Endless possibilities in the Spanish capital

Luxury Spain tours from Madrid

Madrid

Madrid is a fantastic location. From art galleries to historic landmarks and a mouthwatering range of food and drink experiences, there is so much to see and do in Spain’s capital city that the only thing that might be lacking is the time to enjoy it all!

Madrid has a rich tapestry of museums and art galleries, along with awe-inspiring architecture, which help tell the city’s story. Its electric nightlife makes Madrid one of Europe’s most memorable capital cities. And the fantastic range of meals on offer, from breakfast through dinner, means you can eat like royalty throughout your vacation.

The best way to approach such a wide variety of options is to consider Madrid like a jigsaw puzzle and piece together the experiences you want and the places you’d like to visit. Then, when your list of must-sees is ready, travel specialists Lugarex can make sure we create a bespoke visit to Madrid, especially for you.

What to see

What about a private tour in Madrid, through the city center, to learn more about the most famous locations? Start out with our local tour guides in the Austrias neighborhood, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace. Then walk through the streets of the Literary Quarter, where Golden Age giants Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo all lived.

Then it’s down to the Paseo del Prado for a cultural bonanza at three world-class art galleries: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. And that’s not all! Spain’s capital city has plenty more to offer.

Where to go

For the shoppers, there’s the Golden Mile of luxury outlets. For those with gourmet tastes, how about one of the city’s 19 Michelin-starred restaurants? For the revellers, choose between a stylish night out in Barrio de Salamanca, a bohemian party in Malasaña or the liveliest night of all in Chueca. And if you want some of the best and most traditional tapas offerings in Madrid, bustling La Latina is the place to be.

When to go

No matter when you choose to visit, there will always be something to see in Madrid. Summer brings hot weather and open-air fun, while spring is a time of amazing blue skies and emerging street life. The joy of the holiday season and the comfort of the city’s welcoming hospitality scene will delight you in winter and autumn will reveal the city’s streets framed by the season’s unique colors.

Plus, as a dynamic and vibrant city, there are always new things to experience. A brand-new rooftop bar or yet another Michelin-starred restaurant; temporary exhibitions; elegant dining venues and cocktail bars in buildings built many years ago; or private clubs with live entertainment.

What are you waiting for?

Your Madrid essentials list must be taking shape now, right? But wait: don’t forget to leave a gap for curated tours of Madrid and the surrounding areas with visits to historical locations like Toledo, Segovia, and El Escorial.

We can organize all this and more for you if you decide to work with us. So, get in touch and tell us more about your expectations for your personalized vacation to Madrid. We know we can help you make the most of your journey.

Culture-centred trips in Madrid and surroundings

Madrid is teeming with cultural experiences. It’s full of historical monuments and beautiful architecture. And whether you’re into art, music, literature, dance, or film, we guarantee your cultural appetite will be satisfied in the Spanish capital.

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

As travel experts providing unique bespoke tours of Madrid and the surrounding areas, here is just a taster of Lugarex’s recommendations for culture-focused tours around Madrid.

Madrid has a long history reflected in its buildings and monuments, from the beautifully designed 16th-century Plaza Mayor to the breathtaking 20th-century architecture on the Gran Vía.

With a local guide to point out the unmissable spots, a cultural walking tour around Madrid will teach you plenty about the history of Spain’s most populated city.

A perfect area for kick-starting the tour is Madrid’s Literary Quarter. The cobbled streets bear witness to the words of some of Spain’s literary greats, including Cervantes and Lope de Vega, both standard-bearers of Spain’s Golden Age in the 16th and mid-17th centuries.

If you’re an art lover, meanwhile, Madrid really is the place for you, with its three world-class art museums.

For art spanning from the 12th to the 20th centuries, visit the Museo del Prado and its amazing paintings and sculptures, with highlights that include Velázquez’s ‘Las Meninas’, Goya’s Black Paintings and Bosch’s ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’.

Jump forward to the 20th century at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, where works by Miró, Dalí and Picasso (including his infamous ‘Guernica’) are a feast for your eyes.

And top it all off with the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, which has a collection of almost 1,000 paintings by a wide range of artists, from Degas to Caravaggio, Van Gogh to Mondrian and Hopper.

A culture tour of Madrid also provides you with the opportunity to experience a wide range of entertainment options. See some opera at the Teatro Real. Or how about some of Spain’s top flamenco performances over a Michelin-starred dinner? The city has been the location for several movies and the Netflix smash hit Money Heist, and it is also home to Spain’s biggest bullring, Las Ventas.

And we mustn’t forget that in Madrid, food is culture too, which means eating and drinking are essential elements of any culture tours of Madrid.

Come with us to what the Guinness World Records has confirmed is the oldest restaurant in the world, dating back to 1725. Or let us dazzle you with a visit to a restored marketplace serving gourmet morsels to a discerning crowd of locals and tourists.

Madrid’s extensive menu of cultural spots and experiences mean you can pick and choose what you’d like to see or do. So go ahead and contact travel specialists Lugarex so we can create a seamless and unique culture tour of Madrid for you to savor.

In and around Madrid: food and wine tours

In Madrid, food is fuel, providing the essential energy for Madrileños to live life to the fullest. Food is also a ritual. Whether it’s morning coffee at the bar, a leisurely lunchtime meal, or drinks and snacks to set you up for the evening, taking time to enjoy the city’s food and drink is an unmissable part of your Madrid experience.

Cocido Madrileño

With so many enticing options on offer, why not let us use our travel expertise at Lugarex to create customized Madrid food tours for you? That way, you can tap into the wonderful world of Spanish gastronomy and savor your time in the country.

A gourmet journey through Madrid

When someone says “Spanish food”, what do you think of? We definitely think of tapas—those little snacks to go with a glass of wine or beer. They’re the ideal way to eat socially and will keep you going when you’re busy visiting Madrid.

So, if you’re looking to experience an authentic gastronomy experience in Madrid, why not take a tour of the city’s bars on tapas tours organized for you by Lugarex? Try everything from patatas bravas and spicy Padron peppers to fine cured meats and cheeses. And don’t forget Madrid’s infamous huevos rotos, or French fries and fried eggs, often served with other delicious toppings. What’s not to love?

Wine tours for connoisseurs

With its excellent location in central Spain, Madrid can be a base for any wine tours you’d like to try. The city’s bars are a great place to start, usually serving wines from all over Spain, from classic Rioja to unique creations from Priorat in the north-east and something different from Jumilla in the south.

Other options include day trips two hours north to Ribera del Duero and south to Castilla-La Mancha. And did you know Madrid also has its own DO, called ‘Vinos de Madrid’, with 110 wine brands that market locally produced wines? So, while grape varieties such as Malvar and Albilla Real may be less familiar than the classic Tempranillo and Verdejo, a visit to Madrid might be the perfect time to try them!

Savor the chance to hone your skills

Eating and drinking are not the only options when planning Madrid food tours. You can also learn to cook some authentic Spanish dishes, from paella to Spanish omelet and beyond. So go ahead and ask us about organizing some personalized cooking workshops for you and your family.

Whether your Madrid experience is found on a plate or in a glass—or both!—let us prepare a tailor-made food and wine tour for you.

Holiday destinations near Madrid for families

Madrid is definitely a family-friendly city. While at first glance, the later eating hours might suggest it’s harder to take a family trip to Madrid, in actual fact, kids are welcome in most places in the city. Plus, amidst the typical hustle and bustle of city life, you can easily find calmer spaces such as parks and squares for kids to run around and use up some energy while you take a break and enjoy the atmosphere. So if you’re thinking about a holiday destinations near Madrid for your family, we can help you get organized.

Family walking

Whether it’s suitable accommodation for very young families or multi-generational trips, we have plenty of options. And no matter whether there are two or twenty in your family, we can support your logistics by organizing tours, dinners and visits for the whole of your trip.

Family tours around Madrid can cover a range of aspects – from architecture and landmarks to history. Family-focused visits to Madrid’s world-class art galleries are another unmissable experience. And we can also organize trips to theme parks, museums or soccer stadiums.

You don’t have to just spend time in the city, either. We can organize day trips to magical locations such as Toledo and Segovia, so you can view history up close with the kids. Or visit the fairytale castle of Manzanares el Real and give your little ones a glimpse of medieval life.

There are also lots of places where you can get closer to nature too. The nearby mountains of the Sierra de Madrid are full of pretty villages and walking routes for all abilities. Or perhaps you’d like to spend the day outdoors, horse riding, cycling or kayaking.

As for mealtimes, Spanish restaurants tend to welcome families and large groups, and menus are often flexible, depending on everyone’s needs. And of course, we’ve yet to meet a family group that can resist some chocolate con churros for breakfast, dessert or just a snack!

Whatever you think you might like to do on your family trip to Madrid, let us know and travel specialists Lugarex will organize it for you.

History tours in Madrid and its surroundings

Like many European cities, in Madrid, modern life and the footprint of history comfortably co-exist. A modern shopping mall stands on the site of a 19th-century train station and electric cars move along an avenue marked by 18th-century statues.

Palace, Madrid

In such a place, visitors can easily pass by a busy street without knowing its backstory, or turn a corner and miss out on a whole chunk of the history of Madrid because they just didn’t know it was there.

That’s why we think, if you want to know more about the history of the Spanish capital and its surroundings, you should join our experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our Madrid history tours.

The history of Madrid spans more than 1,000 years, from the initial Muslim fortress to today’s modern developments. Our guides will take you on a journey through that whole period, providing historical insights and local knowledge as you stop off at significant buildings, squares and monuments.

For example, travel back to the 1400s with a visit to one of the city’s oldest remaining buildings and then fast forward a century to when Madrid was declared the capital city by Philip II in 1561.

See how Madrid flourished and grew throughout the 16th and 17th centuries through locations such as the Plaza Mayor square and the first city hall in Plaza de la Villa.

Then, follow your guide into the 18th century with a visit to the city’s newer neighborhoods. You will see how each has its own history and style, as you visit emblematic Neoclassical sites, such as the Royal Palace and the city’s famous Toledo and Alcalá arches.

As Madrid history tour enters the early 19th century, a Prado Museum visit will show you the city’s involvement in the Napoleonic Wars. Then let your guide point out a whole host of different monuments and street names, often marking the Spanish Civil War and Spain’s more recent history.

And remember, as experts on Spain, we can help you with Madrid history tours that will take you slightly further afield. So, why not ask us about what you can do in the towns and cities around the Spanish capital city? For instance, the historical sites of Toledo, Segovia, and El Escorial will tell you more about Spain’s rich history.

A visit to Madrid will give you all the advantages of a modern European location, with luxury hotels, authentic entertainment, and fantastic food and drink. But be sure to ask us how we can also help you enjoy the story of Spain’s past, thanks to our experience, local knowledge, and premium customer service.

Art gallery tours in Madrid and around the Spanish capital

Some cities are synonymous with great art, and Madrid is one of those places. Small wonder, then, that the vast collections of the city’s art galleries might seem insurmountable for the first-time visitor. If that’s the case for you, why not let your Spain-based travel experts Lugarex guide you through an expertly curated art gallery tour in Madrid?

Palace, Madrid

You may already know that Madrid is home to the Golden Triangle of the world-class Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, which span many centuries and styles. We recommend you visit them all, so here’s an idea of what you’ll see.

Contemplating the 7000-piece collection held at the Museo del Prado is like delving into the history of Europe’s great art. Spanish works dominate, including pieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, but it is also home to the creations of Bosch, Raphael, Tintoretto, Van Dyck and Rembrandt, to name but a few. And that’s without considering any temporary exhibitions that might be on during your Prado Museum visit. See what we mean when we say “vast”?

If you’re hungry for more, we can plan an art gallery tour of the nearby Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Focusing on 20th-century pieces, the museum is home to Picasso’s masterpiece ‘Guernica’, works by Dalí and other Surrealists, and pieces by international figures such as Bacon, Serra and Magritte.

And to close the Golden Triangle, we can take you to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza and its collection of almost 1,000 paintings by a wide range of artists, from Degas to Caravaggio, Van Gogh to Mondrian and Hopper.

After reaching this point in your art gallery tour, you might think you’re done. But Madrid’s not just about art! Indeed, the Spanish capital also has museums that celebrate everything from archaeology and geology to fashion and trains.

Plus, we can organize visits to the homes of 19th-century painter Joaquín Sorolla and 16th-century dramatist Lope de Vega. Or perhaps a tour further afield to Toledo and its army museum might be on your list.

Whatever your taste when it comes to museums and art galleries, travel specialist Lugarex can not only organize your visits but provide expert guides to enhance your experience. So, get in touch and we’ll be happy to set up a call with you.

Spanish architecture and monuments in and around Madrid

The horseshoe arches of the Mudejar style, Neoclassical columns, French styles inspired by the Bourbon kings and the symmetry and austerity of a quintessentially Spanish style from the 16th century: these are just some of the features of the architecture of Madrid.

Palace, Madrid

As a city that grew organically from its founding in the 10th century and witnessed a dramatic increase in population several centuries later, Madrid can often be said to be a mishmash of neighborhoods, each with their own architectural style.

With that in mind, an architectural tour of Madrid is an ideal way to get to know the city better. So why not let travel specialists Lugarex use our expertise and local knowledge to create a customized tour of Madrid’s architecture and monuments for you?

Whether on foot or other means, on a whistle-stop tour or with a more relaxed approach, we can show you the emblematic sites that help tell Madrid’s story.

Amble through the Austrias neighborhood and the Literary Quarter for buildings going back more than 500 years, including Madrid’s first city hall. Or how about visiting the area’s many churches and convents, each one with unique architectural features to delight history lovers?

The 18th-century Royal Palace and its neighbor across the square, the Teatro Real, are both sights to be seen. And don’t miss the organized beauty of Plaza Mayor square. Reflecting the uniquely Spanish style of architect Herrera, who designed Philip II’s palace complex in El Escorial, it could be described as the heart and soul of old Madrid.

Then fast forward to the early 20th-century’s revivalist architecture with a walk down the breathtaking Gran Vía, only to land right back in 1778 when you reach Sabatini’s Puerta de Alcalá gate and the Retiro Park, created to entertain royalty in the 17th century and which is now part of Madrid’s only world heritage site.

We can also organise a tour of other world heritage monuments such as the Monastery and Site of El Escorial. Or if you’d like to wonder at Madrid’s modern architectural landmarks to the north of the city, we can take you there too!

We can’t wait to talk some more about how we can help you discover the amazing landmarks of Madrid. Contact us now.

Discover the jewish culture in Madrid and near the Spanish capital

For centuries, Spain’s story revolved around three different religions—Christianity, Islam and Judaism—and the changing relationships between their followers. Still today, the country’s architecture, art, food and the Spanish language show us the influence of the Christians, Jews and Muslims who have lived, worked, and even ruled in Spain.

Jewish culture, Madrid

With such a background, it’s no wonder that anyone interested in Jewish history and heritage might be thinking about visiting Spain. If that’s your case, let us tell you how we can what to dohelp you find out more.

Even though much of Spain’s Jewish history is focused on different locations in Andalusia, Madrid can provide a good base for your Jewish heritage tour. The capital may have had a Jewish quarter (judería) as far back as when Muslim rulers established their settlement there, but the essential stop in your search for Spain’s Jewish history and heritage is Toledo, just 50 miles to the south. When you head there on a tailor-made tour with Lugarex, we will ensure our experienced guides tell you everything about the role of Jews in the city’s life.

As part of that experience, you will visit Toledo’s two medieval synagogues. Among the few left that were built before the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, the 14th-century Sinagoga del Tránsito is now a museum dedicated to the Sephardi Jews of the Iberian Peninsula. The 12th-century Santa María la Blanca, meanwhile, is open to visitors who wish to view its characteristic horseshoe arches.

Similarly, the Jews left their mark on Segovia, 50 miles north-west of Madrid, with today’s city showing the vestiges of the Jewish quarter occupied between the 12th and 15th centuries, a Jewish cemetery, and the remains of the city’s synagogue, which was converted into a Catholic church in 1419 and is now part of a convent.

Keen to find out more? Thinking about a Jewish-focused visit to Madrid? Get in touch with us, and we can create a bespoke experience for you as you use your time in Spain to search for the country’s Jewish history and heritage.

What to do in Madrid and near this city?

Located in the center of Spain, Madrid is an excellent base for discovering some of the country’s most fascinating and historical locations. With a guided visit to Madrid and its surroundings, your expert travel specialist Lugarex can take you in any direction from the capital to towns, cities and sites that represent Spain’s past.

Here are some of the highlights of what to do in Madrid and its surroundings.

Toledo

Toledo is home to more than 2,000 years of history. So, when you head south from Madrid, whether by high-speed train or car, get ready to marvel at every inch of this wonderful city.

Known as the city of the three cultures, Toledo brings together Jewish, Catholic and Muslim architecture, monuments and even tastes. In the central Plaza de Zocodover, local sweet shops will entice you with traditional delights made from combining almonds, sugar, honey and eggs to create the delicious mazapan, or marzipan.

Move on, then, to the city’s Gothic cathedral and its amazing art, a 10th-century mosque and two Jewish synagogues. And don’t miss a guided visit to see the 16th-century painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’, considered one of El Greco’s finest works. Housed in the Church of Santo Tomé, we recommend you ask your guide to help you analyze this majestic piece and its many characters.

We also suggest you end your day with some time out to contemplate the stunning views across the surrounding valleys and the Tagus River on its journey toward Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. And if that’s with a glass of Spanish wine and some tapas in front of you, even better!

Ávila

Another ideal day trip from Madrid is the medieval walled city of Ávila, birthplace of the 16th-century Spanish mystic St Teresa, whose convent can still be visited, along with a museum bearing her name. The city’s 12th-century walls (parts of which are even older) are some of the best-preserved in Europe. And we’ll make sure you get a chance to see them up close, as your knowledgeable guide takes you for a walk along the top so you can enjoy some of the city’s amazing historic sights.

Eleventh-century Romanesque churches such as those of San Andrés and San Pedro will also be essentials on your lists. And with all that walking, be sure to build back your strength with some excellent dishes made with locally-sourced meat and fish, including the Ávila T-bone (or chuletón de Ávila), revered throughout Spain for its taste and quality.

Segovia

Your arrival in Segovia, just 50 miles north-west of Madrid, will provide you with the first fascinating encounter of your visit, as you come face-to-face with the Roman aqueduct, built more than 1,900 years ago. A structure that is completely mortar-free, it is an excellent example of Roman engineering and provides the perfect frame for your entrance into the city (as well as an amazing photograph to show your family and friends!).

The list of Segovia’s marvels continues, as you are taken by your guide to the main square, which is home to a 16th-century Gothic cathedral. Onwards, then, to the Alcázar, a palace where Queen Isabella of Castile was crowned in 1474. We could go on…but it might be better just to make the trip and let us show you the wonders of Segovia for yourselves.

El Escorial & El Valle de los Caídos

The town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located some 30 miles north-west of Madrid and is home to what UNESCO describes as a “masterpiece of human creative genius”.

The El Escorial complex was built in the 16th century under the auspices of King Philip II, who led Spain at the height of its imperial power. Designed on a gridiron format by architect Juan Bautista de Toledo and subsequently completed by Juan de Herrera, the site includes a monastery, church, library, royal palace and gardens that reflect the austere and classic tastes of arguably Spain’s most powerful monarch.

As part of this day trip, you can also visit the monument at El Valle de los Caídos, marked by a 150m-high stone cross that can be seen from afar. The complex itself is made up of a Catholic basilica and abbey commissioned in 1940 by Francisco Franco and opened in 1959.

The remains of more than 30,000 people killed in the Spanish Civil War were buried there and for many years, it was also the final resting place of Franco and the far-right leader José Antonio Primo de Rivera. The dictator’s remains were exhumed in 2019 and the site continues to be a focal point for Spain’s relationship with its past.

If you’re interested in a day trip from Madrid to any of these locations, get in touch with travel specialists Lugarex and share your thoughts with us.

Madrid

Toledo

Segovia

Ávila

Frequently asked questions about Lugarex’s trips and tours to Madrid and its surroundings

Things to know when travelling to Madrid and near the Spanish capital

When planning your trip with travel specialists Lugarex, we will ask you lots of questions: ¿Qué? ¿Quién? ¿Cuándo?* Then, we use your answers to create a personalized vacation in Madrid.

Ahead of our initial conversation, however, we advise you take a quick look at this list of things to know about traveling to Madrid.

The Weather

Madrid gets hot in summer, and we mean “100-plus degrees” hot. The rest of the year (especially May/June and September/October) has some wonderfully warm temperatures and the clearest skies to go with them. Of course, when your travel depends on your preferences, but that will be one of the first things we’ll check with you.

Transportation in Madrid

Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport is conveniently located some 11 miles from the city center and welcomes direct flights from Philadelphia, New York and Miami, among others. And you don’t even need to ask about travel to and from the airport: we can organize that for you, ¡sin problema!

Meanwhile, getting around is a smooth process. The city center is small and walkable, but there is also a good underground transport system, el Metro, and plenty of taxis. And of course, we’ll gladly organize tickets, taxis and cars so you can get around the city during your stay.

Accommodation in Madrid

As in most of Europe’s major cities, accommodation is plentiful and varied in Madrid, from hotels run by some of the world’s most luxurious brands to self-contained accommodation with modern facilities in some of the city’s most exclusive locations. So, you just need to tell us what you prefer and we’ll find it for you.

Attractions, tours and shopping

Whether you want to see Madrid’s museums or local heritage sites, or try out some local cuisine, we can take care of every aspect of your trip, organizing tickets to El Prado Museum, booking tables at the record-breaking Casa Botín restaurant or creating a bespoke tour of Madrid’s landmarks with an experienced local guide.

We can also take you on tours further afield, whether to taste wine in Ribera del Duero or admire the Jewish history of Toledo and Segovia.

And if you want to do some shopping, we’ll make sure you have some lovely mementoes to take home from your trip to Madrid. Indeed, from luxury brands in the Salamanca neighborhood to small artisan traders in La Latina, shopping in Madrid is a real treat.

The next step

So let’s get that first call in the diary and we can ask start you the essential questions to make sure your tailor-made vacation to Madrid is a memorable experience. Contact us now.

What to do in and around Madrid?

There are many sides to Madrid. Yes, it’s one big city, but there are many different neighbourhoods, types of architecture, restaurants and bars...the list is endless.

If you’re thinking of travelling to Spain’s multifaceted capital, travel specialists Lugarex can help you decide what you’d like to see and do when you’re there! Because not only do we know the city inside out, but we get to know you too, so we can match what you seek with what Madrid has to offer.

Here are just some ideas of what to do in and around Madrid.

Cultural activities

Whether it’s art galleries, museums, musical performances, evenings of dance or sporting events, in Madrid you’ll be spoilt for choice. And there are also plenty of seasonal events, such as festivals and local celebrations, which you can enjoy during your stay.

Outdoor adventures

The city centre has many parks and gardens to spend a relaxing couple of hours—ideal if you’re visiting with a young family. The warm weather also means al fresco dining is a must. And Madrid and its surrounding areas can also provide a little more action, with horse riding, kayaking or tennis just some of the activities we can organize for you.

Food and drink

With our food and wine tours, our local guides will take you to both the hottest foodie spots and the most traditional places to ensure you experience the full spectrum of Madrid’s gastronomic delights. From churros to tapas, we will make sure you’re well fed!

Sightseeing tours

A walking tour to see Madrid’s contrasting architecture and landmarks is a good way to find out more about the city. Or how about a sightseeing tour that takes you through the history of Madrid? Whatever you decide, remember that our tours are led by experienced guides with all the insider knowledge that will help make your Madrid experience a memorable one.

Nightlife and entertainment

Whether you’re looking for fine wine and fine dining, cocktails and dancing at an exclusive location, a family restaurant with lots of tasty tapas and some live music or a show and dinner, Madrid has it all. And as part of our service, we can book both tables and tickets, so let us know what you prefer as soon as you can!

We’re already looking forward to helping you plan your vacation to Madrid. Contact us now to set up a meeting!

What to eat in and around Madrid?

In Madrid, eating and drinking is an essential part of your experience. From the classic tapas and vino tinto to emblematic dishes such as paella, tortilla and patatas bravas. In Madrid, you will be spoilt for choice.

WHAT should we eat?

Perhaps it would be quicker if we just told you “Everything!” In other words, we advise you try as many different food and drink experiences as you can. From traditional cuisine to gourmet dining, Madrid has all the options.

As with all Spanish cuisine, there’s a huge focus on quality ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce. But you can also find the latest gastro trends, with Spanish chefs, including the Madrid-born winner of the 2022 Best Chef Awards Dabiz Muñoz, leading the international culinary scene with their creativity.

If you’re finding it hard to choose from this long menu of options, don’t worry, we can organize a food and wine tour of Madrid for you that will give you a great range of foodie experiences to remember.

WHEN should we eat?

With Spaniards eating lunch and dinner much later than in other European cities (lunch is between 2pm and 4pm and dinner is from 9pm), getting the timing right can be a challenge. Go too early and many places will be closed or you’ll just miss the amazing atmosphere of Madrid mealtimes. Go too late and you risk your party being over tired or places getting too full to find a table.

Luckily, travel specialists Lugarex can help you with that, booking tables at the right time to ensure you have a great time.

WHERE should we eat?

Madrid is your oyster! If you want traditional cuisine, go for a restaurant frequented by the Madrileños (we know where the best ones are!). If you want local delicacies, how about a foodie market where you can try a little bit of everything? If you want the best tapas in town, we can guide you to the right places. And if gourmet dining’s your thing, don’t forget that Madrid has 19 Michelin-starred restaurants for you to try.

Plus, you can also combine eating with other Madrid essentials, such as a flamenco show with dinner, tapas while visiting the Plaza Mayor square or some late-night chocolate con churros on your way back from the opera.

As you plan your visit with us, we’ll be sure to discuss what you’d like to get from your gastronomic experiences in Madrid. That way, we can work with our experienced guides to make sure they take you to the hidden restaurants and bars that only the locals know about during your personalized tours. Get in touch to find out more!