New! Madrid: Not Just Another Tapas & Wine Tour by Eating Europe

If you’re looking to experience Madrid beyond the usual tourist spots, the New Madrid: Not Just Another Tapas & Wine Tour by Eating Europe promises a journey through the city’s authentic flavors and stories. It’s a carefully curated walk that combines delicious bites, local drinks, and a dash of history, all led by knowledgeable guides who know their city inside out.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly blends culinary delights with historic charm. You’ll get to sample some of Madrid’s most iconic foods, like the crispy calamari sandwich and jamón ibérico, while wandering through lively neighborhoods like the Old Town and Barrio de las Letras. Plus, the small group size (capped at 12) ensures a more personal, engaging experience.

One consideration worth noting is the price—at around $111.47 per person, it’s a fair investment, but it does focus heavily on food and drink, so if you’re looking for a broader cultural experience, you might want to supplement this tour with other activities.

This experience suits food lovers, history buffs, and travelers who prefer authentic local insights over packaged tourist traps. If you like your culinary adventures paired with storytelling and hidden city corners, this tour will resonate well.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Tasting: Enjoy a variety of local bites, from Madrid’s famous calamari sandwich to innovative rice dishes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide a lively mix of food history, city lore, and personal anecdotes.
• Hidden Streets & Landmarks: Discover lesser-known corners of Madrid, including the Literary Quarter, Mercado de San Miguel, and Plaza Mayor.
• High-Quality Drinks: Sip Rioja wines, cava, and local beverages during your stops.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and lively conversations.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines food, history, and city sights for a well-rounded half-day adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Madrid Food Tour

This tour is designed to last approximately three and a half hours, making it manageable for most travelers while still offering a thorough taste of Madrid’s culinary and cultural landscape. The tour begins at Pl. de Ramales, a convenient starting point in the heart of Madrid, near public transportation options. From the outset, it’s clear that this isn’t a rushed hop-and-sample affair; instead, it’s a thoughtfully paced walk through some of Madrid’s most historic and vibrant streets.

The Underground Cellar & Jamón Iberico

It all kicks off in a centennial underground cellar, a charming setting where you’ll learn about and participate in slicing jamón ibérico, one of Spain’s most celebrated delicacies. The guide’s expertise makes this a highlight, as we loved the way they explained the nuances of the ham’s flavor and texture. A glass of Rioja wine or cava complements the experience, turning it into a true taste of Madrid’s wine and ham culture.

The Iconic Calamari Sandwich at La Campana

No Madrid food tour would be complete without a visit to La Campana for its legendary fried calamari sandwich. Here, the crispy, tender calamari is hugged by a soft bun—a simple but unforgettable combination. Tour reviews consistently praise this stop, with one traveler noting it was “absolutely irresistible,” and another calling it “the best fried calamari sandwich they’ve ever had.” It’s a perfect example of the city’s love for delicious, straightforward street food.

Exploring the Barrio de las Letras

Strolling into the Literary Quarter, you’ll walk through streets once home to famous writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega. The guide will share stories about Madrid’s literary history while pointing out quaint cafés, historic plaques, and hidden corners. It’s a place where history and modern vibrancy collide, giving you a richer sense of the city beyond the usual tourist routes.

Elevated Paella & Rice Dishes

Moving on, you’ll get to try a more refined version of paella—think bolder flavors and perhaps a twist on the classic rice dish. It’s a chance to learn how Madrid’s culinary scene evolves beyond the traditional, and many reviews highlight how this was “the best rice they had during their trip.”

Sweet Treats Near Puerta del Sol

The tour culminates with desserts near Puerta del Sol, where you can indulge in creamy turrón gelato or violet ice cream—flavors that evoke Spain’s love for floral and nutty tastes. The sweet finale perfectly caps off the food journey, leaving you with a smile and a full stomach.

Mercado de San Miguel & Plaza Mayor

Of course, no Madrid tour would be complete without a visit to Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. These landmarks are as much about people-watching and atmosphere as they are about food. Our guides are adept at balancing sightseeing with tasting, so you get a true flavor of Madrid’s bustling center.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of local expertise, delicious food, and hidden spots distinguishes this tour from more generic offerings. Reviewers praise Yvonne and Carolyn for their enthusiasm and knowledge, with one describing their guide as “terrific” and “super knowledgeable.”

The small group size ensures plenty of time for questions and personalized stories. This isn’t just about eating—it’s about understanding the city’s culinary culture and urban fabric. Several travelers mention how the tour helped them discover Madrid they wouldn’t have found alone, especially through visits to lesser-known streets and eateries.

Analyzing the Value

At roughly $111.50, the tour offers a comprehensive tasting experience, enriched with historical context and local insights. It’s a good value if you consider the quality of food, drinks, and guidance. You’re not just sampling; you’re learning about each dish, its origin, and its place in Madrid’s story.

The inclusion of five food stops and three drinks ensures variety and a satisfying experience. Plus, the flexibility of skip-the-line entries at prominent sites helps maximize your time, making this a practical choice for those with limited days in Madrid.

Practical Details

Meeting at Pl. de Ramales is central and easily accessible. The tour ends near Sol, within walking distance of many Madrid hotels and transit options. Since it’s designed for most travelers, even those with mobility challenges should find it manageable, especially as most stops are on pedestrian-friendly streets.

The tour’s duration of 3.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to explore thoroughly but not so lengthy as to tire you out or interfere with other plans. Small groups mean more intimate conversations and a greater chance to ask questions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Foodies eager to taste authentic Madrid dishes will find this tour highly rewarding. History buffs will appreciate the stories woven into the walk, and travelers looking for a more personal and immersive experience than a typical guided walk will thrive here. It suits those who want to combine sightseeing with culinary discovery, and it’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting to get a well-rounded introduction to Madrid’s food scene.

The Sum Up

This Not Just Another Tapas & Wine Tour offers a genuine taste of Madrid’s culinary soul, paired with stories from passionate guides. It’s perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the tourist traps and explore hidden streets, local eateries, and iconic landmarks—all while savoring some of the best bites the city has to offer.

The combination of delicious food, quality drinks, and insider knowledge creates a well-rounded experience that’s as flavorful as it is informative. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, you’ll leave with a fuller belly and a deeper understanding of Madrid’s vibrant food culture.

If you’re after a memorable, authentic, and tasty introduction to Madrid, this tour is a smart choice—delicious, engaging, and packed with value.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a comfortable half-day activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pl. de Ramales, 1, in central Madrid, and finishes near Puerta del Sol.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes five food stops and three local drinks, such as Rioja wine and cava.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, as it’s designed to be accessible and manageable for a wide range of ages and mobility levels.

Are tips and gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included, so feel free to tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak travel times, and your booking is confirmed immediately upon reservation.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Canceling within 24 hours means no refund.

This guide aims to help you decide if this tour fits your Madrid adventure. With its blend of hidden streets, top-notch bites, and engaging storytelling, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a taste of the real Madrid.