Madrid: Night Tapas Crawl, Vermouth Tasting & La Latina Bars

Summary

Tapas, vermouth and old Madrid streets after dark

You’ll taste your way through Madrid after dark—from sipping vermouth in Plaza de la Villa to sampling croquettes in historic taverns and sharing laughter over calamari sandwiches at Plaza Mayor. With a local guide leading you through buzzing markets and La Latina’s tiny bars, you’ll end up both full and unexpectedly connected to the city’s heart.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I knew what “tapas” meant before this night in Madrid. Turns out, I had no idea. We started in Plaza de la Villa—one of those squares that feels like it’s been waiting for you for centuries. Our guide, Marta, handed me a little glass of vermouth with a slice of orange floating on top. It smelled herbal and sharp and somehow… old-fashioned? She explained how locals kick off the evening with this exact ritual. I tried to play it cool but honestly, I was already grinning.

We wandered through Mercado de San Miguel next—honestly, it was loud in a good way. The clatter of glasses, people calling out orders (I caught maybe three words), the smell of manchego and jamón everywhere. At one stall, a guy sliced cheese so thin you could almost see through it. We paired it with more vermouth (I’m seeing the pattern now) and Marta told us about how this market was Spain’s first real gourmet food hall. Didn’t expect to learn that much while snacking.

La Latina felt different—narrower streets, more laughter echoing off the walls. There was this tiny tapas bar with only six tables; we squeezed in beside two older men arguing about football (they didn’t seem to mind). The croquettes were so creamy inside I actually closed my eyes for a second. And then came the bocadillo de calamares at Plaza Mayor—greasy fingers, cold beer, everyone kind of leaning on each other’s elbows at the counter. It wasn’t fancy but it felt right.

The last stop near Puerta del Sol was sweet—literally—a local dessert I’d never heard of before. By then my Spanish was getting braver (or maybe that was the wine), and Marta wrote down her favorite late-night spots for us on a napkin. Walking back through those lit-up streets, full and just tired enough, I kept thinking: this is exactly how Madrid wants to be met at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tapas crawl in historic Madrid

• Start at Plaza de la Villa
• Taste vermouth and cheese at Mercado de San Miguel
• Visit a tiny tapas bar in La Latina
• Try calamari sandwich and croquettes at Plaza Mayor
• Enjoy dessert near Puerta del Sol
• Guide walks back to Puerta del Sol

Top questions

How many stops are included on this Madrid tapas tour?

The tour includes five tasting stops across historic squares, markets, and local taverns.

Is hotel pickup included for the Madrid night tapas crawl?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide at the starting point near Plaza de la Villa.

Can vegetarians join this Madrid tapas tour?

Yes, vegetarians can join—the tour can accommodate vegetarian diets if notified in advance.

Are drinks included during the tapas crawl?

Yes; drinks like vermouth, Spanish wine, local beer, and Madroño liqueur are included with tastings.

How much walking is involved during the evening?

The route covers about 1 mile (1.6 km) at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops along the way.

Is this food tour suitable for children?

The experience is designed for adults and older children; kids under 6 aren’t permitted.

Will we visit Mercado de San Miguel on this tour?

Yes; Mercado de San Miguel is one of the first stops for cheese and vermouth tasting.

Does the itinerary change based on crowds or opening hours?

The route may adjust slightly depending on bar hours or crowd levels but always keeps quality stops.

What’s included

Your evening includes all tastings—like manchego cheese at San Miguel Market, classic tortilla de patata, shrimps with house wine, croquettes from a historic tavern, bocadillo de calamares with beer—and ends with a local dessert near Puerta del Sol. A knowledgeable local guide leads you throughout; just bring comfy shoes and an appetite for Madrid after dark.