Madrid holds unexpected traces for Argentinians. Borges wrote his first ultraist poems in the Puerta del Sol, and Gardel debuted in a Madrid theater in 1923. The first Metro line ended right where our tour begins.
Here are the first clues, with sources. The rest is revealed on foot: on the free tour, Patricia compares Madrid and Buenos Aires with anecdotes like the one about the Subte.
If you'd rather read the Mexican version, see Madrid for Mexicans.
In summary
- Borges: He lived in 1920 at Puerta del Sol, 11. There is a plaque from 1998.
- Subte and Metro: The Subte opened on December 1, 1913 and the Madrid Metro on October 17, 1919.
- Teatro Colón and Teatro Real: A tourism website chose the Colón as the most important opera house in the world.
- Gardel: He made his debut at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid on December 10, 1923.
- Casa de América: Palace of 1877 in the Plaza de Cibeles.
- Free tour: 11:15 at Puerta del Sol, pay what you wish.
If you want to hear these stories on the street, our free tour of Madrid leaves from Puerta del Sol. It's pay-what-you-wish: you pay nothing upfront and, at the end, you give what you think it was worth.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: Borges at the Puerta del Sol
Jorge Luis Borges was in Madrid between 1920 and 1921. He lived with his family at the Hostal Americano, at number 11 Puerta del Sol. A plaque from 1998 commemorates his residence there in 1920 and the fact that he wrote his first Ultraist poems there.
According to the Community of Madrid, during that period he frequented the literary cafés Pombo and El Colonial, met his mentor Rafael Cansinos Assens, and published in the magazine Grecia. The Community itself announces a literary route about Borges that will depart from Puerta del Sol, 11. Source: Community of Madrid.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: the Subte and the Metro
The Buenos Aires Subte opened on December 1, 1913, with Line A running between Plaza de Mayo and Plaza Miserere. According to El Economista, it was the first subway in Latin America and among Spanish-speaking countries.
The Madrid Metro opened on October 17, 1919, with King Alfonso XIII as its first passenger. The first section ran from Cuatro Caminos to Puerta del Sol, approximately 4 km with 8 stations, and opened to the public on October 31. Source: El Independiente. In other words, the first line ended where our tour begins.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: the Teatro Colón and the Teatro Real
In 2018, the travel website Travel 365 ranked the Teatro Colón as the most important opera house in the world, highlighting its operatic artistry and acoustics, according to OperaWire. This is the opinion of a travel website and not an acoustic measurement. Madrid has the Teatro Real, located in the Plaza de Oriente, next to the Royal Palace.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: the Museum of the Americas
The Museum of the Americas presents the exhibition Imagen y memoria. Argentina 1976-2003, from October 29, 2026 to March 21, 2027, according to esMadrid. It's located at Avenida de los Reyes Católicos, 6. General admission is €3 and the museum is closed on Mondays. It's not included in the tour route.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: Gardel at the Teatro Apolo
Carlos Gardel debuted at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid on December 10, 1923, with Enrique de Rosas's theater company. The season ended on January 7. He returned to Madrid in December 1927 and again in 1929, debuting on May 16. Source: Diario de Cuyo.
Madrid for Argentine visitors: the Casa de América
The Casa de América is located in the Palacio de Linares, in the Plaza de Cibeles. Construction of the palace began in 1877 by order of the Marquis of Linares. It is built in a French-inspired Neo-Baroque style, and its rooms host cultural activities. Source: Spain.info.
There are more comparisons between Madrid and Buenos Aires. You can find them while walking.
How to prepare for your visit to Madrid
1. Book the free tour for your first day.
2. If you're traveling at Christmas, read our guide to Christmas in Madrid.
3. Share the guide with your Mexican friends: Madrid for Mexicans.
Discover it with us: central Madrid with a guide
Our free walking tour of Madrid departs daily at 11:15 from Puerta del Sol, in front of ZapShop. You'll recognize us by our purple umbrellas. It lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and ends near the... Royal Palace. There are tours in Spanish every day and in English from Monday to Friday. Before you go, check the website in case the meeting point changes.
It's a free tour with no upfront cost: you don't pay anything in advance and, at the end, you contribute what you think is appropriate. Check availability and book.
Frequently asked questions about Madrid for Argentine visitors
History and culture
At the Hostal Americano, at Puerta del Sol, 11, in 1920. A plaque from 1998 commemorates it.
On October 17, 1919, with a first section from Cuatro Caminos to Puerta del Sol.
About the free tour
You don't pay anything upfront. In the end, you contribute what you deem appropriate.
No. It's a walking tour of the city center, with no entrance fees included.
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