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

Select a pickup point

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

Open in Google Maps

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 18100% refund

June 19No 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
4 stars

0
3 stars

0
2 stars

0
1 star

0

We perform checks on reviews

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.

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Culinary Classes and Workshops

Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops

Food & Beverage Tours

Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours

Food Tastings and Sampling

Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea

Dining Experiences and Meals

Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets

Food-Related Cruises

Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises

Thematic Food Events & Experiences

Donut Walking Tour Markets

Specialized Food Events

Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets

Wildlife Observation & Encounters

Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris

Hiking & Exploration

Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours

Camping & Outdoor Stays

Camping Honeymoon Packages

Adventure & Sports in Nature

Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding

Boating & Cruises

Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises

Paddle & Active Water Sports

Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals

Underwater Exploration

Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins

Fishing & Marine Experiences

Fishing Charters Eco Tours

Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences

Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights

Historical Landmarks & Sites

Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites

Museum & Cultural Institutions

Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums

Classic & General History Tours

Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours

Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours

Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours

Mystery & Dark History Tours

Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours

Industrial & Commercial History

Factory Tours Plantation Tours

Observation & Structural History

Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours

Sacred & Religious Sites

Religious Sites Religious Tours

Spiritual & Cultural Rituals

Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year

Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices

Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens

Healing & Wellness Experiences

Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes

Immersive Spiritual Experiences

Light & Sound Shows

Nature & Wildlife Conservation

Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching

Protected Natural Areas

National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals

Sustainable & Responsible Travel

Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours

Land-Based Exploration

Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours

Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport

Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours

Nightlife & Entertainment

Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours

Live Music & Performances

Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours

Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events

Dance & Cultural Party Experiences

Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows

Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment

Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows

Unique & Themed Experiences

LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks

Performing Arts & Live Shows

Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances

Cultural & Heritage Experiences

Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival

Art & Creative Workshops

Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours

Dance & Music Participation

Dance Lessons Dance Shows

Language & Cultural Learning

Language Classes Spanish Lessons

Historical & Traditional Skills

Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes

City Exploration

Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours

High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures

Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining

Land-Based Extreme Driving

4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals

Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides

Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding

Climbing & Vertical Challenges

Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving

Snow & Ice Adventures

Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing

Water & Surf Sports

Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting

Sand & Desert Adventures

Camel Rides Sandboarding

Unique & Unconventional Challenges

Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games

Spectator Sports & Events

Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes

Ball Sports

Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis

Winter Sports

Skiing Skiing Classes

Combat & Tactical Sports

Martial Arts Classes Paintball

Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports

Obstacle Courses

Sports Training & Lessons

Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes

Exclusive & VIP Experiences

Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours

Private & Personalized Travel

Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours

Romantic & Scenic Experiences

Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots

Weddings & Special Celebrations

Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots

Classic & Scenic Cruises

Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours

Themed & Specialized Cruises

Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours

Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys

Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion

Private & Adventure Boating

Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing

Unique & Alternative Water Travel

Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals

Travel by Season

Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

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

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Next Submit Prev RESET

Spain

View Reset

Current

Lavapiés: The most multicultural neighb ...

Prado Museum with Reina Sofia Museum Gui ...

Big Bus Madrid Panoramic City Tour

Tour en tuk-tuk electrico por MADRID MOD ...

Private Tour to the Prado and Reina Sof� ...

Madrid Custom Private Tour with Prado Mu ...

Madrid Big Bus Night Tour

Skip the Line Reina Sofia Museum Madrid ...

Madrid Reina Sofia Museum PRIVATE TOUR w ...

Skip the Line Reina Sofia Museum Tour - ...

Skip the Line Prado & Reina Sofia Tour - ...

Madrid Art Fusion in Reina Sofia and Pra ...

Skip the Line Prado & Reina Sofia Museum ...

Toledo Half or Full-Day Guided Tour from ...

Madrid City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off

Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour

Avila with Walls & Segovia with Alcazar ...

Toledo and Segovia Full-Day Tour with an ...

Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Sho ...

Welcome Tour to Madrid in Private Eco Tu ...

Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour

Devour Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Grou ...

Segovia & Toledo Full Day Tour con Optio ...

Spanish Cooking Class: Paella, Tapas & S ...

Royal Palace & Prado Museum Skip the Lin ...

Late Afternoon Best time to visit Pompei ...

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup

Travelers Details

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

RESET