If you’re looking for an authentic way to experience Madrid’s food scene, a food tour is always the way to go.
I recently joined this Tapas, Taverns, and History Tour by Devour Tours during a trip to Madrid and it ended up being one of the highlights of my visit.
You get to taste classic Spanish dishes, hear the stories behind them, and explore some of the most authentic tapas bars in the city with a local guide.
In this Devour Tours Madrid review , I’ll share exactly what the tour includes, what I loved about it, and whether I think it’s worth booking on your next trip to Madrid. Let’s get started!
Is the Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour by Devour Tours Worth It?
Based on my experience, I think the Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour by Devour Tours is definitely worth it.
Whenever I visit a new city in Spain, I almost always book a food tour, and this one in Madrid was one of my favorites!
Our guide David had been living in the city for over a decade and made the experience so fun and informative, sharing interesting tidbits and pointing out hidden spots I never would’ve found on my own.
On this evening tour, we visited four traditional taverns in a small group of about 10 people, trying dishes like chorizo-stuffed mushrooms, fried cod, tortilla española, croquetas, and more.
Each stop included a drink pairing (like vermouth, cider, tinto de verano, or wine) which made it even more fun!
And in between stops, we got a mini walking tour of the city, passing major sights like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace, which made the whole experience even more worth it.
I’ve now done multiple tours with Devour and they honestly never disappoint–this one was a great mix of food, history, and local insight that made for a really memorable night in Madrid.
↳ Check prices and availability for the Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour here
Why Choose Devour Tours?
Devour Tours is one of the most reputable food tour companies in Spain, known for offering authentic and immersive experiences.
They started in Madrid and have since expanded across Spain and Europe, always staying true to their mission of supporting local, family-run businesses.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Committed to sustainable tourism: They focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients while honoring Madrid's roots by supporting small, family-run businesses through responsible food tourism.
- Exclusive access : Thanks to their local relationships, they can secure reserved tables or spaces at iconic tapas bars that are usually packed.
- Great value for money: The tours include generous portions of food and alcohol, along with interesting history, which makes it both fun and educational.
- Top-notch guides: Their guides are exceptional, bringing history to life in a way that’s engaging and easy to digest.
- Hassle-free booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, there’s no risk in booking early.
↳ Learn more about Devour Tours here
How to Book the Madrid Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour
The best way to book the Madrid Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour is directly on the Devour Tours website .
What’s great is that they offer free cancellation so if for any reason you need to cancel, you can do so for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
I’d definitely recommend reserving your spot in advance because they are very popular small-group tours with limited spaces and they do sell out frequently.
↳ Book the Madrid Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour on the Devour Tours Website here
The Madrid Tapas Tour Experience
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect on this tour!
I won’t spoil the names of the restaurants to keep it a surprise, but it includes a visit to four traditional tapas bars, as well as a guided walking tour of the historic center of Madrid.
Arrival at the Meeting Point
The meeting point for the tour was at Calle de la Misericordia, 2 , and we were asked to arrive about 15 minutes early.
My tour started at 6:30pm, but there’s also other options at 12:00pm or 7:30pm if that fits your schedule better.
Once everyone arrived, we met our guide David, did quick introductions, and got a rundown of what to expect.
The group was small, just 10 of us, which made it feel more personalized and easy to move around together.
First Tapas Bar
Our first stop was just around the corner and was packed, with a line stretching out the door.
Luckily, we had a reserved space right next to the bar, so we got in right away.
Here we tried fried cod, slices of Manchego cheese, and a glass of vermouth on tap.
The place felt super authentic and even had one of those special brass plaques that mark century-old establishments in Madrid.
Second Tapas Bar
Next, we made our way to an Asturian restaurant, where we got to sample flavors from the north of Spain.
We had their version of tortilla española, which had peppers and veggies mixed in and was a nice twist on one of the most classic foods in Spain .
But it was the cider-pouring demonstration that definitely stole the show. The server leaned over and poured it from way above her head to aerate it properly–it was basically an art form!
Of course, we got to sample the traditional Asturian cider and you could even practice pouring it yourself if you wanted.
Third Tapas Bar
This next stop was all about mushrooms, and even though I don’t usually love them, I was obsessed with the chorizo-stuffed version we tried here.
We also had padron peppers and a refreshing glass of tinto de verano, which is one of the most famous drinks in Spain and a more local alternative to sangria.
The atmosphere felt very local, and it was cool to watch the jamón ibérico being carved behind the bar while we ate.
This was definitely my favorite stop of the night!
Madrid Historic Center Walking Tour
In between bites, we also got a mini walking tour of Madrid’s historic center, which was a really nice bonus.
We passed by Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace of Madrid , and other major landmarks while learning fun facts and little-known stories from David.
It never felt too long or too formal, just interesting and laid-back.
He even took us to a hidden photo spot in front of the Almudena Cathedral that I wouldn’t have found on my own.
Fourth Tapas Bar
We ended the tour at a small, family-run spot in the Barrio de las Letras neighborhood.
While everyone else got to try gambas al ajillo, I’m allergic to shrimp, so they brought me a giant plate of patatas bravas instead–which I was more than happy with!
The shrimp looked amazing and David said they were the best he’s had in Madrid.
We also had croquetas and a glass of wine, and it was a nice way to wrap up the food part of the evening.
End of the Tour
The tour wrapped up around 9:30pm in the heart of Barrio de las Letras, which was still very busy and happening.
If you want to keep the night going, there are tons of places nearby to grab another drink.
If not, it’s super easy to walk or catch public transportation from that area.
In Spain it gets dark super late in the summertime so it was still light out when leaving.
Tips for the Madrid Tapas Tour
Here are a few tips to make the most of your Madrid food tour experience:
- Book the tour for the first day of your trip : This is a great way to get familiar with the local neighborhoods, learn some history, and get recommendations from your guide for the rest of your stay.
- Book in advance: Small-group tours sell out quickly, especially in high season, and since there’s free cancellation, there’s no downside to booking your spot early.
- Be prepared for walking: The tour covers a good amount of ground in the historic center of Madrid, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to be on your feet when you’re not in the restaurants.
- Don’t be late: The group leaves on time, and there’s only about a 5-minute grace period, so make sure to arrive early to avoid missing out.
- Don’t be scared to try something new: Even if you think you don’t like certain foods, give them a shot—I’m not a huge mushroom eater, but on this tour, I was pleasantly surprised!
- Bring cash for tips: It’s best to bring cash (in euros) to tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. You can also tip online but there’s no guarantee that the money will actually get back to the tour guide.
Madrid Tapas Tour: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Madrid tapas tour:
How long is the Madrid Tapas, Taverns, and History Tour?
The tour lasts about 3-3.5 hours.
What time does the tour start?
Tours typically start at 12:00pm, 6:30pm, or 7:30pm, depending on the date.
How many people are on the tour?
Group sizes are small, with a max of 11 people.
Does this tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can usually accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends at the final tapas bar in the Barrio de las Letras neighborhood.
What's the Devour Tours cancellation policy?
When booking on the Devour Tours website , you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Do you need to tip?
Tips aren’t required but are always appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
Final Thoughts: Devour Tours Madrid Review
I hope this Devour Tours Madrid review gave you a better idea of what to expect and helped you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip!
I honestly had a great time on the Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour , and really enjoyed all the delicious food and drinks, along with the historic sights and fun group atmosphere.
It’s a well-paced, thoughtfully designed experience that makes it really easy to explore Madrid like a local.
If you're looking for a mix of culture, flavor, and local insight, this tour is definitely worth adding to your Madrid itinerary.
↳ Book your spot on the Tapas, Taverns, & History Tour here
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- Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Travel Guide + Tips
This article originally appeared on Splendidly Spain .
