tapas walking tour madrid

Madrid Tapas Walking Tours

Self-guided | 4 free route maps.

Discover the best Madrid tapas bars and restaurants 

From cozy tapas bars tucked away from the hustle and bustle to lively bars serving impeccable Madrid tapas morsels, we’ve done the hard yards and sampled a lot of tapas bars throughout Madrid to bring you 4 Free self-guided tapas tour maps ! 

Of course, Madrid is a mecca for foodies , and tapas bars are found on virtually every corner, but finding the best ones takes some time! A plate of chips is NOT a tapas ! 

Why settle for a small bowl of olives as a tapas when you can sample the many delicious house specialties while sipping on a cool beer or wine? So, the good news!

We’ve created 4 free downloadable Madrid tapas tour maps for you to navigate your way to the best tapas bars and restaurants Madrid has to offer. There are also plenty of tips on what to order and plenty of significant landmarks along the way! 

October 2023 Update:   Tapapies  is an annual tapas festival in Lavapies. It runs this year from  19 to 29 October . It is extremely popular, fun, and crowded. If you’re after a buzz, this is for you. 

“The best way to know a city is to eat it.”  

– Scott Westerfield –

Central Madrid Tapas Walking tour maps

At these bars and restaurants, you’ll find everything from delicious seafood dishes like the famous pulpo a la gallega, to stunning tuna tartare recipes , and of course exceptionally high-quality classic tapas favorites like patatas bravas , tortillas, gambas al ajillo , boquerones, and homemade croquetas.

• Central Madrid Tapas Tour

• La Latina Tapas Tour

• Goya Tapas Tour

Lavapies & Delicias Tapas Tour

What are tapas.

OK, first things first, for those who have never experienced tapas , a ‘tapa’ is basically a small plate of tasty Spanish food that is often served with a drink. It is very common in Spanish food culture to enjoy a few tapas and wander the town or city as the sun sets. 

Free Tapas in Madrid

Perhaps one of the best things about tapas is that in many parts of Spain, tapas is free ! Yep, that’s right, in places like the Capital of Madrid and the Andalusia region , whenever you order a drink, you’ll be given a small morsel of tapas to enjoy. Cool right?! 

And don’t worry, all of the other regions of Spain also have their own unique tapas (or pintxos in the north) that you can choose from and usually only costs a few Euro at the most. But here in Madrid, tapas is an experience that’s enjoyed whenever you order a drink (and non-alcoholic drinks get tapas too in most places).

Where to go to find the best tapas in Madrid

Madrid is huge and last time we counted, there were around 15,000 tapas bars and restaurants spread all over this beautiful city.

When you’re visiting Madrid for a vacation , it’s hard to know where to go and more importantly, what to order . But don’t worry, we got you! 

We’ve made 4 self-guided tapas tour guides to help you explore like a local the very best of the Madrid tapas scene.

Unique Self-guided Tapas Walking Tours

Each tapas route takes somewhere between 4-6 hours to complete, and of course, there are plenty of opportunities to slow right down and make a whole day of it, taking in some of the most popular tourist sights and landmarks that Madrid has to offer along the way. 

So whether you’re looking for a tasty bite while taking in the sights within central Madrid , or maybe you want to explore beyond the touristic center and discover the beautiful barrios of Madrid, we’ve got a tapas tour route planned so you can make the most of it. 

All of the tours are available as a free Google map that you can easily save to your phone, send via email and FaceBook, and best of all, they’re totally free to use, forever!

Our 4 free self-guided tapas tours include: 

• Delicias Tapas Tour

Madrid landmarks and highlights of each tour

So, along the way there’s a lot more than just tapas bars and restaurants ! We’ve created these self-guided walking tours to be enjoyed at your own pace and you’ll also pass by a number of Madrid’s famous landmarks . Here are just a few significant landmarks and sites you’ll discover whilst on the tapas tours. 

• Statue of the bear and the strawberry tree (El Oso y el Madroño) – Puerta del Sol
• Kilometre Zero (Kilómetro 0 de las carreteras radiales de España) – Puerta del Sol
• Tío Pepe – Iconic neon sign – Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Mayor – Spain’s most famous main square.
• Cybele Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles) – Beautiful 18th-century neoclassical fountain pictures the goddess Cybele. 
• Puerta de Alcalá
• Spain Gate (Puerta de España) – large elegant stone and iron gate leading into Retiro park (west side).
• Retiro park (Parque de El Retiro) – Stunning park and gardens with a boating lake, greenhouse, plus several statues and landmarks. 
• Garden of the Prince of Anglona (Jardín del Príncipe de Anglona) – Gorgeous 18th century gardens tuccked away in La Latina. 
• Mirador de Bailén – One of the best lookouts for observing the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena and mountain ranges surrounding Madrid. 
• Mercado de la Cebada – Famous seafood market located in the heart of La Latina
• El Rastro – La Latina’s lively flea market open on Sundays. 
• Mercado de San Fernando – Bustling food market with plenty of tapas bars and eateries. Open every day except Sunday. 
• Murales “Antigua Tabacalera” – Popular graffiti artworks located beside Embajadores Metro station.
• Estación de tren de Atocha – Madrid’s largest train station with ornate brick entry with greenhouse space inside. 
• Calle de las Huertas – Famous street in the literary district with plenty of second-hand bookstores and tapas bars.

Looking for more info on Madrid? Check out the official Madrid tourist info website .

Central Madrid tapas walking route 

• Start: Sol Metro Station
• Finish: Anton Martin Metro Station
• Total Distance: 1.38km / 0.85 miles
• Stops: 7 tapas bars and restaurants
• Proposed duration: 3-4 hours.

Just tap the star (⭐) on the map link and you’ve got all you’ll need to guide you from one tapas bar to the next in the palm of your hand! 

– Have a great tapas tour!  

Goya tapas walking route 

• Start/Finish: Goya Metro Station, Madrid.
• Total Distance: 1.96km /1.2 miles
• Stops: 6 tapas bars and restaurants

Lavapies & Delicias tapas walking route 

• Start: Lavapies Metro Station
• Distance: 4.91km \ 3.05 miles
• Stops: 10 tapas bars and restaurants 
• Proposed duration: 5-6 hours.

La Latina tapas walking route 

• Start: La Latina Metro Station
• Finish: Plaza Major
• Distance: 1.88km \ 1.16 miles
• Stops: 8 tapas bars and restaurants 

Looking for some more tasty tapas recipes?

• Roasted potatoes with chorizo and thyme - this is simply chorizo, potatoes, onion, and herbs and spices, and simply delicious.
• Catalan roasted vegetables (escalivada Catalana) - the focus is on eggplant, red bell pepper, and onion, which are simmered down with herbs and spices until they're soft and gooey.
• Spiced cheese pate (almogrote) - from the Canary Islands, this incredible invention is important for any cheese lover out there.
• Spanish mussels in a rich tomato sofrito sauce - the sofrito sauce is out again and it also works wonders with mussels.
• Olive tapenade (vegan recipe) - this is a vegan version of the typical recipe so great to serve at parties or enjoy alone smeared over some bread.
• Shrimp in a Cava bath (prawns in sparkling wine) - literally shrimp marinated in sparkling wine with a little bit of paprika and salt, then fried and ready to devour.
• Blue cheese and sherry spread - you only need 2 ingredients to make this but the flavor combo works so well together it tastes much more complex.
• Anchovy and red pepper (capsicum) spread - this spread has some very bold flavors and colors to boot!

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Want to explore more of Madrid?

CCome explore the cuisine capital of Spain with our Madrid regional foodie guide!

We’ve compiled everything you need to know, from where to eat, and the best dishes of the region. 

They say that all roads lead to Madrid and a small stone slab lies discretely within Madrid’s  Sol Plaza  celebrating the geographic  kilometer ZERO  of Spain. But, it’s just a short stroll in any direction where you’ll find the rich aromas of authentic Spanish food wafting from the alleyways and narrow cobbled streets that are lined with  Madrid’s famous tapas bars  and prestigious restaurants. 

Madrid is not only the geographic center of Spain but also the renowned  melting pot  where  Spain’s culinary cultures merge . This is no more evident than in the enormous range of Spanish and international cuisine on offer throughout the capital, and with nearly 10,000 restaurants within the  Madrid region , you’re spoilt for choice!

One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples

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One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples One-Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples is a delightfully fragrant and flavorsome recipe that oozes decadence. Caramelized onions and apples are gently stewed...

Gambas al Pil Pil Tapas Recipe (Garlic Prawns with Chili)

by Byron | Apr 5, 2024 |

Gambas al Pil Pil Tapas Recipe (Garlic Prawns with Chili) Gambas al Pil Pil (garlic prawns with chili) is a traditional Spanish tapas recipe that is super easy to make and loaded with flavor. Large prawns are cooked in olive oil...

Catalan Style Beef Stew (Estofado a la Catalana)

by Byron | Apr 2, 2024 |

Catalan Style Beef Stew (Estofado a la Catalana) Catalan style beef Stew (Estofado a la Catalana) is a classic beef stew recipe that draws roots from the Catalan region of Spain, where cinnamon and nutmeg are commonly used in...

The 7 Best Madrid Tapas Tours [2024 Reviews]

If you’re going to be in Madrid, you should know that there’s a ton of cultural aspects you’ll want to check out. The food is obviously one of them, with tapas taking up a big part of the scene.

These snacks or small plates are served alongside beer or wine, and often include mixed olives, chorizo, fried baby squid, crispy potatoes, and more.

Meant as a way of sparking conversation between strangers and those who already know each other, it’s really much more than “just food”. We’ve done the hard work for you, bringing you the top tapas tours in Madrid!

Best Tapas Tours In Madrid

Quick answer: the 7 best rated madrid tapas tours for 2024.

• Best Value Tour: Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid
• Best Tapas & Walking Tour: Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour
• Best Half-Day Tour: Madrid Local Tapas & Wine tour with Drinks & Views from a Rooftop
• Best Budget Tour: The Original Madrid Tapas Crawl
• Best Guided Tour: Madrid walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
• Best Evening Tour: Madrid Evening Tapas Adventure Walking Tour with a Local
• Best Small Group Tour: Gourmet Tapas Small Group Guided Tour in Madrid

Madrid Tapas Tour Reviews

1.  tapas, taverns & history tour madrid.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departure: C. de la Misericordia, 2, 28013 Madrid
• Departure Time: 6:30 pm
• Includes: Small-group tour (maximum 10 guests), food tastings (enough for a full dinner), wine tastings (5 glasses of local wine and drinks), expert local culinary guide, Devouring Madrid guide, packed with all our favorite places to eat and drink in the city

Starting things off on the right foot, we have the Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid . The title sums up this 4-hour tour pretty well, leading you through all kinds of local historical and culinary highlights. As Madrid can get pretty hot, this is a tour that takes place in the afternoon, which is perfect for enjoying some classic Spanish drinks as well!

Limited to just 10 people, this walking tour is much more personal and feels like you’re learning about the city with local friends. Meet up with your guide in central Madrid and start off by walking over to a chill, ambient bar. Here, you’ll get to try a vermouth aperitif that everyone seems to love.

This legendary tavern is deeply connected to the country’s Civil War, and try a tapa dish that’s been served this way for over a century.

After you have a delicious drink and some food in your stomach, it’s time to head off on a 45-minute history walk through the oldest neighborhoods in the city, towards the Royal Palace. Your guide will fill you in on how Madrid started as a quaint village and exploded over the years into an enormous empire.

Now that you’ve walked quite a bit, it’s time to head to the next tapas bar: Mesón del Champiñon. As the name suggests, it’s all about delicious grilled mushrooms, along with some Padrón peppers.

After these treats, head to Plaza Mayor and learn about all kinds of interesting anecdotes and stories that took place here over the centuries.

You’ll walk by Petit Palace Posada del Peine (city’s oldest hotel), Puerta del Sol, and then try signature tapas of gambas al ajillo and wine at La Casa del Abuelo. Meaning “grandfather’s house”, it’s a very homey place that’s been in business for over 100 years.

You’ll then check out Plaza de Santa Ana and learn about the square originally constructed in 1910 during Joseph Bonaparte’s reign. Then, fit your way into Casa Toni which is one of the only traditional tapas places left in the city, where you’ll try all kinds of incredible classic specialties.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. madrid wine and tapas walking tour.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Plaza de Santa Ana, 28012 Madrid
• Departure Time: 12:30 PM or 7:30 PM
• Includes: Local guide, wine tasting, tasting more than 12 different tapas, visit to 4 tapas bars (Where Madrileños go), a drink (Wine, Beer, Soda or Mineral Water) at each bar

Next up, we have a slightly shorter tour which gives you excellent insight into delicious tapas and learn about Spanish cuisine.

The Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour takes you to various stops comprised of hidden gems, and varied experiences for more of a locals-only take on things. This is a fantastic tour for trying out tapas the way they’re meant to be enjoyed while learning all about them.

Limited to a group size of just 12 people, you’ll have a more intimate experience which is perfect as some of the tapas spots are pretty compact. Whether you’re going alone or with family/a partner, you’re sure to meet some interesting people as well.

Meet your guide in central Madrid (Plaza de Santa Ana) where you’ll all start walking to the first location. As you stroll along, the guide will offer a fascinating commentary about Madrid’s culinary scene, the history of tapas, and more.

Once you get to the Literary Quarter/Barrio de Las Letras, you’ll begin your bar crawl! You’ll visit a total of 4 tapas bars here, with wine tastings at each one. These wines are locally-made from Spanish grapes like tempranillo, malvar, garnacha, and parellada. With each type, you’ll be served a tapa dish made to match them perfectly.

One of the crowd favorites was the Castilian sherry bar, where you’ll learn all about fortified wines that are particularly popular in this area. If you’ve never tried them before, be prepared because you’re going to love them.

The second bar gives speakeasy vibes, as it’s literally hidden behind a store! The third is a bustling, cozy little tavern that’ll transport you back hundreds of years. The fourth is a bit bohemian and mysterious, and has been around for well over a century.

3. Madrid Local Tapas & Wine tour w/ Drinks & Views from a Rooftop

• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Departure: Pl. de San Miguel, 7, 28005
• Departure Time: 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM
• Includes: Local English-speaking guide, 4 stops of Tapas accompanied by wine, beer or soft drinks, cocktail on a terrace in Madrid in the 6:00PM tour

Have friendly, knowledgeable guides take you through Madrid from a locals’ point-of-view. Their passion for gastronomy and history is contagious, and will surely teach you a thing or two about tapas and Madrid’s rich background.

The Madrid Local Tapas & Wine tour with Drinks & Views from a Rooftop is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, making it quite a popular option.

Take a step back in time to the 17 th century, as you stroll through these historic streets while your guides provide commentary on the incredible architecture that lines them.

Madrid is a city heavily influenced on various cultures of people who moved from other countries to make Spain their home, while still keeping tradition at the forefront of their tapas and wines.

Meet your guide(s) at a central Madrid spot and head straight into the lively bohemian barrio of La Latina. Built on the site of a medieval Islamic fort, it consists of maze-like streets that are packed full of tapas bars, ancient gardens, and local legends.

Stop in front of the Opera House where you’ll hear many intriguing stories about its origins and events that took place here.

Next up is the Chocolatería San Ginés, where you’ll partake in a chocolate tasting and churros! Spanish churros are really something else, especially if your only prior experience with them are those in the US.

After fueling up on these treats, stroll around the center of Madrid as your guide takes you around some of the most important landmarks such as Plaza Mayor and de la Villa. As you see each, you’ll hear about the history about how the Spanish monarchy ruled over the Madrileños for many years.

After this, it’s time to eat some more at Mercado San Miguel, which has been serving hungry guests for over 100 years. Try a few different dishes while learning about the country’s culinary background, important traditions, and how their gourmet markets operated back in the day and presently.

Don’t get too full, because you’re then going to see el Mercado la Cebada local grocery market, and walk through El Rastro, which is the largest flea market in all of Spain! You’ll learn about the rather unpleasant origins of the name, along with its gypsy community background.

4. The Original Madrid Tapas Crawl

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Departure: Calle de José Abascal, 18, Calle de José Abascal, 18, 28003 Madrid
• Departure Time: 6:30 PM
• Includes:  Dinner, alcoholic beverages, local guide, suggestions for your days left in town, food and culture tips

Long story short, The Original Madrid Tapas Crawl is a ton of fun, a ton of flavor, and has been operating for many years. This top-rated tour has earned its stars for good reason, traveling to 4 different family-owned businesses with your small group for a customized experience.

If you’re looking for a tour that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, this 2.5-hour excursion should be at the top of your list!

From even before you meet up with your group and guide, you’ll notice how well-organized and seamless the entire tour is. Meet up right by Alonso Cano subway elevator and make sure that you go with an empty stomach, because the amount of tapas you’re about to try will equal a full meal!

Your guide will lead you to a very non-touristy part of town which offers a more authentically Madrid experience.

You’ll visit 4 different locations, including a market cuisine restaurant with refreshing, cold cerveza, a modern “slow food” tavern, and a bodega that’s over 100 years old!

As you enjoy your drinks and tapas (including Iberian dried meat, seafood, prime extra virgin olive oil, pork belly, Spanish omelet, etc.), your guide will tell you all about the history behind the dishes and each place.

If you’re not a beer fan, you can opt for red or white wine, vermouth, and non-alcoholic options that match well with your tapas. They are also very accommodating to varied diets, intolerances, or allergies to ensure everyone can participate and have a great time.

5. Madrid walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours

• Departure: El Oso y el Madroño, Prta del Sol, 1, 28013 Madrid
• Departure Time: 3:00 PM
• Includes:  Beverages, food tasting, wine tasting, local guide, snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages

This 3-hour tour is a perfect balance of history, modern-day relevance, and Spanish culinary history. The 3-Hour Tapas Secret Food Tour of Madrid w/ Private Tour Option covers so much of Madrid’s culture, with a whopping 8 stops! Make sure to grab your favorite walking shoes because you’re going to be covering quite a bit of land, too!

This is a fantastic tour for all ages, however, it’s important to remember that the drinking age in Spain is 18 and not every child may enjoy the tapas. However, it’s still a fun time for the entire family, for friend groups, couples, and even if you’d like to check it out yourself!

After meeting in central Madrid, head into Sobrino de Botín – the oldest restaurant continuously operating on the planet! That’s right, it originally opened in 1725, essentially making it older than the United States of America!

It was even mentioned in a Hemingway novel, regarding its famous roast suckling pig that you can try on your tour.

Next, head to the Mercado San Miguel, which has also been very popular for years – particularly with tourists. Located very closely is Plaza Mayor, which was once the epicenter of “Madrid Viejo”.

At one time is hosted important executions and bullfights, and today holds much more lighthearted events: Christmas markets and various artisanal souvenirs.

Next, see the Royal Palace of Madrid, which is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and is now used for state ceremonies.

Close by is the practically hidden Chocolatería San Ginés café where you can enjoy some delicious coffee paired with their famously appetizing chocolate. After your treats, head to Puerta del Sol square, which is another vital meeting spot in the city.

6. Madrid Evening Tapas Adventure Walking Tour with a Local

• Departure: Plaza de la Villa, Pl. de la Villa, Madrid
• Departure Time: 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Local English-speaking guide 1 drink and 1 tapas dish at each stop (5 tastings stops – including a cheese and olive tasting, a bocadillo de calamares sandwich, a croquette tasting and a Spanish dessert), various types of drinks

Ever want to explore Madrid the way the locals do? While it’s always fun to see the biggest tourist attractions, those don’t always show you what the local culture is really like. The Madrid Evening Tapas Adventure Walking Tour with a Local will show you some local gems and teach you all about the history of the city’s literary quarter.

This 4-hour tour is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, which means you’ll have more attention from your guide and be able to ask questions comfortably. Not to mention, you’ll all be able to fit into these places easier, as some of the bars are pretty limited in seating.

Meet up at Plaza de la Villa, centrally-located for convenience! Your first mission is Mercado San Miguel, which is a very popular local market. Here, you’ll try a vermouth aperitivo, an array of Spanish cheeses, wine, and some of the most delicious olives you’ve ever tasted.

After, you’ll go over to the bustling barrio of La Latina , with maze-like lanes packed with bars offering tasty tapas and craft cocktails. The bar your group will be going to has just 6 tables so there’s definitely high demand (and with good reason!).

Then, head to Plaza Mayor which is also very rich in history and culinary culture. Learn about the events that have taken place in the plaza and enjoy an old tavern’s famous croquettes that’ve been served here for over 100 years. After enjoying these delicious potato treats, you’ll try some local desserts along with some dessert wine!

7. Gourmet Tapas Small Group Guided Tour in Madrid

• Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Departure: C. de Ibiza, 4, C. de Ibiza, 4, 28009 Madrid
• Departure Time: 8:00 PM
• Includes:  All food and drinks included, visit to four gourmet tapas bars, trendy gourmet bistros and at the forefront of gastronomy (where Madrileños go, NO chains, franchises nor tourist places), tasting more than 2 different culinary creations on each stop, local wine expert bilingual guide

Our guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Gourmet Tapas Small Group Guided Tour in Madrid ! If your schedule is really packed or you’re specifically looking to escape the heat and opt for an evening tour, this one should catch your eye.

Clocking in at a bit less than 3 hours, you’ll get to try some of the country’s best tapas along with famous wines offered at the most reputable locations around the city.

You’ll start with your group in front of Retiro Park located on Ibiza Street, which is a pretty convenient location for most people. Meet up with your guide, who’ll give you a brief outline of what to expect and head out on your gastronomic tour!

The majority of the excursion will take place in a neighborhood just east of Retiro Park which is a haven full of hidden local gems.

If you’re someone who wants to go the places and try the things that most tourists haven’t, this tour is the one for you. You’ll get to enjoy 5 different gastropubs and learn from an expert food guide as well as imbibe upon various lesser-known wines that are absolutely incredible.

There are some places that have even been frequented by Spanish royalty, Hollywood actors, a First Lady, and much more.

One thing is for sure: you’re definitely going to have a full stomach and a brain full of newly-acquired knowledge! Not to mention, the guides are very knowledgeable, personable and are all-around great people to learn from.

Madrid Travel Guide

Getting There

Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas is the main airport of Madrid, which is just 20 minutes or so from the city center or el centro . With 4 different terminals, it comes with quite a bit of shopping and other facilities. You can easily score a flight directly to Madrid from the vast majority of airports around the US as most of the major airlines serve this route.

The main carriers are Iberia , American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. In fact, if you’re flying from NYC or O’Hare in Chicago, you can expect direct flights in the off-season to cost you around 500 bucks!

Getting Around

The metro fares depend on which neighborhood you’re in, however, they’ll pretty consistently range from 1.50 to 2 euros (approx. $1.75 to $2.30). If you plan on using it frequently throughout your visit, you can also opt for a Tourist Card. These are either 1-day, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day quantities. We did the math, and they almost always are more budget-friendly. Just remember that it is open from 6am to 1:30am.

Bus – Available from 6am to 11:30pm, Monday through Friday, and 7am to 11pm on the weekends, the bus also covers a good amount of the city. However, there are also night buses that start at 11:30pm and take over into the late hours! This is perfect if you want to catch a rave, a late-night drink and dinner, or simply want to see the city from a different view.

Taxi – Taxis are always an option, and hailing them off the street is pretty simple. Throughout various tourist destinations, you’ll also often see them lining up just waiting for customers. Remember, that the ones who have lit up green lights on the roofs are those that are available. Try to ride only with the city’s official cabs, which are white with a red diagonal stripe on the sides, along with Madrid’s emblem.

Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing app. Uber does operate in the city, so this is an option.

Tip: Always make sure that the taximeter is on as soon as your trip starts! Some drivers will keep it off to try and scam some extra cash from you. If your driver doesn’t speak English, you can ask them to turn it on like this: “Disculpe, se puede prender el meter, por favor?”.

Where to Stay

Madrid consists of many different neighborhoods, with quite a few being very attractive for tourists. No matter what your budget is, you’ll realistically find somewhere that works for you.

• For the luxe and plush, opt for Salamanca . In fact, the neighborhood’s Calle de Serrano is often compared to New York City’s Upper East Side, and referred to as “The Golden Mile”.
• If you’re on a budget, head to Lavapies or Chueca . Both areas are very affordable, and are easy to navigate by foot.
• If you’re traveling with children/the entire family, check out Barrio de Las Letras , or Sol-Gran Via . Sol-Gran Via is the area located between Puerta del Sol and Gran Via. This is the center of Madrid’s “cultural spots”. It features all kinds of theaters, boutiques, along with many very important buildings and unique architecture.
• If you’re planning on going out to bars, clubs, and other nightlife scenes, check out Chueca , or La Latina . Chueca is a lively area full of people from all walks of life, all ages, and interests. The cafes and masterly-crafted cocktails here are incredible. La Latina is also very high-energy, and you’ll find many little markets, tapas bars, and “block parties”.
• If you’re top priority in Madrid is to try the most delicious food possible, you can stay anywhere in El Centro . This is actually one of the safest, most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in the city. Not to mention, the elaborate architecture, palaces, etc. are some of the most impressive in the entire country.

Restaurants and Eating Out

As you can imagine, Madrid has some of the best food in the world. Let’s go ahead and look at some of the city’s top restaurants and eateries.

Saddle – Saddle is absolutely an artistic experience. It’s high-class, very elegant, yet intimate rather than stuffy. By combining modern-day with classic techniques, you’ll find this place to be refined yet varied. All on one floor, you’ll find private rooms and an expansive dining room with beautiful views.

Cruz Blanca de Vallecas – Consistently award-winning, Cruz Blanca de Vallecas offers Spanish food, placing tradition at the forefront of the operation. With international standards, this restaurant es made to make you feel like you’re coming home. Just make sure you book far in advance, as it can be booked up to 3 months at times!

Casa Benigna – If you go to Spain, you have to try paella. It’s just an unspoken rule. For excellent paella, make sure you head to Casa Benigna . The rice-based dish features arroz negro, squid ink, beans, meat, and more.

El Cisne Azul – Located in Chueca, El Cisne Azul is known for their wild mushrooms, with dishes that incorporate them like grilled boletus with foie gras and mushroom carpaccio. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you’re in the clear, as they also offer grilled meats and other dishes.

El Meson del Boqueron – El Meson del Boqueron offers basically the best callos a la madrileña we’ve had. With tripe, morcilla, and chorizo, it’s definitely packed with flavor and is perfect for any kind of weather. The restaurant itself is very captivating, with a kind of gothic flair that makes it look like it’s been around for hundreds of years.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Nightlife in Madrid is booming, and you can find everything from a flamenco club to massive electronic music raves.

Fabrik – If you’re looking for said rave, head to Fabrik. This two-floor club has a whopping 7,000-person capacity and a beautiful sound system to accommodate their world-famous DJs. Kapital is located in El Centro, and is legendary throughout all of Europe. The enormous club features 7 floors – each with a different theme. Goya Social Club is a nice alternative if you aren’t ready for 7 floors of partying. It has a capacity of just 200 people, though the more intimate environment is perfect for its house, deep house, tech house, and sometimes techno artists.

Get out of your comfort zone and into a tablao , or flamenco bar. Here, you can see or even participate in dancing flamenco while enjoying some delicious eats and fine drinks. Corral de la Moreria is our top pick, and is one of the oldest tablaos around. Torres Bermejas is another hot choice, with their traditional cuisine and famous flamenco.

For innovative cocktails, look no further than Salmon Guru . It has an interesting name, but even more interesting drinks. The neon décor is very flashy and fun for taking photos. Diego Cabrera owns this one along with Viva Madrid : another one of our favorites. Viva Madrid has an almost opposite take on Salmon Guru, being a historic tavern with classic cocktails. Varsovia Cocktail & Bar is charming, and one of the top picks for a good vermouth and tapas.

No matter where you go in Madrid, you’ll likely be able to find many pretty, outdoor bars and cafes, karaoke bars, and live music.

While many people may think that Madrid is constantly warm, this is not the case at all. Their summers are typically pretty short, hot (around 99 degrees Fahrenheit), and dry. This is great if you aren’t a fan of humidity. However, the wintertime can get very cold and cloudy, dipping down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit at times! Try visiting from late June to late August for the best weather – just remember that most other European countries also have vacation from school at this time and things can get crowded.

Attractions

If you enjoy Mother Nature and serene little getaways, you’ll love Buen Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace. El Parque del Retiro is filled with lush flora, and is preened and maintained wonderfully. Covering over 140 hectares, it will originally made for the Count Duke of Olivares back in the 17 th century! El Palacio de Cristal consists of cast iron and glass, and sits in front of a flowing fountain and reflecting pool. Parques and fountains are plentiful in Madrid however, so you can really take your pick.

Aside from the Prado Museum , Madrid has many other architectural stunners like the Royal Palace and Gardens. Drawing many similarities to Paris Versailles, this palace is still used as the official residence of the king of Spain. Here, you can also catch some artwork by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and the rest of the crew. However, all kinds of palaces and interesting architecture covers Madrid.

If you’re a history buff, you have to head over to Puerta del Sol, which is where the old city gate stood. It’s been the center of many important events throughout history, such as the Spanish resistance to Napoleon back in the early 1800’s, and in 1931 when the Second Republic was proclaimed! Today, it has all kinds of fun shops and trendy cafes. If you like wine then be sure to do a wine tasting tour while you are in Madrid .

Once you arrive to your destination, try and walk as much as you can (within reason). Obviously, this is counting on your area being safe to walk around, which all of the neighborhoods we’ve mentioned are. This is the best way to get a feel for the city, and you can see everything up close. Plus, if you ever get tired, Madrid has an excellent public transportation system to help you out.

Try to at least learn Spanish basics. There are tons of great channels on YouTube, and Duolingo is a handy little app to have. If you practice just a few weeks before you go, you should at least be able to speak what’s required.

Make sure to check the restaurants’ meal times, as Spanish meal times are quite a bit different from ours. Lunch usually starts around 2pm, and dinner is served around 9, which is pretty late by most of our standards.

Food Quality

The Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best tapas tour in Madrid

Robert Baker

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Madrid Tapas Tour

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Madrid Old Town Tapas & Wine Small Group Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Madrid Tapas Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Adventu rous Appetites

Madrid tapas t ours.

(0034) 639 331 073

[email protected]

[email protected]

Experience Tapas Like a Local and Find the Madrileño in You

We love madrid... and all things spanish, particularly the vast variety of culinary delights that the vibrant tapas culture of madrid has to offer.

Mix a bit of sight-seeing, light history, culture and anecdotes with amazing, traditional Spanish food and drink, and you get Adventurous Appetites - a unique and deliciously adventurous introduction to the inside culinary world of Madrid.

We strongly believe that the way to truly understand a country’s culture is through its food and drink, and at Adventurous Appetites, we offer incredible tapas tours that deliver an authentic feel for the city and its people. As one of Madrid's longest-running (since 2004)  and top-reviewed tapas tours, we are the best at helping you discover Madrid, just like a local.   

Our unique pay-as-you-go system differentiates us from other all-inclusive tours, which are generally of shorter duration and where food and drink tends to be pre-ordered and lined-up on the bar, allowing minimal to no choice in what you eat or drink. 

At Adventurous Appetites, our team of charmin g tapas experts  talk yo u through the options and recommend local specialities, personalizing what we order according to the the likes and dislikes of the group on the night, as well as any dietary needs. Our Madrid Tapas tours are designed to give you greater control over what you try and how much you spend, all while immersing you in true tapas culture, just like a Madrileño.

So, come with an empty stomach, an open mind and a spirit of adventure - be prepared to find the Madrileño in you!

NEW!!!!!! APERITIF, VERMUT AND TAPAS TOUR

Adventurous Appetites' Madrid Tapas Tour has been named Continent Winner in the Food Tour Category in the 2023 World Luxury Travel Awards .!

Adventurous Appetites has been named winner of Travel and Hospitality Awards 2023 Award for Exellence in Culinary Experiences in Madrid!

Adventurous Appetites has been named Culinary Tours & Experiences Finalist in t he 2024 European Arival Tour Review Spotlight Awards (Medium Operator Category)

BE ADVENTUROUS AND BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY!

No. 12 - worldwide.

Tripadvisor® Top Food Experiences - World Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice® Award series: The Best of the Best Things to Do have named our Madrid Tapas Night Walking tour the 12TH BEST FOOD EXPERIENCE  IN THE WORLD 2022   This award is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.

Travelers’ Choice award-winners are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor and  consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.

Adventurous Appetites'  has been named Spain Prestige Awards' Food Tour Operator of the Year 2023/24.

Sauce Boss Shelby - Eat like an expert with Adventurous Appetites

TAPASSING IN TIMES OF COVID (2. Some practical advice) by Adventurous Appetites.

TAPASSING IN TIMES OF COVID (1. Getting back out there!) by Adventurous Appetites.

A TAPAS CHEATSHEET (3 : Where to go) - A guide to tapassing in Madrid by Adventurous Appetites.

A TAPAS CHEATSHEET (2 : What to eat) - A guide to tapassing in Madrid by Adventurous Appetites.

A TAPAS CHEATSHEET (1 : How it's done) - A guide to tapassing in Madrid by Adventurous Appetites.

Prizes and awards

We won The Award for Excellence in Culinary Experiences in Madrid in the 2022 Travel and Hospitality Awards!

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2020

Reviews from millions of tripadvisor travellers place, adventurous appetites tapas tour ⬤⬤⬤⬤⬤, in the top 10% of attractions  worldwide ..

TripAdvisor® Top 10 Food Experiences - World

8th best food experience  in the world 2019, travelers’ choice awards are the highest honor tripadvisor can give – meaning our business is truly exceptional. based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers, we’re one of the top experiences on tripadvisor., no. 8 - worldwide.

Culinary Experience of the Year 2021 - Community of Madrid

Tour Company of the Year 2019 in Community of Madrid

TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for Certificates of Excellence in 5 consecutive years

Culinary Tour Company - of the Year 2018 in Madrid

Food and Travel Blogs

What are bloggers saying about our tours.

We never know who may be on our tours. Here are several bloggers who wrote about their experiences with Adventurous Appetites:

Adventurous Appetites in Madrid

- OMGSDFWFOOD

An Adventurous Tapas Tour in Madrid

- Savored Journeys

Adventurous Appetites Tapas Tour

- Bay Area Foodie

Seeing & Savoring Historical & Modern Madrid

- Lucy Komisar

NotintheBusiness - Review of Adventurous Appetites

Eat Like anExpert with Adventurous Appetites

- Sauce Boss Shelby

History of Madrid

What makes madrid so special.

The ever-evolving story of Madrid and the many cultures who have resided there since the 2nd century B.C. offer quite the historical background for Madrid being such a magical place for adventures.

Historians tell us that Madrid’s name derives from the originally Moorish city established in the mid-9th century which was first named Mayrit “the land of abundant waters” and later became Madrid after changing hands several times.

In the early 11th century, the Christian king Alfonso VI of Castile conquered the citadel and thus began the centuries-long history of a cultural mesh of architecture, food and religion that today r emains apparent in the remarkable cityscapes and incredible cuisine, including tapas, making Madrid a fascinating place to visit.

For more details on Madrid's rich history and much more on Madrid, visit Madrid's official tourism website here .

Speak Like a Madrileño

Want a few survival phrases for a great time in madrid.

Although approximately 400 million people in the world speak Spanish, Madrileños have a language all their own.

Here are a few key phrases to keep handy when traveling in Madrid:

Okay or Yes.

Una copita de vino tinto/blanco por favor:

A glass of red/white wine, please.

Una caña por favor:

A small house beer, please.

Hasta Luego:

Bye or Later.

No entiendo:

I don't understand.

Puede ayudarme? :

Can you help me?

Donde están los servicios?:

Where is the bathroom?

La cuenta por favor:

The bill please.

Madrid Tapas Crawl Tour

Get to know the least touristy tapas bars in town!

Quick Details

• Map Marker Location: Madrid
• Hour Glass Duration: 3 hours
• Info Key Concept: 4 tapas stops and drinks pairing tour
• Food Food quantity: Full meal Tapas Tour
• Clock Start time: 6.30 PM
• Calendar Availability: Every day
• Open Book Languages: English and Spanish
• Star Outline Private tour: Available option on this tour please contact us directly before booking

The Madrid Tapas Crawl Tour

The origins of the word “picoteo” lie in the verb “picar,” which means eating small bites from several shared plates. This is also known as “tapeo,” or a tapas crawl. We want to share picoteo in Madrid with you!

In the early evening, we take you on a tour to see the most emblematic highlights of one of Madrid’s most vibrant neighbourhoods over three hours. Our culinary journey starts at a traditional bodega serving delicious Spanish tapas, a local favorite that’s been around for decades. Over the next two stops, we try some amazing meat and fish dishes from Madrid, along with some cold draft beer and local wines.

To conclude our picoteo in Madrid, we finish at a traditional restaurant featuring cuisine from the north of Spain. An outstanding discovery, it’s a family-owned gem specializing in Galician-style tapas.

• Chevron down WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE MADRID TAPAS CRAWL TOUR

Tasty Tapas, Refreshing Drinks, Amazing Bars, Repeat!

Our Madrid picoteo tour includes five stops in one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighborhoods, approved by local foodies.

• A full meal: Taste 10 – 12 tapas servings that are broadly equivalent to a full meal.
• Drinks: Have one drink at each stop, ranging from refreshing draft beer, excellent wines, and vermouth to non-alcoholic beverages. We give you our recommendations as to which drink pairs with which dish, but ultimately you choose.
• Hand-picked places: Choosing the best bar in each area is not an easy task, even for a madrileño, due to the rich offerings. We do it for you by personally selecting the most authentic and exquisite stops, so all you have to do is come hungry!
• We speak English and Spanish.
• Chevron down WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE MADRID TAPAS CRAWL TOUR
• A good amount of food: 10 – 12 tapas servings
• Abundant information about Spanish food, history and local culture and lifestyle
• You may join a small group of travelers on our picoteo tour in Madrid. Please feel free to request a 100% private tour for you or for a larger group.
• Tour guide gratuities always graciously accepted.
• Tour runs rain or shine.
• Price includes all food + drinks and restaurant taxes. Additional orders should be paid separately.
• A 2.5 to 3h walking tour with less than 5 minutes between each stop to ensure a thoroughly laid-back experience on foot
• Minimum of four persons per tour.
• Private tour available for this experience, see option in the booking process.
• Food Lover Tour® requires a full online payment in order to complete the booking.
• Chevron down MEETING POINT

Metro Alonso Cano – Line 7 (elevator exit, outside) Calle José Abascal, 18

Holiday closures: Dec 24th, 25th, 31st and Jan 1st

What Our Guests Say

We got a great gastronomic experience which we highly recommend!! Not only the tour guide, Raul, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but everything we tried was homemade and delicious!! We learnt some history of the city of Madrid, while at the same time tasting very nice traditional food and drinks.

This was my first ever food tour, and it was such a highlight of my trip to Spain. There are a lot of touristy restaurants in Spain, and I really wanted to find where the locals eat and drink. I also really wanted to eat and drink great Spanish food and wines. This tour takes you to really exceptional places. It was a lot of fun, a lot of food and alcohol, and a lot of wonderful memories.

We'd never taken a food tour before, and based on the excellent Tripadvisor reviews, we chose the Picoteo Lover Tour. Our guide showed us around 5 fantastic bars which were super authentic and not touristy, and the food and drink was incredibe at each! The evening was like spending time with a friend who had lots of local knowledge about food, drink and Spain. It was such a once-in-a-lifetime experience and made our holiday to Spain perfect!!

This was by far my favorite part of my visit to Spain! What a great way to sample all the local cuisine while getting a bit of history and great company. It is a good way to sample a few of the main dishes and drinks in some of the best places in the city. We went hungry and left absolutely stuffed.

This was an excellent experience. My first time and I was worried at first about the cost and being a big of a big eater. It is definitely worth it as you get to go to 5 different "local" locations without the tourist crowd. By our final stop we all had as much beautiful food as we could get. Our group was diverse and very fun. I would have stayed out later with several of the groups were it not for an early flight. I would recommend this tour and do it again myself!

Related Food Tours

• Most Popular
• Use the code "LOVEGOURMET" and get 20% discount.
• Food Full meal Food Tour
• Info 2 typical tapas stops + 1 High End Restaurant
• Clock Evening
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Map Marker Madrid

Madrid Wine & Gourmet Tapas Tour

Indulge in the most gastronomic adventure in Madrid food tour. Traditional tapas bars and elegeant historical restaurants on the menu.

MadridTapasTour.com What to do in Madrid! -

TAPAS TOUR – MADRID

One of the best ways of experiencing a city is through its food, which in Spain means tasting Tapas . Some of our most lasting memories involve what we ate and where we ate it! There is nothing better than discovering that tiny restaurant on a side street packed with locals and trying delicious gourmet Tapas that you can’t find back home. Our tailor-made Tapas tour was created to provide you with a Tapas experience in the very best tapas bars in Madrid.

Our ALL INCLUSIVE tailor-made tapas experience of Madrid costs €80 per person, and we cater for small groups of up to 8 people. There are NO hidden extras on this official Tour of Madrid!

Corporate Events

Madrid Tapas Tour caters for specialized celebrations and corporate events in Madrid. These are custom-made gourmet celebrations on special request where we can enjoy a first-class culinary experience in one centrally located venue or various, depending on client demands. Please contact us to consult prices for personalized exclusive events.

We provide tailor-made Tapas Tours for small groups or individuals in the top tapas bars in Madrid . Your tapas tour guide will provide you with stories and anecdotes of hidden Madrid and give you insights into the local cuisine and Spanish food culture. Between each of our stops where we sample gourmet Tapas , we will adventure down side streets that help us unravel the rich history of Madrid.

Our walking Tapas Tour offers tourists in Madrid an opportunity to escape the crowds and explore the city centre. We will introduce you to the best tapas in Madrid accompanied by beer, secret-recipe sangria or awarding-wines, at locally-loved places that not only serve up delicious tapas, but also carefully fit into remarkable history of this beautiful city. Cañas and Tapas are an essential part of Spain’s food culture.

Let us guide you on a Tapas Tour which gives visitors to a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Madrid’s sensational nightlife, sampling the most exquisite Spanish cuisine in the heart of the city.

Our ALL INCLUSIVE tailor-made tapas experience of Madrid costs €80 per person, and we cater for small groups of up to 8 people. There are NO hidden extras on this official Tour of Madrid !

Our team also caters for group or family celebrations and corporate events in Madrid. For these special occasions, we offer several customized food and entertainment options, all exclusively tailored to your individual needs.

Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour

1352 reviews

Why take this tour?

• Enjoy 8+ tapas and 4 drinks across 4 historic tapas bars in the heart of Madrid
• Embark on a fascinating 45-minute guided history walk through the oldest part of the city, with stories that come to life through your expert guide.
• Try a beloved tapa—sizzling garlic shrimp—at the bar that invented the recipe 80 years ago!
• Learn the ins and outs of tapas culture at the city’s most storied bars, and discover how history has shaped the food we eat still to this day in Madrid.
• Pair each bite with a beloved local drink, from flavorsome vermouth to a more authentic alternative to sangria.
• Sites Visited
• Madrid’s historic center
• Plaza Isabel II
• Royal Palace
• Plaza de las Ramales
• Plaza de la Villa
• Plaza Mayor
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Santa Ana
• 4 historic tapas bars
• Tour Includes
• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• 4 tasting stops with 8 tapas and 5 drinks
• History walk through Madrid’s historic centre

Eat your way through centuries of Spanish history in one fascinating evening.

Total customer reviews: 1352, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

We'll meet in Plaza de las Descalzas by the ornate entryway located adjacent to the ElMonte de Madrid shop. You'll see two statues positioned along the shop's exterior to your left. The entryway is located on the far side of Plaza de las Descalzas from the road (Calle de la Misericordia). Your guide will be holding a red Devour Tours bag and a Devour Madrid sign.

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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How to Do a Madrid Tapas Crawl: Where & What to Eat

When visiting Madrid you don’t want to miss the vibrant tapas scene and a chance to taste all the delicious Spanish food and drink that’s available to you in the city. One of the best ways to discover all of these delicacies is on a Madrid tapas crawl, so get your stomachs and your walking shoes ready!

Whether you’ve tried Spanish tortilla, champiñones a la plancha, and albóndigas before or not, you are in for a true gastronomic delight.

Madrid has one of the most vibrant and plentiful tapas scenes in Spain and you can find just about every popular Spanish dish in the tapas bars that are packed into the streets of Madrid.

Believe me, there are many, many tapas bars. The only struggle you’re going to have is choosing between them all. Don’t worry, we’ll help!

All you need to enjoy a tapas crawl in Madrid is a plan of action, an empty stomach, and a sense of adventure. Oh, and a bit of cash will help as well, though it won’t cost much.

Want more info to plan your Spain trip? Check out our Spain travel guide and these informative posts:

• 7 Top Wine Regions in Spain to Visit
• 16 Tasty Foods to Try in Spain
• Perfect 7-Day Costa Brava Itinerary
• 11 Must Visit Bodegas in Rioja

Table of Contents

What Are Tapas?

At their most basic, tapas are small plates of food that are served alongside a drink in a bar. Typically, you order a drink and get at tapa to go with it for free. Keep ordering drinks and you’ll keep receiving food.  However in many bars in Madrid, tapas no longer come for free (more on that later). Often, tapas are consumed while standing at the bar or a nearby standing table. You won’t receive table service – you order at the bar.

There are so many variations of tapas that it would get silly if I tried to list them all here. Let’s just say that you can try dozens of different Spanish specialties as tapas – from cheese, to cured meats, to a plate of pulpo (octopus) or gambas (shrimp). Tapas bars tend to stick with the traditional, well loved dishes, and they throw in a few creative dishes now and then. 

For more information on what you’ll eat, see our favorite tapas listed below.

⇒ Did you know: tapas also come in the form of pinchos (see our favorite pinchos crawl in Logrono, Spain ) and pintxos (read about the famous  San Sebastian  pintxos). 

What is a Tapas Crawl?

Now we get to the fun stuff! A tapas crawl is where you start at one bar, order a drink, taste a few tapas, then move on to the next bar and do the whole thing again. Groups of friends partake in this tradition frequently. It’s a great way to catch up with friends, or to spend an afternoon trying all the incredible dishes you have on your Madrid “to-do” list when you’re visiting.

To really do it right, you should plan to visit at least 3 bars on your tapas crawl. How many more you do depends on how much stomach fortitude you have.

» Want to discover more food in Madrid beyond the tapas crawl? See this post for more information on what to eat in Madrid .

How to Participate in a Madrid Tapas Crawl?

There are two great ways to embark on your Madrid tapas crawl. Which version you choose is entirely up to your preference.  You can take a guided tapas tour with one of the many companies out there offering tours. Or you can devise a plan of your own and head out there to discover the best tapas bars in Madrid on your own.

Go On a Guided Food Tour in Madrid

There are many companies in Madrid that offer a daytime or evening tapas tour in Madrid. These tours meanders through the backstreets of the city, and introduce you to fantastic old bars and modern tapas gems that you probably wouldn’t have found yourself.

Throw in a bit of history, a ton of delicious food, copious amounts of wine and cider, and you’re guaranteed to have one of the best evenings you’ll spend in Madrid.

There are many benefits to taking a Madrid Tapas Tour. One of the best benefits is having a professional foodie as a tour guide.

Madrid has such a rich food culture that it really takes a professional eater to know it well. That’s why we highly recommend going on a tapas tour in Madrid . You won’t have to look for the best places yourself and you’ll have a much more diverse experience.

⇒ Going to Barcelona too? Read about a tapas and wine tour we loved in Barcelona.

Choose Food Tours That Suit Your Interests

While many of the Madrid tapas tours leave from the famous Bear & The Strawberry Tree statue in Puerta del Sol, they all take different paths around the city and include different stops. If there’s something in particular you want to be included on the tour, like local beer or wine, you can pick a tour that caters to your interests.

Here are a few options that offer variety:

• Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour
• Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour

Keep in mind that some food tours include food and some don’t. If the price for a tour is low, it may be because you’re expected to pay for the food you eat during the tour in addition to the ticket price. Be sure to read the fine print to be sure what is included.

Plan Your Own Madrid Tapas Crawl

The other option is to plan your own Madrid tapas crawl. If you’re comfortable with your Spanish or aren’t bother by having to point at things you want to eat, there’s no reason you can’t build your own tapas crawl.

We suggest starting out in Puerta del Sol. It’s a very central location in the city and near to all the bars we recommend hitting up. See the map below for the stops we recommend:

• Taberna Tempranillo: Basque pinchos (usually bread with toppings)
• Casa Lucio: Huevos Rotos
• Casa Toni: Mollejas (lamb sweetbreads)
• La Casa del Abuelo: Gambas al Ajillo
• Museo del Jamon: Jamon and queso
• Chocolatería San Ginés:  churros and chocolate

What Tapas to Order in Spain

As we mentioned above, there are many different tapas to order. When you enter a bar, the menu will generally be written on a chalkboard behind the bar. The first thing to do is order your drink. If the bar gives free tapas, they’ll give it to you now. If they don’t give you anything, you’ll need to order what you want from the menu.

If you’re going to make it to 3 or more bars on tapas crawl, don’t order too many tapas at the first bar. It’s always tempting, but there will be plenty of time for that. Look around and see what everyone is eating and order that.

Remember to order your drink first! We always go for a Spanish wine or sidra, which is a hard apple cider. It’s very tasty and it gets served from a great height above your glass, so you can enjoy the show.

If the bar serves free tapas, you’ll receive it with your drink. If you don’t get one, you can then order your own from the menu.

Keep in mind that “tapas” are just small plates – so they can be just about any food imaginable, just in a small portion. If you’d rather have more substantial plates, you can order full-sized “raciones” or half-sized “medias raciones” at most bars and restaurants.

Larger plates include things like lamb sweetbreads, steak, and mushrooms, champiñones a la plancha (mushrooms), and albóndigas (meatballs).

If you order half portions, you can try a lot more things, so that’s always part of our plan, and likely what you’ll do on a food tour.

Our Favorite Tapas

Jamon Iberico

Jamon Iberico – a dry cured ham made from Iberian black pigs – is one of my favorite things in Spain . In Madrid, there are many Jamon shops, like Museo del Jamon, where you can try any grade of jamon you want, including Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. They also have cheese and other meats to try.

Tortilla Española

Spanish tortilla is easily my second favorite tapa in Spain. It’s not similar to Mexican tortillas, so don’t be surprised when a potato omelette arrives. The dish at its purist is just egg and potatoe, but you may find a variation that has onions, or een other ingredients.

Gambas al Ajillo

Madrid has a lot of great seafood, flown in directly from coastal areas of the country, like Galicia and Andalucia. Be on the look out for gambas al ajillo, pulpo ala galega (octopus) and Calamares fritos (fried calamari).

Patatas Bravas

I’ve eaten so many plates of patatas bravas. It’s such a simple dish – just fried potatoes topped with a tangy tomato sauce and aioli – but it’s so good I can’t help myself. You get a different presentation nearly every time you order it though, so that mixed it up a bit.

A popular snack all around Spain, croquetas are small fried balls of gooey goodness. They often contain mashed potato, cheese, and variations of meat or fish filling. It almost doesn’t matter what’s in them. They’re always delicious.

Huevos Rotos

Another simple, but delicious egg dish is Huevos Rotos. It consists of soft fried eggs in olive oil, with potatoes and chorizo. You mix it all up and it’s incredibly satisfying.

Anchovies are a popular tapa in Madrid. They are often served very simply, with just olive oil. You’ll also find them paired with green olives and/or artichokes. Don’t shy away from these little tasty morsels. They’re spectacular.

Churros & Chocolate

Helpful spanish to know for ordering.

• Vale ( Okay or Yes)
• Quisiera uno de esos (I would like one of those.)
• Una copita de vino tinto/blanco por favor ( A glass of red or white wine, please.)
• Una caña por favor ( A small beer, please.)
• No entiendo ( I don’t understand.)
• Gracias ( Thank you.)
• La cuenta por favor ( The bill please.)

Tours to Book:

Frequently asked questions on going on a madrid tapas tour & spanish food, how does a typical tapas tour work.

A tapas tour usually involves visiting multiple bars to sample different tapas and drinks. You might be guided by a local expert who shares insights into Spanish cuisine and culture. Some tours include historical information about the neighborhoods you visit.

Can I join a tapas tour without a reservation?

It’s recommended to make a reservation, especially during peak times or if you’re in a large group. Some popular tours may fill up quickly, so planning ahead ensures you secure a spot.

What drinks are typically served with tapas?

Common drinks to pair with tapas include beer, wine, and vermouth. In Madrid, it’s also popular to order a “caña,” which is a small draft beer. Sangria is another classic choice.

What is the significance of jamón (cured ham) in Spanish cuisine?

Jamón, especially Jamón Ibérico, is a prized and iconic Spanish cured ham. It’s often enjoyed thinly sliced and is a key element in many tapas. The unique flavor comes from the special breed of pigs and the curing process.

There are many ways to enjoy the fantastic food options in Madrid. A tapas crawl is just one of our favorite ways to do it. You’ll definitely feel like a local if you choose the bars above, where the locals go. It’s a fun and exciting way to experience the culture and the cuisine at the same time.

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

8 thoughts on “ How to Do a Madrid Tapas Crawl: Where & What to Eat ”

Yummmmm! I was in Madrid sooooooo long ago (I was 13, so 14 years ago…yikes!) but I remember it so vividly! I loved all the shops that sold the jamon in so many different ways! If I go back…which I hope to one day….I will hit up this tour. Definitely what I am all about when traveling!

I’ll only say this: this post brings tears to my eyes (tears of envy!!!) 🙂

I hear ya. I’m jealous of my own post. I wish I could go back there right now!

The Iberico Ham was really bellota, I know because there is a red tag wrapped around the pig’s ankle.

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• Travel Resources

Old Town Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour

• 75€ all included, enough food for dinner☑️ • Small groups, not touristy at all🙋‍♀️ • Reviews:   Viator☑️   ¦   Tripadvisor ☑️

This is what my tour looks like (If you are not too keen on any of the dishes, I always have a plan B): 1) Tour begins in the most popular tavern in Old Madrid sipping on the aperitif of the city, vermouth on tap , which we will pair with olives🍡 and breathtaking croquetas 😋

2) Next, I’ll whisk you off to Madrid’s most beautiful wine bar where we will drink Spain’s finest white wine: Albariño . We will take advantage of the opportunity to taste a special type of tapas called “tostas” .

3) It is now time to go deeper into Old Madrid through its narrow cobblestone streets and make our way to the highest rated restaurant in the neigborhood. We will sit down to cook the famous Presa Iberica on ceramic red hot plates.

5) To round off the night we will taste the king of all Spanish dessert wines: Pedro Ximenez. The wine will perform a miracle by turning vanilla ice-cream into rum & raisins with a caramel note and a toffee finish. I cannot tell you the brand we will have because it has taken me 20 years to find it.

Tour starts in the city center, in the evening, from Monday to Sunday. It lasts about 3 hours. Minimum age is 21 (exceptions can be made for private groups).

Groups are small, maximum of 10 (private groups can be bigger).

Walks of Madrid tapas tour blog:  Best Paella Madrid , Royal Palace of Madrid , Prado Museum Paintings , Best menu del dia in Madrid and Wine bars Madrid Friendly webs

The GREATEST Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour | An authentic experience

It doest mater if you are a solo traveler or not, you need to make a Madrid Tapas night walking tour. This tour is appropriate to eat small portions of different food with tasty flavors and Spanish wine or beer. The word tapa has been used for this kind of aperitives for a long time. It was used to protect the glass of wine, with a small slice of bread on top, from any insects. On the bread the people used to put an appetizer like a piece of raw ham or some cheese.

Since that time all over Spain started the tradition to eat small portions of food while drinking wine. Yes, at the end it is like eating a complete meal but in 3 hours and by small portions taken in different tapas bars. Some hungry people get desperate but at the end all of them enjoy this culinary experience.

A Madrid tapas night walking tour, is a widespread habit of the Spanish who spend an evening in company while eating. Believe it or not, they make a complete tour guided by one one person of the group that each day changes. They start in bars ordering drinks and eating tapas, but I assure you they do not do it with any gourmet end.

Is ideal to make this kind of Madrid tapas trip in the evening or before lunch to fight the heat. You enter a bar ordering a drink and the waiter will punctually ask “what do you want as a tapa?”. He is going to look at the various alternatives usually exposed behind a showcase you can choose. Often in Andalusia, in traditional or less touristy places, tapa is already included in the price of the drink.

Making a cultural Madrid Tapas Night Walking Tour

More and more often, in conjunction with celebrations or village festivals, in Madrid people make  Ruta de la Tapa 2022. A gastronomic path between the various bars that for the occasion offer an author tapa. This unique experience is not all year, it is only in the last weeks of October. The participants of these tours are provided with a card. The card includes the name and address of all the bars participating. Each tapa consumed is stamped with the respective bar. The brave who finish with the full stamped card will be entitled to a prize and will also be able to give a vote to the best tapa.

So you will understand why not only Spanish people want to do a tapas tour.  Tourist trap restaurants attract the attention of tourists writing tapas everywhere in the menu. They serve a complete meal in a small dish and call it a tapas, this is totally distorting the tradition. So if you really want to live an authentic experience do not eat just in one place. Normally a Madrid tapas tour is at least 2:30 hours where you visit at least 3 different tapas places.

Dishes you should try in your Walking Tour

Making a Madrid tapas night walking tour is a must to do in your time in Spain. This is going to upgrade your experience and live a real Spanish adventure. These are some tapas we recommend you not to miss:

• Spanish octopus tapas: a salad of octopus, onion, tomato and bell pepper cut into small squares and seasoned with olive oil.
• Spanish snails : snails, usually cooked in an almond and spice sauce and served in a small terracotta bowl. Final shoe mandatory.
• Montadito de presa de pringà: the montadito is a small stuffed sandwich that is eaten in one, maximum two mouthfuls. I love the one with the socket (a very tasty pork steak) and the one with the pringà (stewed and frayed meat).
• Iberic Ham: timeless raw ham tapa (preferably Iberian) cut with a knife and served on a slice of bread accompanied by olives.
• Potato tortilla : comfort food par excellence, the Spanish potato omelette is high, tasty and with a slightly creamy interior.

The importance of making a Madrid night tapas trip

“Tardeo” is a fashionable term appropriate to allude to the activity of going out for tapas or drinks in the afternoon. Summertime in Madrid can be hard. The heat in the central hours of the day does not allow going around bars to eat tapas.  Danger of fainting due to the elevated temperature is greater if you went out the night before and drank alcohol. In a country like this, accustomed to terraceous and survival. As a tip, the concept of ‘tardeo’ has not taken long to spread. From the combination of afternoon and tapas was born the concept of “tardeo”. If you still don’t know the new word, write it down in your agenda because it has become a trend that runs through the main Spanish cities.

But it is not only a matter of going out to take a rod and a lid. The “tardeo” can be extended and applied as a concept to go out for drinks at six and a half in the afternoon. While the 30ºC in the shade melt to the ice cubes and tourists patrol the city in search of the perfect selfie. Only the most skillful are able to combine morning long vermouth with premature delay. This means a high level of professionalism not suitable for novels.

In the cold season, it doesn’t mean that customs and habits must be changed. Tapas are usually washed down with beer, red wine and vermouth. These will keep you warm enough to enjoy the beautiful lights of the city. Also, by night you can see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations around the city. The inauguration of the Christmas lights in the streets of the city center marks the beginning of these festivities. In addition, these lights become one of the great poles of interest for those who take advantage of that time to visit Madrid. As for the date of lighting  Christmas in Madrid 2021  it will take place at the end of November.

In addition to Madrid Tapas night walking tour you can find:

Tapas Experience in Madrid

Tapas and Wine Tour in Madrid

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Madrid Walking Tapas Tours