Madrid: Tapas & Taverns Food Tour with History Walk

Summary

Madrid’s old taverns, family recipes and lively plazas on foot

You’ll wander Madrid’s oldest neighborhoods with a local guide, tasting classic tapas and sipping vermouth in historic taverns. Try your hand at pouring Asturian cider, walk past royal palaces and lively plazas, and end up sharing garlic shrimp where it was invented. Each stop brings new flavors — and new stories you’ll want to remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first sip of vermouth in Madrid to taste like nostalgia — even though I’d never been here before. We squeezed into this old tavern near Puerta del Sol, walls covered in yellowed photos and the smell of garlic and vinegar everywhere. Our guide, Marta, grinned as she explained how locals do “tapeo” (I probably spelled that wrong). She ordered us olives and these little anchovy things that I was honestly nervous about, but they disappeared fast. The place was loud, but in a good way — laughter bouncing off the tiles, someone arguing about football at the next table.

Next stop was an Asturian place that used to be a horse stable — you could still see the stone troughs along one wall. The owner showed us how to pour cider from way above his head (I tried it too, made a mess), and we ate fabada so rich I almost forgot we had more walking to do. Marta told stories about Madrid’s royal past as we wandered toward the Royal Palace — cobblestones underfoot, streetlights flickering on. There’s something about seeing these grand buildings at dusk that makes history feel less distant. Maybe it was just the wine kicking in.

We ducked into another bar for more tapas — this time with a wine cocktail locals apparently swear by (can’t remember the name, but it tasted like summer). Plaza Mayor looked golden under the lights; Marta pointed out where bullfights used to happen right there in the square. I tried picturing it but got distracted by a group of teenagers practicing flamenco steps nearby — their shoes tapping out rhythms on the stones.

The last stop was a family-run spot open since 1906. Garlic shrimp arrived sizzling hot, swimming in olive oil. Supposedly this is where gambas al ajillo was invented? Not sure if that’s true but I’m choosing to believe it. We toasted with another round of wine and swapped stories with two sisters from Seville who’d joined our group — one of those nights where strangers feel like friends for an hour or two. Walking back through Puerta del Sol after midnight felt different somehow; maybe it was just full stomach or maybe something else I can’t quite name.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madrid tapas and historic walking tour

• Begin at historic tavern with tapas and vermouth
• Visit family-run cider restaurant and try cider
• Enjoy two Asturian tapas at cider restaurant
• Guided walking tour past Royal Palace and Habsburg neighborhood
• Eat tapas and drink wine cocktail at local bar
• Visit Plaza Mayor and learn its history
• See Puerta del Sol and hear cultural significance
• Try garlic shrimp and wine at century-old bar

Top questions

How long does the Madrid tapas & taverns tour last?

The tour includes several stops over an evening; expect around 3-4 hours total including walking between locations.

Are drinks included on this Madrid food tour?

Yes, four drinks are included: vermouth, Asturian cider, a wine cocktail, and wine with your garlic shrimp.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?

The tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free (not celiacs), dairy free diets and pregnant women if you notify them after booking.

Does the tour include Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol?

Yes, you’ll visit both Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol during the guided history walk part of the tour.

Is hotel pickup included in this Madrid tapas tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a central location near Puerta del Sol.

Can kids join this Madrid food & history tour?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap; however strollers aren’t suitable due to walking routes.

Will I learn about Madrid’s history on this food tour?

Yes, your guide shares stories about Madrid’s royal past and cultural traditions as you walk between stops.

What’s included

Your evening includes four tasting stops featuring nine different tapas paired with four local drinks such as vermouth and cider. You’ll be guided by an English-speaking local through historic bars—plus enjoy a walking history tour through central Madrid past landmarks like Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol before finishing up late at night feeling very much part of the city’s rhythm.