Audio Guide: Ernest Hemingway's Madrid Walking Tour (Self Guided), Madrid

Among the many writers who’ve spoken fondly of Madrid, few did so as passionately-or as famously-as Ernest Hemingway. A giant of 20th-century literature, Hemingway penned classics like “The Sun Also Rises”, “Death in the Afternoon”, “The Fifth Column”, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, and “The Old Man and the Sea”. But beyond his books, he had a deep, lasting connection with the Spanish capital.

It was here that he found inspiration, international acclaim, and a city he would return to time and time again. His love affair with Madrid began while covering the Spanish Civil War as a correspondent, calling it “the most Spanish of all cities”-a place that captured his imagination and spirit like no other.

To the locals, he was simply “Don Ernesto”, and quickly became a familiar face around town. As part of the foreign press, Hemingway had an office inside the Telefónica Building. He’d spend evenings at La Venencia, a bar frequented by Republican soldiers, gathering stories and sipping sherry. He was also a regular at the German Beerhouse-where, to this day, you can still sit at the same table he once occupied.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll get to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps-visiting some of his favorite spots, including the elegant Westin Palace Hotel, the historic restaurant El Sobrino de Botín, and other legendary hangouts.

So lace up your walking shoes, bring your curiosity, and join us as we explore the Madrid Hemingway loved-one stop at a time.