Madrid Tapas Tours: 10 Best & Ones to Avoid (2024)

Looking for the best Madrid tapas tours?

You’ve come to the right place!

Guided tours like these are one of the absolute best ways to get to know Spanish food culture, one of my very favorite topics! Plus, as the capital of Spain, Madrid is one of the best places to take these tours since you’ll get to try food from every region, all in one place.

While a tapas or wine tour is certainly one of the best things to do when visiting Madrid, it would be an incredible disappointment to book a lucklaster tour that wastes your money and leaves you feeling dissatisfied.

But don’t worry, I’ve been to Madrid a couple of times now and always try a new tour (or two!) when I visit, so I decided to break down the best Madrid food tours and tell you exactly what you should watch out for.

With this helpful list, the only problem you’ll have is figuring out how to arrive with an empty stomach!

My Top 3 Picks: Madrid Tapas, Food & Wine Tours

#1 MOST RECOMMENDED

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
✔️ 4 Hours
✔️ 8+ Tapas and 4+ Drinks

BOOK IT

#2 MOST RECOMMENDED

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour of Madrid
✔️ 4 Hours
✔️ 15+ Tapas and 4+ Drinks

BOOK IT

#3 MOST RECOMMENDED

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ponzano Tapas Tour
✔️ 2.5 Hour
✔️ 12+ Tapas and 4+ Drinks

BOOK IT

Best Tapas Tour in Madrid

Looking for the very best Madrid tapas tour? Coming right up! For a comprehensive tapas experience perfect for first-time visitors, check out the Tapas, Taverns & History Tour where you’ll learn about Madrid’s fascinating history in some of its best tapas bars.

1. Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for first-time visitors and travelers with a hectic schedule.

The Tapas, Taverns & History Tour is the best and most popular Madrid tapas tour thanks to its well-rounded approach and highly-regarded (but never crowded) tapas bars. Plus, it runs four times every day, ensuring an easy fit into your itinerary.

The perfect introduction to Spain’s capital city, you’ll get to try classic tapas like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) from four family-run tapas bars, each narrating a unique tale of tradition and taste.

The magic of Spain’s food culture means you’re guaranteed to make friends and discover new dishes as you wind your way through century-old bars and historic taverns.

This tapas tour starts with a 45-minute history walk where you’ll learn all about Madrid’s journey from a humble village to magnificent empire. If eating is the only thing on your mind, there may be a better tour for you, but if you’re looking for a well-rounded experience (with a 1.5 mile walk ending in Puerta del Sol) or want to fit in as much as possible on a short trip, Tapas, Taverns & History is a homerun.

Dinner, drinks, a walking tour and history tour all in one, this tour more than pays for itself!

What Isn’t Included: If you’re anything like me, eating as much paella as possible will be your number 1 priority. While I absolutely loved everything this tour had to offer, it’s important to note that paella isn’t part of it.

Dietary restrictions? Not to worry. The tour can be tailored to vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free (non-celiacs), dairy-free diets, non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women.

“This tour MADE our trip to Madrid. Our local guide was well-educated, informed, and very engaging guiding us through thousands of years of history while feeding us all the best tapas Madrid has to offer.”

– Maria (Read more reviews)

Madrid Tapas & Food Tours

If you prefer to spend more time eating and less time walking, I’ve got just the tours for you!

What’s more, if this is your second, third or even fourth time visiting Madrid, you may want to spend more time getting to know a specific neighborhood.

Take a look at the food and tapas tours below to find the perfect option for your upcoming trip!

2. Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour of Madrid

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for die-hard Spanish foodies.

If you’re a die-hard Spanish foodie, (welcome to the club!) the Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour is a literal dream come true! This is a crash course on Spanish cuisine where you’ll get to try over 15 different local delicacies, everything from freshly fried churros dipped in melted chocolate to Madrid’s signature calamari sandwich.

On this tour, you’ll become an honorary Madrileno for the day, roaming across two neighborhoods: the charming Literary Quarter and the colorful historic center. By the end of this tour, you’ll be an expert on the ins and outs of tapas culture, Spanish meal times, and how to navigate Spain’s neighborhood markets.

With enough food to cover two full meals, you’ll definitely get your money’s (and your stomach’s) worth on this tour!

What Isn’t Included: This tour also does not include paella. I hate to be the one to tell you, but most Madrid food tours won’t since it originated in Valencia. But bear with me and I’ll tell you how to get your fix!

Dietary restrictions? Not to worry. The tour can be tailored to vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free (non-celiacs), dairy-free diets, non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women.

“This tour ended up being my favorite thing I did in Madrid. Food and drink were plentiful and delicious both.”

– KMAC322 (Read more reviews)

3. Ponzano Tapas Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for repeat visitors who want to get off-the-beaten path.

If you want to dig in to delicious tapas the way the locals do, then the Ponzano Tapas Tour is the way to go!

If it weren’t for this food tour, I may never have discovered the wonder of Madrid’s Calle Ponzano. When I booked the tour and saw that the meeting point was a little bit away from the historic city center, I knew I was about to discover a true local gem. No tourist traps here: you’ll be dining amongst true Madrilenos!

Ponzano, located in the second most expensive neighborhood in Madrid, Chamberi, is known for its quality tapas. Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. This tour will take you to four family-owned establishments where you’ll try perfectly charred chorizo, crispy, fried pork belly bites, a vermouth cocktail, sangria, tortilla espanola and so much more!

This tour was great to do as a solo traveler in Madrid. The expert guide made it super social, and at the end of the tour I even went out for more drinks with people I met.

What Isn’t Included: This tour explores the best section of Calle Ponzano, but it doesn’t include any additional neighborhoods. While it’s an easy 10-15 minute subway tour, if you prefer to stick to the well-traveled tourist route, La Latina may be a better fit for you.

“We loved the choices and pacing of this tour. Yes, you eat different tapas and drink local beverages: a traditional vermouth cocktail, beer, sangria and wine, but you also gain lots of interesting information and history about Madrid itself. The tour is located in a more residential, non tourist part of Madrid, which we enjoyed seeing. Highly recommend. Do not eat before you go on this tour!”

– Maureen M (See more reviews)

4. La Latina Gourmet Tapas Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for anyone who wants to explore the central La Latina neighborhood.

Prefer to stick to a neighborhood close to central Madrid? This tour will take you on a La Latina Tapas Crawl to some of the best bars on Madrid’s Cava Baja. This street is famous for having some of the best food spots in town.

Guided by a local food and wine expert, you’ll wander through the heart of Madrid’s old town, absorbing its rich history while tasting delicacies like presa Iberica, a coveted cut of jamon rarely found outside the Iberian Peninsula.

This unique tour not only introduces you to hidden gastronomic gems but also pairs your tastings with exquisite Spanish wines. These aren’t just any wines, each one is highly rated between 95 and 100 points, adding a touch of luxury to your culinary adventure. Savor the fusion of culture, history, and high-quality gastronomy on this La Latina Tapas Tour.

What Isn’t Included: While this tour will treat you to a wonderful evening in La Latina, if you’re short on time or really want to get your money’s worth, it may be better to combine your food tour with another experience, like a flamenco show.

“A wonderful experience eating, drinking where the locals hangout! We enjoyed it so much we returned to two of the sites for lunch in the following days. An absolute highlight of our time in Madrid!! Great people in our group and Andres was the perfect guide!!!”

– Jennifer M (See more reviews)

5. Madrid Tapas & Flamenco Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for anyone who wants to explore the central La Latina neighborhood.

Combining your tapas tour with an evening at a flamenco show is a great way to get the most bang for your buck!

Avoid the typical tourist pitfalls that accompany a tapas crawl or flamenco show. This tour explores the historic city center and offers far more than just a culinary journey and a show; it’s an immersive exploration of two iconic aspects of Spanish culture.

By the end of the evening, you’ll have gained in-depth insights into both flamenco and tapas, experiencing them in a way few Madrid visitors truly do.

What Isn’t Included: While this tour is an awesome way to experience two of Madrid’s top draws, it may not be a good fit for anyone who wants to dive deep into tapas culture and Spanish wine.

“If someone I knew was coming to Madrid, the first words I would say to them would be to book the Tapas and Flamenco Tour. There is no way I could have replicated this on my own or learned so much in 4 hours.”

– Nancy R (See more reviews)

Madrid Wine AND Tapas Tours

Wine tasting and tapas go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re ready to taste exquisite Spanish wine or dying to see the view from the city’s best rooftop, these tapas and wine tours offer an evening you won’t forget!

6. Madrid Local Tapas & Wine Tour with Drinks & Rooftop Views

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for rooftop bar enthusiasts.

Tapas, wine, and rooftop views. Quite possibly the best combination of all time!

What’s even better is that this tour takes you through two of Madrid’s best neighborhoods and its hottest foodie market before capping off the evening at a rooftop bar with stellar views of the city. But the best part? You get to skip the line to enter!

From La Latina to the Latin Quarter, Mercado San Miguel, and Plaza Mayor, this is an excellent well-rounded tour that would be a great introduction to Madrid.

What Isn’t Included: If you’re looking for stylish bars, typical tapas, and yummy cocktails, this is the tour for you. However, if you’re seeking a bit more history, the next tour may be a better fit.

“Best food tour we have ever taken! Cheers to Laura. We went back to two places the next day👍🏻. We skipped the line to the rooftop bar and loved it.”

– karinnealon (See more reviews)

7. Madrid: Spanish Gastronomy and History with 3-Course Meal

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for history enthusiasts.

Immerse yourself in Spain’s rich history and indulge in its gastronomic wonders on this 3.5-hour tour, perfect for anyone who wants a crash course on history and gastronomic customs. You’ll learn tons of interesting facts about food across the different parts of Spain!

Native guides will share their in-depth understanding of Spanish culture and traditions, and you’ll be introduced to time-tested social traditions that unite delightful conversations with fantastic local wines and food.

With stops at 4 or 5 distinct locations, you’ll have the opportunity to savor a variety of Spanish favorites such as Iberian ham, paella, and local cheese.

What Isn’t Included: You can learn a lot about Spain’s gastronomic history on this tour, but if you’re seeking something a bit more hands-on, a cooking class might be just the thing!

“Really fantastic tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone who really loves food and wine, as both are excellent. We really learnt a lot about the food the regions of Spain and Spanish life.”

– Anonymous (See more reviews)

Tapas Cooking Classes

Okay, paella lovers, this one’s for you. With a cooking class, not only will you get to dig into this famous dish, you’ll also learn to cook it at home!

8. Paella and Tapas: Madrid Cooking Class with Market Visit

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for cooks and paella lovers.

Make your own traditional paella Valenciana and other regional specialties from all across Spain like crispy croquetas.

Begin your well-rounded cooking class adventure with a guided tour of a local market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture.

Then, step into a stunning, private kitchen situated within a picturesque restaurant, reserved exclusively for your small group.

Here, under the expert guidance of a local chef, you’ll not only learn to make traditional paella, tapas, and dessert, but also experience the joy of preparing your own meal. And the best part, of course, is that you’ll get to eat all of it!

What Isn’t Included: This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the art of making paella, but it isn’t a traditional tapas tour where you’ll get to explore different areas of Madrid. If that’s what you’re after, I recommend sticking with the Tapas, Taverns & History Tour.

“I feel like I could actually make croquetas at home now! The cooking class space is STUNNING also! Definitely recommend!”

– Caitlin E (See more reviews)

Private Tapas Tours in Madrid

In search of a private tapas tour through Madrid? Look no further. Here’s the best tour for you and your group.

9. Madrid: 4-Hour Private Tapas Tour

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for groups.

If you’re traveling with a group, a private tapas tour could be exactly what you need. As an added convenience, this tour begins right in the lobby of whichever hotel you’re staying at.

You’ll get to experience the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Madrid on this private tapas tour. The gastronomic adventure will take you to four or five unique locations, ranging from time-honored eateries to contemporary gastrobars and taverns.

This private tour ensures you gain a deep understanding of Spanish cuisine, learning the nuances between tapas, pintxos, platos, platillos, and raciones. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to explore facets of Spanish culture often overlooked by the average visitor, enriching your Madrid experience.

TOLDEO Day Trip & WINERY Tour

If you really want to get the most out of your trip to Madrid, what better way than to include a food-centric day trip? The Toledo tour below is the perfect addition to any foodie’s itinerary!

10. Small Group Toledo Day Trip from Madrid with Winery Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is best for foodie’s who want to fit in a day trip.

Escape the bustling city of Madrid for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Toledo. This tour includes a comfortable 90-minute journey in private transport to the enchanting region of La Mancha, saving you the stress of navigating foreign public transportation.

Begin your day exploring Toledo’s picturesque historic center and Jewish Quarter, beating the crowds for a more intimate experience. Unlock the mystery behind Toledo’s nickname, “City of Three Cultures,” a truly captivating story. Savor the authentic flavors of Spain with a guided tasting at a family-run gourmet shop, indulging in Manchego cheese, cured ham, and local wine. Then, enjoy free time to shop for unique souvenirs, enriching your memories of this cultural excursion.

Finally, your day culminates in a visit to a family-run winery. Sip on three exquisite biodynamic wines while basking in the scenic vineyard views, rounding off a perfect day.

WHAT TO AVOID

Luckily, I’ve never been on a tapas tour I didn’t love! However, a lot of that has to do with the fact that I make sure to choose my tours very carefully. Here’s what to look out for when booking your own Madrid tapas tour.

• Not Checking Included Food & Drinks: Make sure you know what is included in the price. Some tours may only offer limited food or drinks. (For example, one popular tour provider, Adventurous Appetites charges a price that only includes tapas at the first stop. That’s a big red flag for me.)
• Group Size: A smaller group size generally offers a more personal and enjoyable experience.
• Booking Last Minute: The best tapas tours are often booked up quickly. It’s advisable to book well in advance.
• Neglecting Timing: Spanish dining times can be different from what you’re used to. Ensure the tour fits your schedule.

WHAT ARE SPANISH TAPAS?

Once you’ve decided on your Madrid tapas tour, let’s do a little preparation do you know what Spanish tapas are? It’s a seemingly simple question with a somewhat complicated answer.

Ask anyone in Spain to define what tapas are and you’ll get a vast array of different answers. To make it even more complicated, tapas and their traditions tend to vary from region to region.

Through my foodie adventures in Madrid, I visited spots like Calle Ponzano and Cava Baja I came to learn that, like many other Spanish culinary practices, tapas are more of an act rather than a specification of dish. Tapas are a social experience that you share. That’s why a tapas tour is the best way to experience Madrid’s food scene!

Best summed up as shareable small plates of food typically enjoyed with a drink, tapas are kind of like appetizers.

POPULAR SPANISH TAPAS

While you’re on the prowl for the best tapas in Madrid, here are a few you simply can’t miss:

• Tortilla Española: This is Spain’s delicious take on the omelette, featuring potatoes and onions cooked to perfection.
• Calamari Fritos: These are lightly battered and deep-fried squid rings, a crunchy delight you’ll find hard to resist.
• Pimientos de Padrón: These are small green peppers that are fried and sprinkled with rock salt – a simple yet delightful tapa. Be careful though. Some bites are hotter than others!
• Patatas Bravas: This popular tapas dish consists of cubed white potatoes smothered in a delicious, spicy tomato sauce.

MADRID TAPAS FAQs

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