Let's Tapear! A Guide to Madrid’s Tapas Spots

To most visitors, Spanish cuisine and the word ‘tapas’ are synonymous. Described as “the only way to eat without noticing”, tapas is often misunderstood. On this walking tour, I’ll show you that there's more to Spanish cuisine than just tapas. I’ll also introduce you to tapear, the art of dining on tapas, in all its glory. Starting outside the Mercado de San Miguel and ending in front of the 150-year-old establishment now known as Viva Madrid. Along the way, I’ll show you some of the central hotspots most popular with locals, from Bodegas Riclas and Casa Revuelta, both close to Plaza Mayor, to the celebrated Cava Baja in La Latina, the historically significant Casa Labra, and Madrid’s oldest taverna on Calle Huertas. I’ll also tell you about some of the signature dishes associated with these establishments, the food and drink that’s emblematic of Madrid, and some of the gastronomical traditions from around Spain. I’ll also let you in on a few tips like how to order, the types of dishes and drink options available, ways of paying, and how the Spanish typically do a tapas route with friends. In addition to learning about the food, you’ll also be walking in the footsteps of Spanish, and Hollywood, royalty and hearing tales and legends from a cast of characters that includes two King Alfonsos, two legendary Spanish writers, the ubiquitous Ernest Hemmingway, and Pedro Almodovar to name just a few. Some of the other highlights on this tour include: • Discovering why the 13th-century King Alfonso X was known as ‘wise’ • Passing by Bodegas Riclas, the family-run bar that also served as a bomb shelter • Hearing about Alfonso XIII, his role in the story of tapas and an ill-fated wedding day • Connecting the dots between Orson Welles, Hemingway, the Spanish Socialist Party and Casa Labra • Finding out how the calamari sandwich became representative of landlocked Madrid • Getting the inside scoop on cheap eats, Madrileño style, a beer and a sandwich for small change at the Museo de Jamón • Taking in Las Bravas, the home of patatas bravas and the backdrop to a tragic play • Learning what a fish finger has to do with the Hussars who fought the French • Seeing the favourite haunts of Hollywood legend Ava Gardner • Stopping in front of Bar Viva, which is popular with everyone from 1950s bullfighters to 1980s punks On this tour, you'll be retracing the steps of the most humble, most famous and, indeed, infamous characters who have lived in Madrid throughout the years and all while tucking into some of the best tapas around. I hope you enjoy it as much as they did in their day. So, on that note, Let's Tapear! Please allow yourself at least an hour to take the tour.

Price: £6.99 from VoiceMap