Discover Madrid’s Oldest Taverns: A Historic Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking mostly on paved and cobblestone paths.
Overview
Step back in time on a 2.5-hour walking tour exploring Madrid’s oldest taverns, from royal dining halls to revolutionary hangouts. Experience authentic tapas and drinks in venues steeped in centuries of history and character.
Private walking Tour: The oldest taverns of Madrid
For all ages! • 2,5 hours • Meet the local taverns
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2.5-hour journey through Madrid's historic taverns, where centuries of stories unfold. Discover the city's rich traditions, from royal dining at Lhardy to the political roots of Casa Labra. Enjoy a drink and tapa at iconic venues, including the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botin.
Duration: 2,5 hours
A route through the most popular history of Madrid: its taverns. Bars with more than 100 and 200 years of age, which are the living history of the city. Some have seen the kings eat and drink there, writers and others of the lower classes also. Between us, we will discover some of the most rooted traditions of our city. The anecdotes, the way of life of the people and the innumerable things that their walls have seen. Of course, we can stop to try a wine or beer of some of them! With the oldest restaurant in the world and an unequalled tradition in the world of bars, without doubt, Madrid is a city that you must get to know from the point of view of its illustrious taverns and restaurants.
The route may vary and you will not always enter all the venues.
Lhardy: A restaurant founded in 1839, famous for being a place the high Madrileña aristocracy went, including the kings, but also artists, writers and intellectuals. A place full of history, which seems like a palace inside. Casa Labra: A tavern of 1860, with a very popular character, where the people have spent centuries enjoying its tapas and beers at a good price. It also has a curious connection with Spanish politics.
Posada del Peine: One of the oldest businesses of Madrid : 1610. Although not a tavern, it will help us understand many things about popular history and the difference between the inns and taverns.
Sobrino de Botin: The oldest restaurant in the world (recognised by Guinness World Records) and an institution in Madrid. The rest of the details we will leave for the tour.
Malacatin: Founded in 1895, it is one of the most traditional taverns and with the most personality of the capital. With strong relations to the world of bullfighting.
Antonio Sanchez: Known as the tavern of three centuries, it was founded by a bullfighter in 1884, but from an earlier tavern, which dates from 1787. Full of history, its ‘French wine’ is probably not what you were expecting.
Includes
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One drink and one "tapa" are included in the first and the last tavern. So, Two drinks and two "tapas" per person in total.
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Official private guide
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Entrance ticket
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Pick up from the hotel
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Local taxes
Excludes
Transport (all the visit will be on foot)
Meeting Point
The point of departure will be from your hotel, where the guide will pick you up. Or if you prefer In Puerta del Sol Square, besides the Bear and the Tree sculpture
Adventure Tips
Book in advance
This popular tour fills quickly, especially on weekends—reserve your spot ahead of time to secure a place.
Wear comfortable shoes
Prepare for a leisurely 2.5-hour walk on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces.
Bring a light jacket
Madrid’s evenings can get chilly regardless of season; layering ensures comfort throughout the tour.
Notify dietary restrictions
Inform your guide in advance if you have food allergies or preferences to accommodate tapas selections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons frequent the plazas in the historic district.
- Sparrows nesting in eaves of old buildings.
History
Established centuries ago, Madrid’s taverns played pivotal roles not just as eateries but as social hubs during Spain’s political and artistic movements.
Conservation
Many of these historic taverns practice sustainability by preserving traditional recipes and sourcing local ingredients to reduce environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Madrid
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support and comfort for walking through cobbled streets and urban terrain.
Light jacket or sweater
Keeps you warm during cooler evenings or brisk spring days.
fall specific
Small backpack or bag
Useful for carrying water, camera, or personal items during the tour.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable historic locations and tavern interiors along the way.