Madrid: Tapas & Wine Walking Tour in Local Bars

Summary

Madrid food tour with local bars, Spanish wines and tapas

You’ll wander Madrid’s historic center with a local guide, tasting more than 12 traditional tapas and Spanish wines at four beloved neighborhood bars. Expect laughter over warm tortilla, quick lessons on Madrid’s culinary history, and plenty of time to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere as you walk between stops. It’s an evening that lingers long after you’ve left Plaza Mayor.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try this one with your hands,” our guide Carmen grinned, sliding over a plate of eggplant drizzled with honey. The bar was already humming — not loud, but that low, easy chatter you get when everyone’s halfway through their first glass of wine. I’d expected the usual touristy stops, but instead we ducked into these tiny places where Madrileños actually go after work. First stop: sherry so dry it almost made me blink, paired with salty jamón that melted if you waited just a second too long. Someone behind us was arguing about football (Real or Atlético? Still don’t know), and the bartender chalked up new specials on the wall in looping script.

The walk between bars was short — maybe five or ten minutes — but enough to feel the city shift around us. Carmen pointed out where Cervantes lived (“He probably drank here too,” she joked), and the air still smelled faintly of rain on stone from earlier. At the next spot, a wine shop hidden behind rows of bottles, she poured us a Malvar I’d never heard of and explained why everyone in Madrid seems to eat late. I tried my best Spanish ordering chickpea stew; Carmen laughed gently at my accent but somehow got what I meant.

I lost track of how many tapas we tasted — cod brandade, tortilla (still warm), more ham than I thought possible. By the third bar, my notes got messy and someone started telling stories about old Madrid kings who banned certain foods (no idea if that’s true). The last tavern was dark and creaky, full of regulars who nodded when we walked in. We ended near Plaza Mayor, full but not stuffed, kind of wishing it wasn’t over yet. Honestly, I still think about that honeyed eggplant sometimes — weird how food does that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Madrid tapas and wine tasting tour

• Meet guide at Federico García Lorca statue
• Explore Madrid on foot
• Visit first bar, taste sherry and tapas
• Visit second bar, enjoy wine and tapas
• Visit third bar, see open kitchen and taste food
• Visit fourth bar, enjoy wine and tapas
• End tour near Plaza Mayor

Top questions

How long is the Madrid tapas & wine walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours in total.

How many tapas are included on this Madrid food tour?

You’ll taste more than 12 traditional tapas across four bars.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes, one drink (wine, beer, vermouth or soft drink) is included at each bar.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Plaza de Santa Ana by the Federico García Lorca statue and ends near Plaza Mayor.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?

The menu varies; some vegetarian options may be available but not guaranteed at every stop.

What is the maximum group size?

The group size is limited to 12 people for a more personal experience.

Do I need to speak Spanish for this tour?

No; tours are conducted in English and Spanish as needed by your bilingual guide.

Is this walking tour accessible by public transport?

Yes; there are public transportation options nearby for both start and end points.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through central Madrid’s Literary Quarter with a bilingual local expert, entry to four beloved neighborhood bars with one drink at each stop (wine, beer or soft drink), plus tastings of more than twelve classic Spanish tapas—enough for dinner—before finishing near Plaza Mayor so you can keep exploring if you want.