Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What exactly is a tapa?

Accepted Answer

Most guests arrive in Madrid thinking tapas means small plates. It doesn't, not originally. A tapa is the free food that comes with your drink. We'll explain the full story at the first stop, and by the end of the night you'll be ordering like a local.

Question 2

What makes this Madrid tapas tour different?

Accepted Answer

Madrid has more bars and restaurants per square mile than almost any city in Europe. The difference here is the guide: someone with real relationships at every stop, who knows what to order, where to stand, and which stories make the food taste better. The history and the eating are the same thing.

Question 3

How much food and drink is included?

Accepted Answer

There are nine tastings and four drinks across four stops, enough for a full dinner. The tour runs from early evening and is designed to be your meal for the night.

Question 4

What will I eat and drink?

Accepted Answer

The menu changes with the seasons and what each bar is serving. A typical night includes: vermouth with cod fritters and Manchego cheese, Spanish tortilla and the tapa of the day with Asturian cider, stuffed mushrooms and padrón peppers with tinto de verano, and garlic shrimp with house wine, tomato salad, and croquettes. Several of these dishes have been on the same menus for over a hundred years

Question 5

What drinks are included?

Accepted Answer

Vermouth, cider, tinto de verano, and house wine. Non-alcoholic options are available. Just let us know when you book.

Question 6

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

We can adapt the tour for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free diets, dairy free diets, pregnant guests, and those with allergies or who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Please let us know when you book.

We're not able to fully accommodate vegans or guests with celiac disease. The risk of cross-contamination at these bars is too high for us to guarantee a safe experience. If you have questions about fit, get in touch and we'll help find the right option.

Question 7

Is this tapas tour good for someone who's just arrived in Madrid?

Accepted Answer

It's designed for exactly that situation. You'll eat well, learn the city's layout, understand how tapas culture actually works, and leave with a guide's personal recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Question 8

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?

Accepted Answer

The historic center plus a stretch into the literary quarter, Barrio de las Letras. Between them, these neighborhoods contain the city's oldest streets, most important squares, and best-preserved taverns

Question 9

How much walking is involved?

Accepted Answer

The tour covers Madrid's historic center over 3.5 hours, including cobblestoned and uneven streets. Wear shoes you feel comfortable in.

Question 10

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility requirements?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to welcome as many guests as possible. The tour involves walking over cobblestones and standing inside busy taverns, which can be challenging for guests with mobility limitations. Get in touch before booking and we'll advise.

Question 11

Is this tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Best suited to older children and teenagers who are happy being up late and walking the city for an evening. For families with younger children, we recommend our Madrid with Kids: Private Family Food & Walking Tour.

Question 12

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

No. Your guide leads the entire experience in English and handles all ordering and interactions at each stop.

Question 13

Does the itinerary ever change?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally. Madrid's bars and taverns are living, working places and sometimes a stop needs to change. We always guarantee the same number of tastings, drinks, and the same quality of experience.

Madrid tapas, taverns & history tour

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Get a taste of Madrid tapas, taverns & history tour

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What to expect

The first tavern: vermouth, cod fritters, and the unwritten rules of tapas

The cider bar: a tradition from the north

Postcards from Madrid

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