48 Hours in Madrid: 6 Must-Try Food and Drink Spots While Sightseeing
Welcome to Madrid—a city where every corner tells a story, every bite is an experience, and two days just aren’t quite enough. Between its historic landmarks that seem to transport you through time and a vibrant food scene steeped in tradition, this Spanish capital is a feast for all the senses.
If you’re planning a quick trip, I’ve put together six must-try food and drink spots to visit as you explore the city. From cozy cafés and bustling markets to speakeasy-style bars, these places will give you a true taste of Madrid. Ready? Let’s dive in.
A Few Tips Before You Start
Arrive early at popular markets and brunch spots—they fill up fast.
Ask locals for dessert recommendations. That’s how we found our unforgettable churros stop!
Pace yourself. Everything looks amazing, but it adds up quickly.
Don’t skip the sweets. Spanish pastries and turrón are absolutely worth every bite.
We walked it off, of course, making a few stops along the way. We started with the Royal Palace, which is amazing to walk through, and then headed to the Almudena Cathedral, which is right opposite. There's so much to see, and Madrid is just screaming with history. I suppose you can say the same thing about most European capitals, but Madrid is just one for the books.
El Riojano: A Historic Start to Your Day
If you find yourself in Madrid early with luggage and no hotel check-in yet (been there!), a stop at El Riojano is a perfect way to fuel up before you begin your adventures. This bakery-café has been around since 1855, founded by a royal pastry chef. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to 19th-century Madrid, thanks to its original mahogany and marble counters gifted by the queen herself.
Despite its popularity, locals love this place just as much as tourists, so getting there early means snagging a seat in the cozy back area. The menu is extensive, with Spanish-style pastries, puff pastries, cakes, pies, desserts, sweets, and savory bites. My personal favorites? The tiramisu (arguably one of the best I’ve ever had), a savory (chicken) empanada, and the classic puff pastry bartolillo filled with cream. Don’t miss the honey-smothered pestiños either. The best plan? Order a variety and share so you can sample it all.
Mercado de San Miguel: Foodie Heaven in a Historic Market
After a quick nap to shake off travel fatigue, we headed to Mercado de San Miguel, a must-see for any foodie visiting Madrid. I even made a video walking through the whole experience, but here’s the gist: this market has everything you could dream of, from traditional paella to sweet treats, and even adventurous bites like squid-ink calamari sandwiches and the ever-popular dry-cured ham (jamón).
One standout? Pig ears, yes, really! The drink options are just as impressive, with wines and Aperol Spritz cocktails everywhere, perfect for sipping as you wander. The bao buns with all sorts of fillings were another unexpected highlight.
We got so distracted we skipped dessert there, opting instead for Italian-style gelato from La Dolcissimo Helado Y Más, rum and raisin and salted caramel flavors that were absolutely divine. On the way back, we made a few souvenir stops, where you can find everything from sidewalk stalls to shops selling regional specialties.
Cervecería Don Calamar: Brunch in Plaza Mayor
Day two started with brunch at Don Calamar, right in the heart of Plaza Mayor. Known for their fried calamari sandwiches, the menu here is much bigger, and you can see the dishes on display, super helpful when deciding.
The interior is small and charming, perfect for a quieter meal amid the buzz of the square. We loved the fried potatoes with jamón serrano and the classic Spanish omelette (which is surprisingly filling, half a portion was plenty!). If you plan to stay active after brunch, a cappuccino is a great choice, alongside a refreshing sangria.
Little touches like olive oil squeeze bottles added a distinctly European vibe. And a heads-up if you order grilled shrimp, they’re giant prawns with heads on. It’s not intimidating once you try them; they’re delicious but do require a bit of work.
Keep in mind, reviews here vary, so if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s worth trying other nearby brunch spots too.
Viscens Turrons: Sweet History in Every Bite
For a sweet energy boost while sightseeing, stop at Viscens Turrons. Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat with a history going back over 500 years, made from honey or sugar, toasted nuts, and egg whites. It comes in chewy or crunchy forms and is especially popular around the holidays.
Viscens offers over 300 flavors, including seasonal varieties and alcohol-infused options like Baileys, gin and tonic, and margarita. The free samples and friendly service make this stop irresistible. I picked up Soft Almond Nougat and a festive Gingerbread flavor, perfect for gifts or a special treat.
Tacita de Plata: The Ultimate Churros Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect churros dipped in rich, velvety chocolate, Tacita de Plata is your spot. This family-run business has become a Madrid institution, and their churros are a world apart from what you might find elsewhere.
They serve generous portions ideal for sharing, paired with thick, luscious hot chocolate—not the thin cocoa you might be used to. They even offer several chocolate varieties, including options for dietary restrictions. The churros themselves are crisp, fluffy, and warm—definitely deserving of a relaxed, sit-down moment.
If churros aren’t your thing, their menu also features doughnuts, waffles, and other treats. But trust me, the chocolate should be your priority here.
Calle 365: Madrid’s Hidden Speakeasy
Last but certainly not least, Calle 365 is a secret gem hidden behind what looks like an old door to a spirits shop. This speakeasy-style bar and discothèque is full of surprises. There are two entrances, and upon entry, you get a shot and a playfully presented cocktail (there’s usually a small cover fee). Sometimes you even need a password to get in!
When we visited, the place had a Brazilian theme, which extended to the food served by a food truck right on the dance floor, tacos and arepas, anyone? I tried the RANA “AMADO” cocktail from the secret menu, a refreshing blend of Larios 12 gin, violet and lychee syrup, white vermouth, lemon juice, and soda. It was an unforgettable experience and a fantastic way to cap off our Madrid food journey.
Madrid offers so much more than this, but if your time is tight, these six spots will give you a delicious snapshot of the city. After this trip, we headed to Ávila to explore more of Spain’s countryside, but Madrid was an incredible start.
