RECURSO OFICIAL DE TURISMO

Madrid Tapas Tour: Authentic Spanish Gastronomy

Discover the soul of Madrid through its food. A walk through the best tapas bars in the historic centre with a passionate local guide.

The Tapas Tour: The Best Way to Understand Madrid

For many visitors, the Madrid tapas tour turns out to be the most memorable activity of their entire trip. And it makes sense: Spanish cuisine is not just food — it is culture, history, and a way of life. The very concept of tapas was born in the traditional taverns of central Madrid, and today the bars of the Spanish capital are considered among the best in the world of their kind.

On this gastronomic tour by Civitatis, a local guide will take you from bar to bar through the most authentic neighbourhoods of the historic centre: La Latina, Huertas, or the old Habsburg quarter. At each stop you will taste a different tapa, with an explanation of each dish's origins, the bar's history, and the secrets of Spanish culinary culture. Rated 9.4/10 by over 1,800 reviewers, it is one of the highest-rated tours in Civitatis's entire Madrid offering.

The tour is designed for small groups (maximum 12 people), guaranteeing an intimate and personalised experience, very different from the mass-market tours of other platforms.

What's Included in the Gastronomic Tour

  • Stop 1 – Iberian Ham: Your guide explains the difference between serrano, ibérico de cebo and bellota. You'll taste a platter at a specialist bar with decades of history.
  • Stop 2 – Spanish Omelette: The tortilla española — with or without onion, Spain's most heated culinary debate. You'll visit the bar that won the award for best tortilla in Madrid.
  • Stop 3 – Homemade Croquettes: Madrid's artisanal croqueta with its famously runny béchamel, at one of the neighbourhood's benchmark bars.
  • Stop 4 – Vermouth and Anchovies: The midday vermouth tradition with the city's finest boquerones en vinagre, in a bar straight from the post-war era.
  • Stop 5 – Patatas Bravas and Calamares: Two iconic tapas with Madrid's crunchiest batter, in the liveliest square in the centre.
  • Drinks: Each stop includes a drink: beer, vermouth, wine or water. The tour covers approximately 2 km on foot through the historic centre.

Practical Information 2026

  • 🎟️ Adult price: from €45
  • 🕐 Duration: 3 hours
  • 👥 Max group: 12 people
  • 📍 Meeting point: Indicated on booking
  • 🌍 Language: Spanish/English
  • 🍷 Tapas and drinks: Included

Tips for the Tour

  • Don't eat beforehand: The tour includes enough food that you won't leave hungry. Come with an appetite.
  • Best time: The midday tour (12:00) captures Madrid's authentic vermouth culture. The evening tour (19:00) showcases the pre-dinner aperitivo atmosphere.
  • Comfortable shoes: The tour covers about 2 km on foot over cobblestoned streets in the historic centre.

FAQ

Are tapas and drinks included in the price?

Yes, the tour price includes all tapas and one drink per stop (beer, vermouth, wine or water). You won't need to pay anything extra at the bars during the tour.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?

Please inform us when booking. Civitatis and the guides do their best to adapt the tapas to special diets, though some traditional bars may have limited options for strict vegans.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience. If you're travelling in a large group, you can book a private tour.

Which neighbourhood does the tour go through?

The itinerary varies by availability and season, but it typically runs through La Latina, the Habsburg quarter, or the Huertas neighbourhood — the most authentic areas for traditional Madrid bar culture.