Spain is a country filled with must-try foods.
From the assortment of tapas you can find at every corner, to the calamari sandwiches and some of the best ham in the world, finding delicious food in Spain’s hub, Madrid isn’t hard.
Here are some great places to stop by for a quick bite to eat while visiting Madrid.
El Tigre
One of the cheapest places to grab tapas in Madrid located on Calle de las Infantas, parallel to Gran Via. Order a round of drinks and you will get three plates of food to go with it. Each plate you receive will vary from the must-try patatas bravas, to the Spanish omelette. The best part? It’s all free when you order drinks! Avoid the chaos by coming before the happy hour, or later in the evening.
Museo del Jamón
A chain of deliciousness, Museo del Jamón has multiple locations across Madrid, including one right in the tourist centre, Gran Via. Sample different tapas; try the different types of world famous ham that the country prides itself on, all while enjoying a sip of wine. Great place to grab a quick bite to eat, or grab a sandwich for the road.
Mercado de San Miguel
A gorgeous modern market located right near Plaza Mayor. Stop by Mercado de San Miguel at any time of the day and visit the many vendors selling just about everything you can think of. From tapas and wine, to fresh produce, and fish. There are tables available for sitting, making it a great spot for all your friends to grab different things and reconvene in the centre of the market to try out all your delicious purchases.
Bar Postas
A stand-up bar style restaurant that is great for a quick bite to eat. Located off Plaza Mayor and carries a variety of typical Spanish tapas but you must try their famous calamari sandwich. Bar Postas is an excellent place for reasonably priced food, but beware because this place gets busy around prime lunch hours.
Chocolateria San Gines
Every visitor coming to Madrid must experience these delicious churros that have been served up in this location since 1894. Whether for breakfast, dessert or a snack, this little place is open all night long, 24 hours a day. Stop by Chocolateria San Gines for a fresh warm cup of chocolate and doughy churros for dipping. Chocolateria San Gines is located on a small street called Pasadizo de San Ginés, close to Puerta del Sol.
La Sureña
Located in a busy, touristy area on Gran Via, La Sureña is the perfect spot for cheap tapas and drinks. Buy a bucket of cold beer for under five euros and enjoy the sunshine and people watching in their outdoor eating area.
Mercado de San Ildefonso
A relatively new addition to the Madrid food scene and one that is sure not to disappoint. Mercado de San Ildefonso is lined with food stands, bars and indoor terraces. Tapas, takeaway food, and traditional Spanish meals and products, this market is filled with options for just about everyone. Be careful not to miss it as although this market is large, it can be easily disguised as a regular building on Fuencarral Street."
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Photos: Flickr Creative Commons / Gabriel Bonino, Robert Lowe, LWYang, Tim Lucas, Elliot Brown, mertxe iturrioz