Madrid: Electric Bike Tour with Parks & City Highlights

4.84

(152 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Madrid balancing a helmet with one hand and a still-warm croissant in the other, but that’s how it went. Our guide, Lucia, grinned as she handed out bikes near Mercado de San Miguel — hers was bright red and had a bell that sounded like a hotel reception desk. The city was just waking up; you could smell bread baking somewhere close and hear the slow sweep of shop shutters opening. I remember thinking I’d probably embarrass myself on an e-bike, but they’re honestly easier than they look.

We zipped off toward Puerta del Sol, dodging early commuters and one very determined pigeon. Lucia pointed out details I’d have missed — how Plaza Mayor’s arches frame the sky differently depending on where you stand (she made us all try it). The electric bike tour felt effortless even when we climbed up toward Retiro Park. There was this soft hush under the trees there, broken only by joggers’ feet on gravel and the occasional burst of laughter from kids chasing each other. The air smelled green — not sure how else to put it.

Casa de Campo surprised me; I’d pictured another manicured park but it’s wild around the edges, almost forest-like. We stopped for water near Madrid Río Park and watched an older couple dancing by the riverbank — no music except what came from someone’s phone speaker. Lucia told us about Atocha Train Station’s old ironwork and why locals still call Cybele Palace “the city hall with attitude.” I tried saying “Cibeles” right; got it wrong every time.

The Royal Palace of Madrid is massive up close — more imposing than any photo shows. Almudena Cathedral next door felt cool inside, almost echoey even with just a few people lighting candles. By the time we reached Plaza de España my legs were barely tired (thank you e-bike), but my head was full of random facts and small moments: sunlight on cobblestones, a street musician playing something mournful near Plaza Mayor. I still think about that view back across the rooftops as we coasted down toward our starting point — didn’t want it to end just yet.