Madrid: Tapas Walking Food Tour with Drinks & Local Stories

Madrid’s old streets, tapas bars and stories with every bite

You’ll taste your way through Madrid’s lively streets on this walking tapas tour, from sizzling garlic shrimp to classic tortilla and calamari sandwiches near Plaza Mayor, all guided by a local who shares stories along the way. Expect laughter over shared plates, unexpected art stops, drinks included, and a sweet finish with churros or ice cream. It’s less a checklist than a memory in motion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Madrid walking food tour with tastings

• Meet local expert at Plaza de Santa Ana
• Try gambas al ajillo tapas
• Walk to Plaza Jacinto Benavente
• Sample traditional potato tortilla
• Visit Plaza Mayor area
• Eat bocadillo de calamares sandwich
• See Antonio Mingote street art
• Taste assorted traditional cold cuts
• End with churros and hot chocolate

The experience

I was already running late because I’d gotten lost near Plaza de Santa Ana (those little side streets all look the same after a while), so I arrived flustered, hair sticking to my forehead. Our guide, Marta, just grinned and waved me over to the group, no big deal. She started us off right away with sizzling gambas al ajillo at a tiny bar where the garlic hit my nose before I even saw the plate. The bartender winked when he poured our first glass of wine. I guess he could tell we were new to this.

We wandered through Madrid’s tangled lanes, dodging locals on their way home and stopping every so often for another bite. Marta told us about the old Teatro Español as we passed: apparently bullfighters used to stay in that hotel across the square, which made me laugh for some reason. The tortilla at our second stop was thicker than my wrist, warm and soft inside. I tried to say “gracias” like a local but probably sounded French. Marta didn’t correct me though, just smiled.

Near Plaza Mayor we grabbed bocadillos de calamares: fried squid in bread that left crumbs everywhere (I’m still finding some in my bag). At one point she pointed out an old mural by Mingote that I’d have walked past without noticing. The air smelled faintly of cured meat from a nearby shop. We ducked inside for slices of chorizo and lomo with crusty bread. Someone spilled their wine but nobody cared much. There’s always another glass coming.

By the time we reached dessert (churros dipped in thick chocolate), my feet hurt but I didn’t want it to end. It was one of those evenings where you feel both full and somehow lighter at once: maybe it was the food or just listening to Marta talk about her city like it was an old friend. I keep thinking about that last bite of churro, sweet and hot against the night air.

What’s included

Your evening includes tastings at four different stops (think garlic shrimp, Spanish tortilla, fried calamari sandwiches near Plaza Mayor) plus regional cold cuts with bread and wine or beer (for adults), finishing with churros or ice cream depending on season. You’ll be guided by an English-speaking local expert throughout this small-group walking experience in central Madrid.

Options for this experience

2 options

DealGuide in English or Spanish · Only on 25 Nov · 18:30A Surprise

Madrid Food Tour: Tapas, Drinks and Delights with a Local GuideGuide in English or Spanish · 11:45 and 18:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:45 and 18:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Do Eat Better Experience

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Madrid food tour last?

The walking food tour lasts around 3.5 hours.

What foods are included on this Madrid tapas tour?

You’ll try dishes like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), Spanish tortilla, bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich), regional cold cuts such as chorizo and lomo, plus churros or ice cream for dessert.

Are drinks included in the Madrid food tour?

Yes, alcoholic drinks are included for guests over 18 years old. Non-alcoholic options are also available.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Plaza de Santa Ana in central Madrid.

Is this food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Vegetarian options are available. Let them know your dietary restrictions before booking.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided. You meet your guide at Plaza de Santa Ana.

How much walking is involved?

The route covers several stops within central Madrid. Travelers should have at least moderate fitness as it’s a walking tour.

Is public transport nearby for getting to or from the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Plaza de Santa Ana.