THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk off the beaten path in Madrid’s Salamanca district with A Friend in the City’s VIP tapas and wine tasting. Discover hidden bars, savor exquisite wines and authentic tapas, and gain insider knowledge about Madrid’s culture—all in three immersive hours.
Walk off the beaten path in Madrid’s Salamanca district with A Friend in the City’s VIP tapas and wine tasting. Discover hidden bars, savor exquisite wines and authentic tapas, and gain insider knowledge about Madrid’s culture—all in three immersive hours.
Book with A Friend in the City
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by A Friend in the City · Madrid, Community of Madrid
Madrid’s Salamanca district stands apart as a refined corner where old-world charm meets modern elegance. Far from the well-trodden tourist routes, this neighborhood is home to discreet bars and local haunts that keep the city’s authentic flavors alive. A Friend in the City invites travelers to step into this vibrant scene with their Degustación de tapas y vinos VIP, a three-hour walk designed for serious food and wine lovers.
Starting at Plaza de Colón, the experience winds through Salamanca’s quiet streets, revealing hidden gems that often go unnoticed. Guests stop at three unique spots—each chosen for their dedication to genuine Spanish gastronomy. Here, four carefully selected wines, typically two whites and two reds from different renowned Spanish appellations, are paired with classic tapas: fresh seafood bites, savory meat dishes, and a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian option. The careful curation reflects Spain’s diverse culinary landscape and the subtle art of tapa pairing.
But this isn’t just a tasting tour. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share cultural insights and stories about Madrid’s traditions, daily life, and the evolution of the barrio itself. Their passion and connection to the city elevate the experience from a mere sampling into a meaningful, immersive journey.
Unlike standard tourist fare, this VIP route focuses on quality over quantity, highlighting bars known only to locals and respecting the pace of discovery. It offers an intimate way to engage with Madrid’s culinary heritage while enjoying lively conversation under the open city sky. Whether you’re rubbing elbows in a narrow wine cellar or savoring tapas on a sunlit terrace, this experience taps into the pulse of Madrid’s urban outdoor culture and food scene unlike any other.
easy.
3 hours.
Suitable for all levels; requires walking short distances on paved streets with no steep climbs.
No, transportation to and from the meeting point at Plaza de Colón is not included.
Yes, the tapas can be adapted to vegetarian or other dietary needs upon request.
Group sizes vary but typically remain small for a more intimate experience.
Children and babies must be accompanied by an adult, but the tour primarily caters to adults.
Yes, the wines featured are carefully selected Spanish whites and reds from different regions.
Arriving late is allowed, but your tour duration will be shortened accordingly.
Salamanca has been Madrid’s upscale district since the late 19th century, known for its elegant architecture and exclusive shops.
Local businesses prioritize sustainable practices including waste reduction and sourcing local ingredients to support Madrid's urban environment.
A Friend in the City is a Madrid-based experience company offering guided cultural, culinary and active tours across Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo and nearby estates. The company organizes private and small-group experiences that range from street-art workshops and rooftop cocktail tours to blacksmith forging sessions and Michelin-starred culinary classes. Tours include a Forbidden Art & Experiencia Graffiti workshop in Barcelona, a Forja tu Leyenda blacksmith and ranch experience in Toledo, and multiple Madrid-focused options such as stadium visits, padel lessons, Retiro Park bike and running tours, rooftop cocktail routes, and VIP tapas and wine tastings in Salamanca. Additional offerings highlight rural ecosystems near El Escorial with seasonal produce and Michelin-starred meals, private art restoration visits exploring Goya, and tailored Barcelona walking routes to Gaudí and the Gothic Quarter. Guides are described in trip listings as passionate, friendly and expert-led; several experiences take place in private studios, estates or professional kitchens and feature local artisans, professional coaches and master craftspeople. Meals emphasize seasonal, local ingredients and several experiences include hands-on components such as forging an espada, painting a graffiti souvenir, or cooking Spanish classics in a Michelin-star kitchen. A Friend in the City emphasizes authenticity, local access, and privately staged experiences aimed at travelers seeking immersive, hands-on encounters. Based in Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, the company serves visitors seeking curated cultural, culinary and active days in Spain’s major cities and nearby countryside. Booking information and availability are provided on the company's online listings with clear descriptions and booking options and flexible policies.
Book with A Friend in the City