Tapas and Tradition in the Barrio de las Letras

Step into the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary quarter, where cobbled streets carry the legacy of Spain’s greatest writers. As you wander through this historic neighborhood, you’ll discover taverns and wine bars — some centuries old — that locals still cherish today.

Each stop offers flavors that tell the story of Madrid’s culinary mosaic, from 100% Ibérico ham to sizzling gambas al ajillo and iconic Spanish cheeses. This tour blends gastronomy and culture, inviting you to savor authentic tapas and wines in a lively quarter where history and tradition meet everyday life.

Why This Tour Is for You

If you love great food and wine, lively stories, and discovering Madrid like a local, this experience for small groups is designed to be fun, social, and full of character.

What’s Included

• Explore Madrid with a local trilingual guide (English, French, Spanish) passionate about food and culture.
• 4 stops, 12 signature tapas & 4 drinks — a generous tasting experience that adds up to a full meal, featuring local specialties from traditional taverns and wine bars. Highlights include: 100% Ibérico ham — Spain’s most prized delicacy, rich and nutty in flavor, gambas al ajillo — sizzling garlic shrimp, a tapas classic, Spanish cheeses — And much more, all chosen to reflect the array of Madrid’s gastronomy.
• Historic taverns — some centuries old, where you can taste traditional recipes in venues full of character.
• Cultural stroll — through cobbled streets where Spain’s greatest writers lived and wrote.
• Neighborhood immersion — in the Letras district, alive with poetry, history, and local life.
• Small public tour experience — up to 8 guests, with a private option available.

Get Tips & Insights for Your Travel

• Insider recommendations — your trilingual (English, French, and Spanish) guide will share tips to make the most of your stay in Madrid.
• Food and drink advice — discover how madrileños enjoy tapas and where to continue your tasting journey.
• Neighborhood gems — suggestions for nearby cafés, artisan shops, and hidden corners worth exploring after the tour.

Itinerary

• Plaza de Las Cortes Statue of Miguel de Cervantes 
• Iglesia de Medinaceli 
• 1^st tapas stop, neighbourhood taberna 
• Miguel de Cervantes resting place 
• Path of famous Spanish writers and their homes  
• 2^nd tapa stop — featuring the catch of the day
• Stroll Calle Huertas 
• 3^rd  tapas stop at a 100+ year old corner bar with iconic tapa 
• Plaza de Santa Ana where writers, poets and playwrights gathered 
• 4^th and last tapas stop famous Centenary Restaurant

Before You Go

• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Dietary restrictions — please contact us at the time of booking.
• Flexible experience — each day may vary slightly depending on venues and public holidays.
• Children policy — suitable for ages 14 and above, if accompanied by an adult. Note: the legal drinking age in Spain is 18 years old.
• Accessibility — unfortunately not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Weather note — tours run rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or sun protection depending on the season.
• Tapas tradition — tapas and pinchos are typically served standing at the bar. We’ll do our best to arrange a table, but guests should expect that part of the local charm is enjoying food and drink casually at the counter.