Devour Tours Madrid

Devour Tours is one of the best-known food tour companies in Spain, and Madrid is where its story began. The business was built by Lauren Aloise, an American food writer who had settled in Spain and ran the food blog Spanish Sabores, and James Blick, a New Zealander, who designed their first Madrid tapas tour together before expanding to Barcelona, Seville, Málaga and beyond. Today Devour runs food and drink tours in many cities in Europe and North America and is part of the Hornblower Group, but its Madrid tours remain at the heart of the business.

The flagship is the Madrid Tapas, Taverns and History Tour, a walk of around three and a half hours through the old town, mainly around La Latina, stopping at historic taverns for tapas and Spanish wines while the guide explains the history of the city and its food. Other group tours include the Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour, with around eight stops and more than fifteen bites, including churros, jamón and calamari, and an evening tapas tour in Malasaña run in partnership with Time Out.

There are also more specialised options. A morning cooking class combines a market visit with a hands-on paella lesson. Tours of the Prado with an art and food guide end with a meal at Botín, and one version of the tapas tour includes special early access to Botín before it opens. Private tours, family food walks designed for children, and private large group tapas crawls in the literary quarter are available too.

Group tours are limited to around twelve people, which keeps them sociable and lets the guide get everyone into small, busy bars. They suit first-time visitors who want an introduction to Madrid's food culture, curious eaters, couples and solo travellers, and the family tour is a good option with children. Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and tell the company about any dietary requirements when you book, as many traditional tapas involve meat, fish and gluten.

Tours are booked online for a set date and time, and the confirmation gives the exact meeting point, which varies by tour. Most start in the historic centre, within walking distance of Sol, La Latina and the Plaza Mayor. Free cancellation is offered on many tours, but check the terms when you book.