Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 3,711 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour worth booking?
Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour is a 3-hour experience in Madrid, Spain, from $72 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 3,711 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (3,711)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $72 per person
Madrid’s history comes to life through food and fascinating stories on this one-of-a-kind tapas crawl. In between stops at some of the city’s oldest tapas bars, you’ll embark on a journey through hundreds of years of history past legendary monuments, unassuming hidden corners, and everything in between. You’ll also gain firsthand knowledge of how to go out for tapas just like the locals do in Madrid!
What you get
About this experience
Madrid’s history comes to life through food and fascinating stories on this one-of-a-kind tapas crawl. In between stops at some of the city’s oldest tapas bars, you’ll embark on a journey through hundreds of years of history past legendary monuments, unassuming hidden corners, and everything in between. You’ll also gain firsthand knowledge of how to go out for tapas just like the locals do in Madrid!
What's included
Included
- Spanish speaking guide (if option selected)
- History walk through Madrid’s most iconic sights (Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor & Puerta del Sol)
- A generous selection of up to 9+ tapas (depending on option selected)
- 4 drinks (wine, beer, or soft drinks)
- 3 to 4 curated tasting stops (depending on option selected)
- Local English speaking guide
- VIP tour and dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world: Botín (if option selected)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
What you'll see and do
Your evening begins at a historic tavern in the heart of Madrid, where you’ll enjoy your first tapas of the evening along with vermouth—Spain’s favorite aperitif. Get a crash course in the art of tapeo as your guide shares some of the secrets of going out for tapas here in Madrid. (if the option selected)
35 minutes here · Admission included
Your next stop was once a horse stable and is now a beloved family-run restaurant serving homemade dishes from Asturias. You'll see how cider is traditionally poured and even get the chance to try it yourself! You'll sip your freshly-poured cider and enjoy two tapas typical to region. (if the option selected)
50 minutes here · Admission included
After that, you’re off to discover Madrid’s history up close on an expertly guided walking tour! For the next 35 minutes, history will come alive before your eyes as you pass iconic sights like the Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in the world, and wander through the historic Habsburg neighborhood with buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
Pass by without stopping
Having worked up an appetite, it’s time for more tapas at a beloved bar in the historic center. Each of these bites is a time-honored local favorite that has won the hearts of generations of madrileños over the decades! You'll pair your tapas with a delicious wine cocktail locals love on a night. (if the option selected)
25 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza Mayor
You'll resume your history walk visiting Madrid’s famed Plaza Mayor that has been the scene of bull fights, plays, and even public trials during the Inquisition.
15 minutes here
Puerta del Sol
Next, you'll see the lively Puerta del Sol, a lively plaza. Your guide will fill you in on why these plazas hold immense significance in Madrid's history and culture.
15 minutes here
The next stop is a family-run bar open since 1906. Here you'll try Madrid's signature tapa, gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp, at the place it was invented with a glass of wine.
35 minutes here · Admission included
The big finale! We are granted special access to go into Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, before it opens. This multi-floor restaurant has never, ever closed. We will start on the lower floor, even accessing the wine cellar, and it isn’t permitted entry outside of our group. We will head back upstairs and have an opportunity to stick our heads into the oven that keeps Botín running, where the cochinillos are roasted. We will head to our table past incredible works of art, tiled walls, and more inside this living museum and restaurant. (if option selected)
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Madrid
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets by the statue of Calderón de la Barca.
Meeting point
Madrid
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Plaza Mayor, 27 in front of the Tourism Office near the orange ¨i¨ (for information).
Meeting point
Madrid
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Plaza de las Descalzas, 1, by the ornate entryway.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If the option with Botin chosen
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private Tapas & History Tour
A private version of our classic group tour with local tapas and a history walk of Madrid’s historic city centre in English. Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes Starting point: Pl. Mayor, 27, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Tapas, History Tour in Spanish
Join this group tour in Spanish to experience local tapas and explore Madrid’s historic city center through a fun walk Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes Starting point: Pl. de las Descalzas, 1, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Tapas Taverns & History Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Join our classic English small group tour to enjoy local tapas and a fun history walk of Madrid’s historic city center. Starting point: Pl. de las Descalzas, 1, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Tapas, History Tour with Botín
Discover Madrid through its most iconic tapas, historic bars & exclusive early entry to the world's oldest restaurant, Botin. Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes Starting point: Monument Calderon de la Barca, Pl. de Sta. Ana, Centro, 28012, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Devour Madrid Food Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is in English.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Gluten free (not celiacs), Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop.
- This tour is not suitable for vegans nor those with celiac disease.
- Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Your itinerary may vary depending on the option selected. Please review the tour description and details carefully before making your choice.
- The number of the tasting stops and tapas and drinks included in your tour may vary depending on the option selected.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,661 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
3,661 verified traveler reviews for Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Montse! Montse! Montse!
Amazing food tour! We enjoyed the food, drinks, and conversation at all of the stops. Montse was our guide and she was fantastic. I had some questions on where to find a few other food items and some good rooftop bars to try at the end of the tour. Montse provided the group with a list of recommendations for restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. to try, and this list is now a part of my required references for planning future Madrid trips. Do this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Javier was a great guide....
Javier was a great guide. I loved learning about the history of Madrid and the food was delicious. There was a ton of food—you won't leave hungry!
via Viator
A fun exploration of Madrid's food and history
This was the first real opportunity I took to get to see central Madrid, and doing it through a combined history and food tour was a magnificent way of doing so. David was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who successfully manoeuvred us through a busy and crowded city. The broad range of foods tried and the way in which each of the food stops was a historic institution onto itself was a lot of fun as well.
via Tripadvisor
Food tour Madrid
The tour was very good. Tasty food in interesting places with a lot of extra information about the history of the city. Yvonne was very friendly and informative but not boring. Would definitely recommend, also lots of food and drinks for the money.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent!
Yvonne was excellent! Awesome tour, would definitely do it again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $72 to $399
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,299
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Devour Madrid Food Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.2.
See everything Devour Madrid Food Tours runsWhy this scores 92
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Madrid.
How much does Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour cost?
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Prices start at $72 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Madrid usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Madrid is not rushed.
Is Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 3,711 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Madrid, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Around 1,299 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Madrid can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Madrid and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Madrid within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Madrid?
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On Outty we rank every Madrid experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Madrid Essential: Historic Center, Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace, Madrid Walking Tour from Puerta del Sol to Retiro Park, Madrid Tapas & Wine Tour with Rooftop Views and Local Guide. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Madrid?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Madrid?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Included: Spanish speaking guide (if option selected); History walk through Madrid’s most iconic sights (Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor & Puerta del S; A generous selection of up to 9+ tapas (depending on option selected); 4 drinks (wine, beer, or soft drinks); and 3 to 4 curated tasting stops (depending on option selected). Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets by the statue of Calderón de la Barca. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility i; and This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Gluten free (not celiacs), Dairy fr. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Madrid. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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Across 3,711 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Madrid Tapas & Taverns Small Group Food & History Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private Tapas & History Tour, Tapas, History Tour in Spanish, Tapas Taverns & History Tour, Tapas, History Tour with Botín. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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