The Old Down Town Segway Tour (Excellence since 2014)

An Insider Look at Madrid’s Old Town on a Segway

Exploring Madrid’s historic center on a Segway offers a fresh take on sightseeing. Since 2014, this tour has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 80 reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending it. It promises a fun, efficient way to see key landmarks while learning about the city’s fascinating past.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides truly elevate the experience, sharing intriguing stories behind Madrid’s most famous sites. Second, the beginners’ friendly approach ensures even first-time Segway riders feel comfortable after a quick safety lesson. However, one consideration might be the group size—with a maximum of 15 travelers, it’s intimate enough for personal attention but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

This adventure suits those who enjoy a blend of fun and learning, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a more active way to explore. If you’re looking for a memorable, immersive introduction to Madrid’s old town, this tour is a compelling choice.

Key Points

• Accessible for Beginners: Includes safety training and helmet, making it ideal for first-timers.
• Comprehensive Highlights: Covers major sights like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, and Plaza de Oriente.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple daily departures mean you can pick a time that fits your itinerary.
• Authentic Local Insights: Guides offer engaging anecdotes, making history come alive.
• Value for Money: At around $45, it packs in about 1.5 hours of guided exploration with included safety gear.
• Small Group Experience: Personal attention and safety are prioritized in a group capped at 15.

Exploring Madrid’s Old Town on a Segway

If you’re after an unconventional way to get acquainted with Madrid’s historic heart, this Segway tour offers a lively, efficient alternative to walking or bus rides. We loved the way it combines fun and education, making the city’s stories more memorable than static sightseeing.

Starting Point and Training

The experience kicks off on the Plaza de Isabel II, a central spot near the Opera House. Here, you’ll meet your guide and get a brief but thorough safety and riding tutorial. Many reviewers, like Dianna from California, appreciated how the guides, such as Miguel and Alan, emphasized safety, especially for first-time riders. One reviewer mentioned that Miguel was cautious navigating busy streets, which reassures those worried about crowds.

The training session is designed to get everyone comfortable, even if you’ve never touched a Segway before. You’ll be riding in a small group, with clear instructions and safety gear—helmets are provided, and oilskin is available in rainy weather, adding comfort in less-than-ideal conditions.

What You’ll See and Learn

Once comfortable, your guide will set the pace and share stories about Madrid’s most iconic sights. The Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe, is a highlight—over 3,000 rooms, and plenty of stories behind its grandeur. Many guests, like Boaz, enjoyed touring around the Palace and Basilica, appreciating how the Segway allowed them to see areas they might skip on foot.

A particularly popular stop is Plaza Mayor, with its arcade-lined squares and history of thieves, soldiers, and mercenaries. One reviewer, LizzyBurch, mentioned how her guide, Alan, was attentive when her daughter felt dizzy, demonstrating the tour’s personalized care.

The route also includes the Plaza de Oriente, where you get views of the Royal Theatre, often used for opera and ballet, and the historic Plaza de la Villa, known for its medieval architecture. The guides provide a mix of entertaining anecdotes and historical facts, making the tour both educational and fun.

What Makes It Special

Travelers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Miguel, Alan, and Alen are frequently highlighted for their engaging storytelling and cautious navigation through busy streets—important for beginners or those apprehensive about city traffic. Multiple reviews, including those from families and solo travelers, mention how the guides adapted to individual needs and made safety a priority.

Practical Details: Duration, Group Size, and Cost

The tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, a perfect length for a quick but rundown of Madrid’s old town. The small group size—up to 15 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of time for questions and photos.

For €45.28 (roughly $45), it offers good value considering the inclusion of training, safety gear, insurance, and expert guidance. You also get the bonus of seeing the city’s key landmarks in a single tour, which can be a great primer before exploring further on your own.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour is suitable for most travelers weighing between 35 and 125 kg. Children aged 9 and up can participate, but those under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. The reviews reveal that even nervous first-timers quickly gain confidence, thanks to the attentive guides and straightforward instructions.

Why This Tour Works

The blend of active sightseeing and storytelling makes this Segway tour stand out. Travelers love the insights from guides like Miguel and Alan, who bring Madrid’s history to life with enthusiasm and professionalism. The easy-to-master Segways mean you spend less time worrying about riding and more time soaking in the sights and stories.

The flexible schedule and rainy day gear add practical value, while the small groups foster a friendly, laid-back environment. It’s a great way to cover more ground quickly, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer something more dynamic than traditional walking tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview of Madrid’s old town. It’s also excellent for families with kids (9 and older), or anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure with their sightseeing. If you appreciate a knowledgeable guide and love stories behind the sights, you’ll find this tour especially rewarding.

However, if you’re not comfortable on a Segway, or if you prefer longer tours, there are other options to consider. Also, those looking for a highly in-depth historical tour might want to supplement this with other activities.

Final Thoughts

This Segway tour offers a balanced mix of fun, education, and practicality. It’s a fantastic way to see Madrid’s historic center without tiring your feet, all while listening to captivating stories from passionate guides. The value for money is convincing, especially considering the inclusion of safety gear and expert commentary.

The small group size ensures personal attention, and the flexible schedule makes it easy to fit into your travel plans. Whether you’re a first-timer or just want a new way to explore, this tour delivers an engaging, memorable experience that nicely complements Madrid’s vibrant atmosphere.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for first-timers, with safety training and a gentle introduction to riding a Segway.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to see the highlights and enjoy some stories.

Are helmets and safety gear provided?
Yes, helmets are included, and oilskin is available in case of rain. Safety is a priority, and guides ensure you’re comfortable before starting.

What sights will I see on the tour?
You’ll explore the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, the Church of Santiago, and the historic Plaza de la Villa, among others.

Can children participate?
Children aged 9 and above can join if accompanied by an adult. Kids under 9 cannot ride alone.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What is the price, and does it offer good value?
At around $45, the cost includes training, safety equipment, insurance, and guided sightseeing—offering good value for this engaging experience.

In summary, if you’re looking for an active, fun, and informative way to get to know Madrid’s historic center, this Segway tour is a top pick. The guides’ expertise and the ease of riding make it suitable for many travelers, especially those wanting to cover a lot of ground quickly while learning interesting stories about Spain’s capital.