Madrid: Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour

Discover Madrid’s Flavors with a Walking Food and Wine Tour

If you’re heading to Madrid and want to experience the city through its culinary heart, the Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour might be just what you’re looking for. This tour promises a mix of authentic tapas, local drinks, and a stroll through some of Madrid’s most famous streets and landmarks—all with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how it combines delicious food tasting with a bit of sightseeing. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy local drinks in traditional bars makes it feel like a true insider’s peek into Madrid’s vibrant food scene. One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a long tour—just about 2.5 to 3 hours—so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a flavorful, manageable introduction to the city.

A potential consideration is the group size and the fixed schedule. If you’re someone who prefers flexibility or traveling with kids, this might be less ideal, especially since it’s not recommended for children under 18 or those with certain dietary restrictions. But overall, this tour is best suited for adults eager to explore Madrid’s culinary traditions and enjoy a lively, guided walking experience.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Visit Madrid’s most popular tapas bars and learn about their history.
• Culinary variety: Taste at 3 or 4 stops, sampling Spanish favorites like garlic shrimp, chorizo, croquettes, and more.
• Expert guidance: Led by a guide with deep knowledge of Madrid’s history and gastronomy.
• Cultural sights: Pass by main landmarks like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and San Gines Church.
• Inclusive drinks: Enjoy a drink (wine, vermouth, beer, or soft drinks) at each stop.
• Optional upgrade: Indulge in churros with chocolate for a sweet ending.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When we picture this tour, it’s about wandering through Madrid’s lively streets, stopping at local favorites, and swapping stories with a guide who’s passionate about their city. The experience is designed to be relaxed, informative, and most importantly, tasty.

The Itinerary in Detail

You start at the Puerta del Sol, a bustling hub in Madrid, easily recognizable by the iconic clock. Look for the red umbrella at the Apple Store—that’s your cue to gather with your guide. Arriving about 10 minutes early ensures you’re ready when the tour kicks off.

From there, the journey takes you through historic Madrid with visits to places like Plaza Mayor, San Gines Church, and the charming streets of the Austrian neighborhood. These spots aren’t just scenic—they’re woven into the city’s story, and your guide will share insights along the way.

The culinary stops are thoughtfully selected to showcase traditional tapas and local drinks. You’ll get to taste garlic prawns, chorizo, croquettes, bravas, mushrooms and other classic bites—each paired with a drink that complements the flavors. The reviews emphasize that most venues are places locals love, which adds to the authenticity.

The Tapas and Drinks

Each stop offers a chance to try multiple items, sometimes 4-5 different tapas, making it a generous tasting experience. Reviewers highlight how much they appreciated the variety, with one saying, “One of the best aspects of this tour is that you are able to taste more than one item at most restaurants.”

The drinks are equally varied, with options like wine, vermouth, beer, or soft drinks. One reviewer mentioned how they enjoyed a drink that’s popular among locals—something they wouldn’t have discovered on their own.

The Sweet Ending

For those upgrading the tour, a highlight is the churros with chocolate. It’s a perfect sweet treat to finish your culinary adventure, especially beloved by those who love a rich, comforting dessert.

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The Guide and Group Experience

The reviews are full of praise for Carmen, the guide, who is described as engaging, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Her passion for Madrid’s history and food shines through, making the tour feel personal and lively. Many reviewers mention how she shares stories, answers questions, and makes the whole experience fun.

The group sizes tend to be small or private, which fosters a more intimate atmosphere. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you’ll find this setup enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

The Duration and Practicalities

This tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours—an easy, manageable chunk of time. The fixed starting times mean you need to plan ahead, but the upside is a well-organized schedule that covers plenty of ground.

Since transportation and hotel pickup aren’t included, it’s best to plan your arrival at the meeting point—the Apple Store at Puerta del Sol—a central location. Wearing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera is recommended, as you’ll be walking and exploring throughout.

Price and Value

At $85 per person, this tour offers a lot: multiple tapas stops, drinks, a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to see Madrid’s main sights. Considering how much you taste and learn, it’s a solid value for an immersive city experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adults who love good food and wine, are curious about Madrid’s local spots, and enjoy walking while learning. It’s particularly suited for first-timers wanting an overview of the city’s highlights paired with authentic bites. Foodies will appreciate the variety and quality of the tapas, as well as the opportunity to discover some hidden gems.

However, it’s less suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, since it’s based on traditional tapas that contain shellfish, gluten, and dairy. Also, travelers with mobility issues or young children under 18 should consider the limitations noted.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 18, primarily due to alcohol consumption and the nature of the food tastings.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering several local bars and landmarks.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you get one drink (wine, vermouth, beer, or soft drink) at each stop, included in the price.

Can I upgrade the experience?
Yes, you can upgrade to include churros with chocolate as a dessert—very popular among those with a sweet tooth.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour begins at the Apple Store in Puerta del Sol, and transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be walking. Sunglasses, a hat, and a camera are also recommended.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, as it involves walking through historic streets.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
This tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with certain food allergies, including shellfish, gluten, or lactose intolerance.

Final Thoughts

The Old Madrid Walking Food and Wine Tour offers a delightful way to get a taste of Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene combined with a bit of sightseeing. The small group setting, knowledgeable guide, and diverse tapas tastings make it a memorable experience—one that feels both authentic and fun.

It’s especially great for food lovers, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a lively introduction to Madrid’s historic streets paired with delicious bites and local drinks. If you’re after a relaxed, social, and flavorful way to explore the city, this tour ticks all the boxes.

While not perfect for everyone—especially those with specific dietary needs or traveling with very young kids—it remains a strongly recommended choice for those wanting to really dive into Madrid’s food culture. Just arrive with an appetite, comfortable shoes, and an eagerness to discover Madrid’s best bites and stories along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: