Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour
Description
Madrid’s history comes to life through food and fascinating stories on this one-of-a-kind tapas crawl. In between stops at some of the city’s oldest tapas bars, you’ll embark on a journey through hundreds of years of history past legendary monuments, unassuming hidden corners, and everything in between. You’ll also gain firsthand knowledge of how to go out for tapas just like the locals do in Madrid!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your evening begins at a historic tavern in the heart of Madrid, where you’ll enjoy your first tapas of the evening along with vermouth—Spain’s favorite aperitif. Get a crash course in the art of tapeo as your guide shares some of the secrets of going out for tapas here in Madrid. (if the option selected)
Your next stop was once a horse stable and is now a beloved family-run restaurant serving homemade dishes from Asturias. You'll see how cider is traditionally poured and even get the chance to try it yourself! You'll sip your freshly-poured cider and enjoy two tapas typical to region. (if the option selected)
After that, you’re off to discover Madrid’s history up close on an expertly guided walking tour! For the next 35 minutes, history will come alive before your eyes as you pass iconic sights like the Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in the world, and wander through the historic Habsburg neighborhood with buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
Having worked up an appetite, it’s time for more tapas at a beloved bar in the historic center. Each of these bites is a time-honored local favorite that has won the hearts of generations of madrileños over the decades! You'll pair your tapas with a delicious wine cocktail locals love on a night. (if the option selected)
You'll resume your history walk visiting Madrid’s famed Plaza Mayor that has been the scene of bull fights, plays, and even public trials during the Inquisition.
Next, you'll see the lively Puerta del Sol, a lively plaza. Your guide will fill you in on why these plazas hold immense significance in Madrid's history and culture.
The next stop is a family-run bar open since 1906. Here you'll try Madrid's signature tapa, gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp, at the place it was invented with a glass of wine.
The big finale! We are granted special access to go into Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, before it opens. This multi-floor restaurant has never, ever closed. We will start on the lower floor, even accessing the wine cellar, and it isn’t permitted entry outside of our group. We will head back upstairs and have an opportunity to stick our heads into the oven that keeps Botín running, where the cochinillos are roasted. We will head to our table past incredible works of art, tiled walls, and more inside this living museum and restaurant. (if option selected)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Gluten free (not celiacs), Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop.
- This tour is not suitable for vegans nor those with celiac disease.
- Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Your itinerary may vary depending on the option selected. Please review the tour description and details carefully before making your choice.
- The number of the tasting stops and tapas and drinks included in your tour may vary depending on the option selected.
Reviews(3,422)
This was a most wonderful Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour!! The food and beverages were excellent, especially the garlic shrimp at La Casa Del Abuelo. The history — ancient and recent — was fascinating. But the real star was Gabriela, our guide. Her knowledge of and enthusiasm for Madrid are deep, and after seeing the city through her eyes, you will love it, too!
Flo was great! She knew the stories and specialties of each of the places we went and made excellent recommendations.
Flow was an amazing tour guide! Funny, personable, and very knowledgeable! Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Madrid!
Flo was great. Funny, smart, informative and charming
This tour was a highlight of our trip to Madrid! David was a fantastic tour guide. He made the experience so much fun and is very knowledgeable about local spots and pairing certain tapas with certain drinks. Booking a tour with David is a must for a Madrid trip!
Our guide, Javier, was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Madrid. He enjoyed talking about the foods and gave us a wide variety of experiences.
Great evening visiting some authentic taverna in Madrid and having an array delicious food and drinks. Sam our guide was excellent, shared her wealth of knowledge about Madrid, history and tapas in a fun and informative way. She bought the group together and we had a terrific evening.
Food tours seemed like such a silly thing, but everyone I've been on has been fantastic. The Tapas and Taverns tour was one of the best. Walking around Madrid we stopped at what we used to call dives. And just like every dive I've been to, it was crowded and the food was fantastic. Lots of local flair and included drinks thrown in at each spot is exactly what we were expecting. And this tour delivered. Our guide Rodrigo was wonderful. He spoke better English than I do and was super knowledgeable about tapas and the history of Madrid. As an added bonus, we had a wonderful tour group that Rodrigo encouraged to interact with each other.
Fantastic tour, a perfect way to start my trip. Rodrigo our guide was wonderful, learned a ton and hit four really great spots. If you want to avoid the tourist tapas bars and enjoy authentic food, I highly recommend!
Such a fun and tasty way to learn about Madrid and its history. So much great food and drinks. Javier was incredibly knowledgeable and had connections all over the city. His insights were topical and relevant. Recommend this tour to anyone who likes food, drinks and or history!
