Tour Features

Itinerary

• 1st stop

  Puerta del Sol

  We start in the heart of Madrid, at Kilometre Zero, the point from which the country's roads are measured. Beside the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the emblem of the city, the first tasting of the day is croquetas de bacalao, warm and crisp and served the way locals have them. A short introduction to the square sets the tone for the rest of the route.

• 2nd stop

  Plaza Mayor

  The walk continues under the porticoes of Plaza Mayor, the arcaded square that has hosted markets, festivals, and royal celebrations since the seventeenth century. We look up at the frescoed facade of the Casa de la Panadería before trying a bocadillo de calamares, the fried-squid sandwich that Madrid residents queue for around the square. The stop is a city ritual in itself.

• 3rd stop

  Arco de Cuchilleros

  We leave the square through the Arco de Cuchilleros, one of its most atmospheric entrances, and follow the narrow streets of the Madrid de los Austrias. This is the oldest part of the city, where guild names survive on street signs. A tasting of Spanish ham and cheese follows, chosen from a traditional counter and served as Madrid bars do.

• 4th stop

  Plaza de la Villa

  At Plaza de la Villa, the Casa de la Villa and the Torre de los Lujanes frame one of the most harmonious corners of the old town. We pause here for a portion of tortilla de patatas, the potato omelette at the center of every Spanish table, before moving on toward the royal quarter. The square keeps the quiet, enclosed feel of Madrid's earliest seat of government.

• 5th stop

  Almudena Cathedral and Royal Palace

  We reach the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the two monuments that define the western edge of the center, and admire their facades from the outside. Along the way, a traditional tapa such as pimientos de Padrón arrives, small green peppers served blistered and salted, with the occasional spicy one. The contrast between the palace square and the surrounding streets is a highlight of the route.

• 6th stop

  Plaza de Oriente

  The route continues through Plaza de Oriente, laid out with gardens, the statues of the monarchs, and the Teatro Real as its backdrop. Nearby streets lead to a tasting of gambas al ajillo, prawns cooked in garlic and olive oil and served straight from the pan. It is one of the most recognizable flavors of a Madrid tapas evening.

• 7th stop

  Church of San Ginés

  We finish in the alleys around the Church of San Ginés, one of the oldest parishes in the city, where the walk closes with churros and thick hot chocolate. The combination has been a Madrid habit for generations, taken at the end of the night or in the middle of the afternoon. The historic center stays within easy reach for guests who want to keep exploring after the tour.

Tour Details