Lavapiés’ economy through culture. Theatres, Exhibition centres, cultural foundations, and a circus have raised up. It has also dozens of bars, cafes, and restaurants from every possible country. The British magazine “Times Out” named it the coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2018. You will be able to deeply discover all of it with an expert in a private Tour

Pickup points

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Pickup details

Pick-up doesn´t include any transportation. On the way, the guide will provide some general information about the city and the tour itself. ... Read more ▼

Meeting points

In front of the main entrance of Reina Sofia Museum

End point

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In the middle of Lavapiés, close to many bars and restaurants. And also close to the metro station.

Itinerary

Lavapies

Lavapiés is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Madrid, and often known as the most multicultural in Europe. It is located inside the downtown area, an industrial part of the city since the XVIII century, when royal factories were created. Bullfighters, Caleseros (carriages drivers), and Manolos (Jewish descendants) inhabited here traditionally. The tiny and old apartments made for the low-class workers were chip enough for the immigrants from the '80s on, generating a new cultural landscape.

2 hours
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Outside Lavapiés, we can appreciate a great contrast: Royal Monasteries, Aristocratic Palaces, and wonderful Buildings, like Reina Sofía Museum (Built as the General Hospital). We will not enter.

15 minutes
N/A

Wrongly known as the old Sinagoga, San Lorenzo church was the heart of Lavapiés social life and traditions.

10 minutes
N/A

For the past 10 years, there have been great projects to rehabilitate the old buildings and promote Lavapiés’ economy through culture. Theatres, Exhibition centers, cultural foundations, and a circus have raised up. It has also dozens of bars, cafes, and restaurants from every possible country. We will see some of them during the tour, starting from Valle Inclan Theater.

15 minutes
N/A

During the industrial revolution, many factories were raised here. Still today we can see some of the facades of that old industrial architecture, mixed with contemporary buildings. The working-class movements within those factories are one of the important seeds for the identity of the Lavapiés neighborhood.

15 minutes
La Tabacalera de Lavapies

From 1780, this is the oldest factory building we preserve of the long tradition of Lavapiés. Famous - among other things - for the up to 6000 women who worked here and their fighter spirit. Nowadays, a part of this huge building is a social center, administrated by the neighbors, with non-profit aims; a part of it is a great contemporary art exhibition center, and part of it is still abandoned. One of the bests examples of the great mixture that characterizes Lavapiés.

15 minutes
N/A

The old school and church where the many orphans of Lavapiés use to study were destroyed during the civil war. Kept in ruins for decades, today has become probably the most beautiful library of Madrid, and a witness of history.

10 minutes
N/A

One example of the popular architecture of the industrial revolution for the workers, known as Corralas. Often a 10 m2 room for the entire family, without light nor water. Still today some of them are in use, often used by immigrants with little resources that inhabit the neighborhood.

10 minutes

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

June 10100% refund

June 11No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

4 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

4
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-4 of 4 reviews with 5 stars

An unusual tour of an historic neighborhood which is undergoing changes

Published on Oct, 2024

A most unusual tour of an historic neighborhood in transition. A must see now before gentrification occurs in a rapid way. Jaime was a knowledgeable and well organized guide.

Educational Tour

Published on Sep, 2024

Very good tour learning about the melting pots of culture in this Madrid community. Added bonus having Jaime meet me at my hotel.

An exciting way to experience one of Madrid’s more curious areas

Published on Jun, 2024

Went on this tour because my dad was interested in the history of this neighborhood and so glad that I went along with it! Our guide, Jaime, was so incredibly friendly and knowledgeable that it came as a surprise when the tour ended and I processed just how much we heard and saw. There was no question that Jaime was unable to answer, and the level of detail provided made follow ups unnecessary. Just truly delightful from start to finish, and a great way to become acquainted with something off the beaten path in Madrid.

Jaime was a wonderful guide - always patient and understanding, but oh so knowledgeable

Published on Apr, 2024

We were amazed and happy to see the redevelopment going on in this special district. It still retains its special flavor , however , if narrow streets and quaint stores.

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Lavapiés: The most multicultural neighbourhood of Madrid, Private Walking Tour | 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours

Inclusions / Exclusions

Overview

Pickup points

Open in Google Maps

Meeting points

End point

Open in Google Maps

Itinerary

Lavapies

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

N/A

N/A

N/A

La Tabacalera de Lavapies

N/A

N/A

Sample Menu

Additional Info

Free Cancellation

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