Barrio de las Letras

Madrid is a truly majestic capital, with beautiful architecture, world-class museums and a fascinating history, but the true soul of the city can be found in its restaurants and bars. Madrid’s culinary scene showcases ingredients and techniques from all across Spain and also offers some distinctly local flavours like the calamari sandwich, the city’s most famous street food. On our tantalising tapas tour, you’ll delve into Madrid’s gastronomy with a local expert, tasting a wide variety of local bites, from charcuterie fit for a king to lesser-known treats.

On your private tapas tour, you will:

• Spend the evening eating your way through Madrid’s historic centre in the company of a knowledgeable local expert guide; 
• Visit some of Madrid’s most esteemed restaurants and tapas bars; 
• Learn about the origins of tapas culture and the distinguishing features of Madrid’s vibrant food scene; 
• Sample a range of delicious dishes, including the iconic Calamari sandwich; 
• Try your hand at slicing some Jamón Iberico and hear the secrets behind its mouthwatering flavour;
• Sip spectacular Spanish wines and local beer;
• Discover useful tapas bar terminology and how to order; 
• Get the lowdown on the ingredients and cooking techniques that make the recipes irresistible; 
• Finish with a sweet treat with a Madrileño twist;
• Explore quintessential Madrid landmarks along the way, from San Miguel Market to Plaza Mayor, and the charming Barrio de las Letras.

Winding your way through Madrid’s historic heart, this tapas tour gives you the opportunity to devour the city as locals do, one bite and one glass at a time. With a passionate private guide leading the way, you’ll uncover tucked-away taverns and celebrated haunts that reveal the mouthwatering layers of Madrid’s food culture and history. As you make your way past majestic Plaza Mayor, the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, and the charming literary quarter known as Barrio de las Letras, each stop becomes both a tasting and a story.

Over the course of your time together, you’ll savour a variety of dishes showcasing the breadth of Madrid’s flavours. In an atmospheric cellar, you’ll learn the art of slicing Jamón Ibérico, prized for its melt-in-your-mouth richness. Just a stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor, you’ll uncover the city’s most beloved sandwich, composed of crispy calamari tucked into fresh bread, and discover why Madrid has such an incredible selection of seafood despite its landlocked location. The rest of your feast may vary depending on the day of your tour and what ingredients are in season, but you will be sure to end on a sweet note, such as violet-scented ice cream, a floral nod to Madrid’s most emblematic confectionery. Along the way, you’ll sip bold Spanish wines and crisp local beer, each glass chosen to bring out the best in every bite.

More than just a meal, this is a cultural immersion: you’ll hear about the origins of tapas, pick up insider tips on how to navigate a bustling bar, and discover the ingredients and techniques that make Spanish cooking irresistible. By the time you finish, you’ll have not only sampled a delectable selection of Madrid’s signature dishes but also experienced its rhythm, its conviviality, and its captivating stories, giving you a taste of the city that lingers long after the last mouthful.