Marbella: Old Town Tapas Walk & Local Bars Food Tour

Summary

Wander Marbella’s old quarter tasting tapas with locals and stories

You’ll wander through Marbella’s Old Town with a local guide, stopping at three real tapas bars for classic Andalusian bites and drinks. Taste award-winning Ensaladilla Rusa, crispy anchovies, and more while hearing stories about the city’s food culture. Expect laughter, new flavors, and a genuine glimpse into daily life here.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder if the best tapas in Marbella are actually hiding in plain sight? That’s what I was thinking as we ducked off the main square into these narrow, whitewashed lanes — you could smell grilled fish before you even saw the first bar. Our guide, Cristina, waved at a guy behind the counter who looked like he’d been there forever (she said his family had run that place since the ‘60s). We squeezed onto stools and she ordered something I’d never heard of — Ensaladilla Rusa. Creamy, cold, somehow both rich and fresh. The kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation just to taste it again.

I liked how nothing felt rushed. Cristina told us about how Marbella Old Town isn’t just for tourists — she pointed out where her parents used to buy bread, and where everyone goes for churros on Sundays. At the next stop, a taverna gaditana with blue tiles and football scarves everywhere, I tried to order “vino tinto” in my best Spanish. The bartender grinned but corrected my accent anyway (fair enough). We got plates of fried anchovies that were so crisp you could hear them crunch over the chatter. Someone started singing from another table; nobody seemed to mind.

By the third bar, I’d lost track of exactly what we’d eaten (eight or nine different things?) but not how it felt — warm light spilling onto cobbles, glasses clinking, that salty sea breeze mixing with garlic in the air. I still think about those little moments: sharing a laugh over my terrible pronunciation, or watching Cristina explain why every local has their own favorite spot for jamón. The tour ended somewhere between dessert wine and laughter — I guess that’s how it should be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marbella tapas and cultural walking tour

• Meet guide in Marbella Old Town
• Walk through Marbella Old Town
• Visit oldest tapas bar
• Try award-winning Ensaladilla Rusa
• Stop at local seafood tapas bar
• Visit classic taverna gaditana
• Enjoy various tapas and drinks
• Learn about Marbella history and culture
• Take photos of charming locations

Top questions

How long does this Marbella tapas tour last?

The tour lasts around 3 hours through Marbella Old Town.

How many tapas bars do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three authentic local bars or taverns during the walk.

Are drinks included in the Marbella food tour?

Yes, three drinks of your choice are included along with 8-10 tapas.

Is this food tour suitable for vegetarians?

The menu is traditional Andalusian; vegetarian options may be limited.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in Marbella Old Town.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this Marbella tapas adventure?

Infants can join; strollers are welcome and infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Will we learn about Marbella history during the tour?

Your guide shares stories about Marbella’s history as you walk between stops.

What’s included

Your evening includes meeting your local guide in Marbella Old Town before visiting three authentic bars or taverns. You’ll enjoy 8 to 10 traditional Andalusian tapas dishes plus three drinks of your choice along the way — dinner is sorted! All walking routes are wheelchair accessible and families with strollers are welcome throughout the experience.