Bravo Bike

Bravo Bike is one of the longest-established bike tour companies in Madrid, cycling since 1999 and describing itself as a pioneer of bike tours in the city. Its Madrid office is on Calle de Juan Álvarez Mendizábal in Argüelles, close to the Parque del Oeste and the Temple of Debod, and from there it runs city tours, private rides, day trips and bike rental.

The Madrid City Bike Tour is a small-group ride that links the main landmarks with quieter neighbourhoods. Cycling is a good way to cover the distances between Madrid's sights, which are more spread out than many visitors expect, and the city has become much friendlier to bikes in recent years, with traffic-calmed streets in the centre and long car-free routes along the Madrid Río park by the Manzanares river. Guides add history and local tips along the way.

For more flexibility, private Madrid bike tours on e-bikes follow a route tailored to the group, with an optional tapas stop. E-bikes take the effort out of Madrid's hills, which matters more than you might think, as the old town sits on higher ground above the river. The company also organises cycling day trips outside the city, including a ride to El Escorial, the vast royal monastery in the mountains north-west of Madrid. Guides speak English, Spanish, German, Dutch and Italian.

Bike tours suit active couples, friends, families with older children and anyone who prefers to see a city at street level rather than from a bus. You need to be reasonably comfortable on a bike in an urban setting; the e-bike options make the private tours accessible to a wider range of fitness levels. Wear comfortable clothes, bring sun protection and water in summer, when it is best to ride in the morning, and layers in winter.

Tours are booked online or by contacting the office, and bikes can also be hired for independent exploring. The office is a short walk from Argüelles and Ventura Rodríguez metro stations and from Plaza de España. Check the website for current tour times, durations and rental details before you go.