Círculo de Bellas Artes (CBA) Tours and Tickets

Discover the Retreat and Madrid of Bourbons Fall in love with Parque del Retiro, the great green lung of Madrid, and be impressed by the monumental elegance of Madrid Bourbon. Whether it’s a picnic under the trees or a magical sunset at the Retreat, you’ll experience unforgettable moments. But beware: without a guide, you will only take a thousand pictures. With us, you will discover the hidden secrets and curiosities that hide this part of the city. An experience where fun and learning go hand in hand. Important: this payment secures your place. The contribution to the guide is made at the end of the tour, according to your satisfaction.

Embark on a journey through Madrid’s historic Salamanca and Chueca neighborhoods, on this self-guided audio tour with Context. Led by art historian Andrea Van Houtven, this tour reveals stories of grandeur and resilience, from the grand Palacio de Cibeles to the vibrant streets of Chueca. Discover how Spanish kings, queens, and prominent citizens shaped these neighborhoods, and hear about Madrid's transformation from a medieval town into a bustling metropolis. Along the way, marvel at architectural gems like the Puerta de Alcalá, and explore landmarks steeped in history, from the National Archaeological Museum to the Instituto Cervantes. Through Andrea’s insights, experience Madrid's cultural evolution and the historic milestones that define its charm today.

Unsolved crimes, ghosts that have found no rest, and clearly inexplicable events… Hidden in the most unexpected corners of the city, This tour will change the way you see Madrid forever!

We propose you learning something else about Gran Vía and surroundings from the urban, historical and architectural point of view since it was conceived more than 100 years ago until its recent last reform. We will start on the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes, projected by Antonio Palacios, where you will enjoy the best views of the city. Likewise, we will know the history of other buildings such as the new headquarters of the City Council or the Cervantes Institute, Torres Blancas or Colón Towers. After going down the impressive staircase of the Círculo de Bellas Artes and visiting the building inside, we will start walking the first stretch of Gran Vía, stopping at Loewe, the luxury brand where Ava Gardner bought his exclusive bags before going to celebrate the premiere of his films at Museo Chicote with a cocktail together with bullfighters like Luis Miguel Dominguín, as Almodovar has done later in the 80`s. We will visit the Telefónica Building, the first Madrid skyscraper, whose cultural Foundation we will access together. We will continue the journey through the second section of Gran Vía, knowing the old Paris-Madrid Mall, the first luxury shopping center in Madrid. Later we will remember the missing Hotel Florida in Callao where Ernest Hemingway shared nights with international correspondents covering the Spanish Civil War. From here you will enjoy the views of the third section of Gran Vía with its cinemas and musical theaters that we will walk together to Plaza de España where we will finish at the last rooftop. A secret corner where we will have a drink while I tell you the project that will change this square with the Casa de Campo, Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace in the background. Other things to note Access to the first rooftop is not included (+5€/pax). It is offered as an option to finish the tour on the rooftop of the new Hotel Riu Plaza de España on the 27th floor with amazing views. Access MON-FRI +5€/pax till 6pm (no queue) +10€/pax from 6pm (queue of 20-30min). SAT-SUN +10€ ALL DAY (queues in the afternoon-evening) I offer other rooftops at the end of the architous without paying an entrance. The acces to all the rest of the buildings is included. You can have something to drink on the rooftops where we will stop at the beginning or at the end of the architour as an option.