Eating Madrid: Hidden Gems Food Tour: Tapas, Wine & Local History
Description
Madrid's food story was shaped by centuries of trade, conquest, and migration Learn all about it in this small group food tour, where you'll wander past the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, while stopping at handpicked spots that have fed locals for generations. Duck into a centuries old wine cellar to try your hand at slicing Iberian ham like a pro, skip the line at one of the city's favorite street food counters for a local sandwich, pull up a stool at a centennial tapas bar for sizzling garlic shrimp, and finish with a surprising chocolate stop that reveals Spain's long history with cocoa. With a small group and a local guide who knows the difference between a tourist trap and the real thing, you'll get access and stories no guidebook can offer.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Admire two of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks side by side, where royal grandeur meets religious heritage. Discover the city’s deep history through its majestic palace and striking cathedral.
Step into a historic centennial restaurant and savor Iberian ham with tomato toasts, paired with red or white wine or cava (evenings) or smooth coffee (mornings), capturing authentic Madrid flavor.
Step into a charming medieval square and explore one of Madrid’s oldest civic centers, where beautifully preserved buildings reflect the city’s early history and timeless architectural character.
Taste one of Madrid’s most beloved tapas with sizzling garlic mushrooms, rich in flavor and tradition. Pair this local favorite with a refreshing beer, classic vermouth, or a light tinto de verano.
Pass by a historic covered market filled with gourmet tapas stalls, fresh seafood, cured meats, cheeses, and local wines in a lively culinary atmosphere.
Stroll through a grand historic central square known for its arcaded architecture, vibrant cafés, and street performers, offering classic local bites and lively atmosphere.
Iconic local stop known for its signature crispy fried calamari sandwich served in soft bread, a beloved street-food style bite with quick, lively counter service in a historic area.
This historic century-old tavern is famous for garlic fried shrimp served sizzling with beer or wine, offering a traditional, cozy atmosphere and authentic local flavors in a classic setting.
Lastly, visit this artisan chocolate stop offering handmade chocolates and rich traditional chocolate drinks, perfect for a sweet finish to a food tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
- Children under 4 years old do not need a ticket and can join the tour for free. However, food is not included. Paid tickets with food included are available for ages 4 and up.
- Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
- Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
Reviews(358)
Another wonderful food tour with Eating Europe. Our guide Carolyn was very knowledgeable, warm, and made us feel so welcome. The food and drinks were delicious. I highly recommend this tour
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure showing you around Madrid, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the food, drinks, and stories along the way. I really appreciate your recommendation!
Carolyn was amazing! She knew so much about the history of the places that we walked by and I loved every stop. It was so nice having a guide that really enjoys her job and meeting new people. I highly 5 this tour!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was such a pleasure spending the evening with you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the food, the history, and all our stops. I really appreciate your recommendation!
What an amazing tour! Our guide, Caroline, was wonderful and so engaging! We stopped at 5 places for delicious tapas, drinks, and dessert. Don’t miss this one!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure sharing Madrid's food and stories with you. I'm so glad you enjoyed all the stops, and I really appreciate your recommendation!
Sirsi is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable. I had so much fun! The tapas and vino were so good plus the group we were in were so open and friendly. I would recommend this tour.
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you had such a fun time with Sirsa and enjoyed the delicious tapas, wine, and great company. We really appreciate your recommendation!
Fun and very informative. In addition to the food tour, historical information about Madrid was also discussed.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the mix of delicious food and Madrid's fascinating history. We appreciate you joining us!
Sirsa is the best tour guide leading the best tour we have ever taken in Madrid. We live here and take all guests of ours on some sort of tour to get a sense of Madrid and so may I would describe as just ok. However, this tour I’ve now been on twice with Sirsa and she blows everyone away. The experience is well designed, the food is fantastic, and the tour is so engaging and informative. If you book one tour book this one with Sirsa.
Thanks so much for your wonderful review! It means the world, especially coming from someone who knows Madrid so well. Sirsa truly has a special gift for bringing the city to life, and she'll be so happy to hear your kind words. We can't wait to welcome you and your future guests again! 😊
Absolutely amazing tour. Must book for any age group. Great history, food, and fun! We loved it!
Thanks so much! We're thrilled you loved the mix of history, food, and fun. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Sirsa, she has a wonderful way of making the experience memorable for everyone. Wishing you many more amazing adventures on your travels! 😊
Sirsa was an amazing guide! Very knowledgeable on the history and the food was AMAZING. A great way to experience the city of Madrid and the culture. Had some of the best shrimp i’ve ever tasted on this tour. Thank you Sirsa!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring Madrid with Sirsa and that the food, especially the shrimp, was such a highlight. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Sirsa!
Great tour, great food and really good drinks! All you need in one tour of the hot spots in Madrid. This should be your first tour upon arriving because it sets the tone for the remainder of the trip. Loanna is great!
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you enjoyed the food, drinks, and discovering Madrid with Ioanna. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her!
Excellent. A must do: if you want to learn the history of Madrid and have delicious food and adult beverages. I have done so many tours on so many continents, finally everyone in our party was pleased. My wife wanted chocolate and wine, my sister in laws wanted food and I wanted history and we all were happy. If you can or only want to do one tour and be satisfied with your visit to Madrid this is it! Ask for Loanna. I’m sure they are all great but our guide was delightful, funny and informative. It was an easy walk and stroll no rush and we hit spots we would never think of stopping at. The food was more than enough, so no need for dinner, the alcohol was just the right amount. We stayed at the JW Marriott, walking really is 10-15 minutes when just taking your time. I was nervous and grab a tax going it was maybe 9-12 minutes to arrive. We are from Columbus, Ohio (Go Bucks!) my wife is from New Orleans ( Boo LSU!) there was a Georgia Bulldog student and some “New Yorkers” and “Native New Yorkers” so picking a mixed group is great we were going to do private but it was nice having people from different areas and you get private plates for your group if that worries you. Lastly, we landed at noon and planned this for 6pm and was it made the first night sleep terrific!
Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled the tour was a hit with everyone in your group and that Ioanna made the experience so memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your kind words!
