8 Temple Tours in Madrid Worth Flying For

1.Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,494 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $74Our pick

Leave Madrid at 9:00 a.m. for two powerful sites near San Lorenzo de El Escorial. A guide such as Cristina, Bea, Luis, or Oscar explains the royal monastery, art, crypt, Civil War memorial, and Franco-era monument. Tickets and bus transport are included, but bring water, dress respectfully, and expect bilingual commentary.

“Totally amazing, Escorial monastery and Valle de los Caidos are breathtaking places, our guide Bea new all the history of each place, we recommend this tour”

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2.Flamenco Show at Tablao Sala Temple with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,206 reviews · 1 hour · from $29

At Sala Temple, José Luis Turiegano Marcos presents an intimate one-hour flamenco show for about 40 people near Madrid’s Royal Palace. Expect live guitar, singing, and powerful dancing at close range. Your ticket includes sangria, beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink, with tapas available to order.

“The actual performance was amazing, better than I had expected & a drink was included in the ticket which was great. The venue was a bit confusing to find but not bad at all.”

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3.Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen from Madrid

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,023 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Travel by air-conditioned coach from central Madrid to the grand El Escorial monastery, then the Valley of the Fallen when that option is running. Expect a bilingual tour, guided royal rooms and tombs, a short basilica visit, stairs, and a fast pace.

“The tour was great! The monastery was amazing and our tour guide did an amazing job explaining the history. We do wish we could have spent more time at the Valley of the Fallen. Felt a little rushed, but what a beautiful church and view. Would have preferred a smaller group than the 30+ that was with our group. But the tour guide did a great job making sure we were all accounted for and given ample time for some that had trouble walking at a slower pace and stairs. There is a lot of walking to and at the monastery with additional stairs. But well worth it!!!!”

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4.Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 389 reviews · 5 - 5.5 hours · from $78

Leave central Madrid by air-conditioned coach for a guided visit to El Escorial, including the Habsburg palace, basilica, mausoleums, and library. Then see the Valley of the Fallen and its underground basilica. Guides such as Jorge, Carmen, and Alex lead tours in English and Spanish.

“Tour guide was lovely, was not too many people on the tour. Lovely transport too, and we got to see everything we wanted to.”

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5.Madrid Must-see with Atardeder at the Debod Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 25 reviews · from $23

Walk Madrid’s historic center with a Spanish-speaking guide, passing the Royal Theater, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Sabatini Gardens, and Plaza de España. The two-hour route ends at the Temple of Debod, where you can watch the sunset. Visits are outside only.

“Si pudiera le daría 10 estrellas de principio a fin... el guía estuvo allí con su simpatía y espontaneidad. Nos deleitó compasión, entretenimiento y diversión. Dos horas de charla amena llena de información y anécdota sobre la historia de Madrid. Terminar en el Templo de Debod ha sido un auténtico lujo. Gracias Andrés.”

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6.Combined admission to San Antonio de los Alemanes and the Monastery of San Plácido

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 21 reviews · 1 day · from $14

Visit two rarely opened Madrid churches for $14: San Antonio de los Alemanes, famed for its elliptical frescoes, and San Plácido, home to Claudio Coello’s monumental Annunciation. Admission includes Spanish, English, or French audio guides, but not a live guide.

“Lo recomiendo especialmente. Soy de Madrid y me extraña que no se publicite más nuestro patrimonio cultural.”

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7.Royal Monastery of the Barefoot nuns: Guided Tour + Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 7 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $46

Visit Madrid’s Descalzas Reales with an English or Spanish-speaking guide and included entry. In about one hour, you’ll see Rubens, Luca Giordano, Crecenzi, painted murals, chapels, relics, tapestries, and the original palace staircase. The convent remains in use, so access is organized and respectful.

“The guide was competent and attentive, she has explained us history and art works in monastery. Was very interesting”

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8.Entrance to the Monastery of Las Comendadoras de Santiago

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $11Best value

Enter the Monastery of Las Comendadoras de Santiago in central Madrid and explore its cloister, church, girls’ chapel, Knights’ Sacristy, and lower choir. A Spanish, English, or French audio guide explains the monastery’s religious and cultural past at your own pace.

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