Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink

Overview

Discover the story of Madrid's Manzanares River without joining a tour group with this affordable walking tour. • Take in the area’s 300,000-year-long history including prehistoric wildlife and King Felipe II’s plans to link up Madrid to the Atlantic Ocean by building a 20-kilometre-long canal • Hear from producer Clare Starkie, previously a museum curator and now an English Teacher in Spain • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Meeting points

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Open in Google Maps

The tour ends on Toledo Bridge next to the statues of San Isidro and Santa Maria.

Itinerary

N/A (Pass By)

Starting next to the Antiguo Depósito de Agua (water tower), you’ll stroll through Matadero Madrid, an old slaughterhouse and market now converted into a cultural centre.
N/A (Pass By)

You’ll stroll through Matadero Madrid, an old slaughterhouse and market now converted into a cultural centre.
N/A (Pass By)

On this tour, you'll hear the history of Manzanares River including tales of meat markets, woolly mammoths and washerwomen!
Madrid Rio Park (Pass By)

Winding through the southern part of the city like a green ribbon, Manzanares Rio Park is one of the newest public spaces in the capital, but also where the ancient history of Madrid begins.
Obelisco De La Fuente Castellana (Pass By)

I’ll show you the city’s lesser-known sites including the Obelisco de la Castellana (Castellana Obelisk or Obelisk of the Arganzuela as it's also known) and the Arganzuela Footbridge.
Puente De Arganzuela (Pass By)

I’ll show you the city’s lesser-known sites including the Obelisco de la Castellana (Castellana Obelisk or Obelisk of the Arganzuela as it's also known) and the Arganzuela Footbridge.
Parque Madrid Rio (Pass By)

You’ll promenade along the river and through Madrid Rio Park to Toledo Bridge. While you walk, I’ll share the area’s 300,000-year-long history.
N/A (Pass By)

This hour-long tour ends on the Toledo Bridge.
N/A (Pass By)

On this tour, you'll find out about the statues of San Isidro (Madrid’s patron saint who performed over 400 miracles) and his wife, Santa Maria.
N/A (Pass By)

On this tour, you'll find out about the statues of San Isidro (Madrid’s patron saint who performed over 400 miracles) and his wife, Santa Maria.

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.

Non Refundable

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

6 reviews

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

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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 1-5 of 6 reviews with 5 stars

A fantastic look at a little-known part of the city!

Published on May, 2024

I've lived about 20 minutes walk from the Rio park since late 2018 and I learnt a lot on this tour. For people who don't already know the river, this is a great introduction. You'll get to walk through the park that lines the river, while hearing all about it's history. However the facts are kept at a nice level, giving you plenty to fill the tour but without getting bogged down in minute detail. I loved both this and the other audio tour of further up the river - highly recommended!

Surprisingly rich history on an incredible tour!

Published on Apr, 2023

What an incredible tour! I’ve lived in Madrid for 13 years, and currently live by the Madrid Rio, and never knew how rich the history of it was. Highly recommend this tour by Clare!

Learned a lot and Enjoyed the afternoon!

Published on Apr, 2023

I learned more than I expected on this very interesting and enjoyable tour. Definitely made exploring more fun and I would recommend for anyone interested in the area!

Excellent tour of the “newly” updated river area.

Published on Apr, 2023

This was such a treat of a tour. I’ve lived in the neighbourhood for 7 years and never thought twice about the history of my running path. Clare’s clear voice weaves fun facts and a fascinating history in a way that is pleasant to the ear, all the while seeing the bustling city go about its daily routine.

Best Tour in Madrid of Hidden Gem Area

Published on Apr, 2023

This tour is honestly amazing, I live in Madrid but would recommend to locals and tourists alike. The guide is so engaging and fun, and the information completely unique and interesting. Don’t hesitate to take the tour!!!