Madrid has firmly established itself as a paradise for food and drink lovers, blending its historic charm with modern culinary innovation. The city thrives on its deep-rooted traditions, vibrant culture, and a love of gastronomy that permeates every corner.
Whether you’re savoring tapas in a bustling square, indulging in piping hot churros dipped in chocolate, or dining in the world’s oldest restaurant, Madrid offers an unmatched culinary journey.
Accompanied by my husband and son, we explored every inch of not just its streets but also its art, history and food – and it more than satisfied all our appetites.
A Brief History of Madrid
Madrid’s history goes back to the 9th century, when the Moors established a settlement along the Manzanares River. By the 16th century, it had risen to prominence as the capital of Spain under King Philip II.
Today, its legacy is reflected in its grand boulevards, historic landmarks, and iconic neighborhoods, such as the medieval La Latina and the elegant Salamanca. Evolving into a cosmopolitan hub, the city exquisitely balances its royal heritage with modern vitality.
It is also famous as the birthplace of the world’s first book of recipes, the Libro de Cozina. Dating back to the 16th century, it’s one of the earliest examples of the genre and shows just how seriously the residents of Madrid take their food.
Are you ready to explore more destinations? Get inspired with our newsletter!
A Hotel that’s Stylish, Stunning, and Convenient
The Hotel Montera Madrid, a
We booked a gorgeous corner suite which gifted us front row seats of both sunrise and sunset. Our son enjoyed their gym facilities, but the pool, which featured beautiful mosaic tiling and panoramic vistas, was our go-to hangout after long days sight-seeing.
The hotel’s restaurant and bar were equally stunning, offering a mix of creative and delicious cuisine in an atmosphere that felt both luxurious and welcoming.
On the Buses: A Hopping Good Time
Our memorable stay began with a hop-on-hop-off bus excursion, giving us an immediate overview of the city. These buses are always one of my favorite ways to explore a city upon arrival and an activity you can enjoy even with jet lag. Tickets usually last a full day (some tickets are longer) and stops all over the city, it offers great value and an ability to take in your new location with ease.
Eating Our Way Through Madrid
We decided to plunge straight into the culinary heart of Madrid by joining the Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour, with City Experiences. Taking the bus across the city to catch the group, we sampled everything from jamón ibérico and tortilla Española, to churros and chocolate.
We enjoyed more than 15 small plates of food at six different cafes, which was more than enough food for a full meal. An immersive experience, it was a fantastic introduction to the city, and booking with City Experiences meant I was able to relax and hand the reins over to somebody else.
Sobrino de Botín: A Slice of History
A singular highlight of our stay was the magnificent Prado Museum tour combined with lunch at Sobrino de Botín, which has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world.
Dining at Botín is more than a meal—it’s a step back in time as this establishment has been serving patrons since 1725. Its signature dish, cochinillo asado – whole roast suckling pig – is prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven, following recipes that have stood the test of time. And when I say you eat a whole pig, they literally bring you everything from nose to tail, providing us with much hilarity at the table.
The setting, with its exposed brick walls and antique decor, evokes the rich history of Madrid. We booked this tour and lunch with City Experiences as the restaurant Botin was sold out for months before our arrival, we were able to secure a lunch reservation only with the tour tickets. If you’re trying to experience the restaurant on your own, be sure to book a table a few months in advance, as it’s a popular tourist treat.
Mercado de San Miguel: A Gastronomic Paradise
No visit to Madrid would be complete without exploring Mercado de San Miguel, a foodie haven housed in a striking iron-and-glass building near Plaza Mayor.
This vibrant market is the perfect place to sample a variety of Spanish delicacies. From freshly shucked oysters to perfectly aged creamy manchego cheese and seafood paella, each stall offers a culinary adventure.
Pair your tastings with a glass of Spanish wine or vermouth for a truly immersive experience. The lively atmosphere and irresistible aromas make it hub for local food enthusiasts, as well as visitors.
Tapas and Tavernas: Evening Indulgence
Madrid comes alive at night, and its tapas bars are the heart of its culinary culture. Wander through Barrio La Latina, known for its traditional tavernas, and enjoy small plates of patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and jamón ibérico.
Casa Julio, which first opened in 1921, is famous for its croquettes. Order a sharing plate, called a ‘raciones’, or if tortilla is more your style, head to Casa Dani, the crown jewel of Mercado de la Paz, a farmers market in the neighborhood of Salamanca. In 2019, Casa Dani won the coveted title of ‘Best Tortilla in Spain’.
For a more contemporary twist, visit Sala de Despiece, a modern tapas bar in Chamberí, where dishes are deconstructed and reimagined with flair. Pair your meal with a refreshing tinto de verano or a classic sangria, which we enjoyed at a various locations in the city.
A Royal Feast: The Royal Palace and Churros
The Royal Palace of Madrid offers not only a glimpse into Spain’s regal past but also a unique way to connect history with food. Leaving it once again to City Experiences to take the strain, we explored Madrid’s royal heritage on a walking tour.
The palace’s opulent rooms and stunning architecture are a testament to Spain’s rich history and it also offered many fun photo opportunities.
This was a six-hour guided experience, so not for the faint-hearted but we especially loved the churro tasting. Churros in Madrid are unique in that the fried dough is made from flour, water and salt, so the churro itself is not sweet. All of that comes from the thick hot chocolate you dip it in and it was so rich and velvety I wanted to dive headfirst into every bowl.
If you can, drop by El Riojando, a bakery that was founded in 1855 by Dámaso de la Maza, the personal pâtissier to Queen of Spain. Try their exceptional donuts and King’s Cake, a sweet treat eaten on the Epiphany.
Flamenco and Flavours at Corral de la Morería
For an unforgettable evening, combine Madrid’s culinary delights with its vibrant culture at Corral de la Morería, a world-renowned theater that showcases the magic of tablao flamenco.
Watch the passionate dancers perform while you enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring modern interpretations of Spanish classics. Chef David García runs the kitchen and has garnered a Michelin star for his much-admired creations which includes anything from Spanish classics to international dishes such as roasted sea bass and rack of lamb.
The pairing of dynamic performances with exquisite cuisine creates a multisensory experience that embodies the spirit of Madrid.
Excursions for Wine Lovers
Madrid’s proximity to renowned wine regions makes it an ideal base for day trips. Head to the nearby Ribera del Duero or La Mancha regions for wine tastings and vineyard tours.
For a closer option, visit Bodegas Cardeña, a family run vineyard which is just an hour’s drive from the city, where you can sample artisanal wines and learn about Spanish winemaking traditions. These excursions provide a refreshing escape while deepening your appreciation for Spain’s culinary heritage.
Picnic in the Park – El Retiro Park
For a relaxing escape, make your way to El Retiro Park—Madrid’s sprawling green oasis. Pack a picnic and find a cozy spot near one of the park’s iconic landmarks like the Crystal Palace or the serene boating lake. The park’s history as a royal retreat lends a magical atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind. Surrounded by picturesque fountains, manicured gardens, and ancient trees, you can savor a calamari sandwich (a local favorite) while taking in the vibrant sights of joggers, families, and street performers. El Retiro offers more than just tranquility—it’s an immersive slice of life in Madrid you won’t want to miss.
Staying Ahead of the Crowds
Madrid is a bustling city, especially during peak tourist seasons, so always book tours, tickets, and restaurant reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
Once there, do all you can to embrace the siesta. Many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon, so plan your day around this tradition. Use the time to relax at a café or enjoy a long lunch.
Don’t be afraid to get your walking shoes on. We learned so much about the city – and had time to sample all its delicious treats by walking as much as we could. Wear comfortable shoes and explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and local flavours.
For our first time visiting as a family, Madrid offered us a feast for the senses. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, you’ll uncover a city that leaves you hungry for more.
Some images of Madrid provided by MADRID DESTINO, CULTURA, TURISMO Y NEGOCIO, SA for more information www.esmadrid.com
Leave a Reply