Tapas trail
- Sol/Plaza Mayor: churros, bocadillo de calamares.
- La Latina: market stalls, traditional taverns.
- Retiro perimeter: sit-down tapas after the park.
Order small and often; let the route dictate pacing.
Bottom line
Use hop-offs for food windows — more frequent, lighter bites beat the heavy sit-down lunch.
Classic orders
- Bocadillo de calamares near Plaza Mayor.
- Patatas bravas, croquetas, seasonal specials.
Crowd avoidance
- Eat slightly off hours (11:30–12:30; 15:30–17:00).
- Choose side streets over main plazas.
Budget vs special
- Budget: market stalls and counter service.
- Special: rooftop drink on Gran Vía at dusk.
Timing windows
- Pair food with natural breaks between Palace → Prado → Retiro segments.
FAQ
- Reservations needed? Rare at lunch for tapas; dinner more likely.
- Card acceptance? Widely accepted; carry a few coins.