How long does it take to walk through La Latina?

A thorough exploration of La Latina typically takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers, but the winding streets and numerous tapas stops often encourage a slower pace.

Is La Latina in Madrid worth visiting?

Yes, La Latina is definitely worth visiting as it is the oldest neighborhood in Madrid. It offers a unique combination of medieval history, vibrant street life, and the city's most authentic tapas culture, particularly on weekends.

When is the best time to visit Calle de la Cava Baja?

The best time to visit is during the 'evening rush' starting around 8:00 PM or on Sunday afternoons. For a quieter experience with better photo opportunities of the colorful facades, aim for a weekday morning around 11:00 AM.

Are there hills on the La Latina walking route?

Yes, La Latina is known for its undulating terrain. While there are no steep climbs, you will encounter gentle slopes around Plaza de la Paja and the Viaducto de Segovia, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Can I see the Royal Palace from La Latina?

Yes, the Viaducto de Segovia offers one of the most famous panoramic views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. It is located at the northern edge of the neighborhood, providing an excellent vantage point for photography.

Is the Garden of the Prince of Anglona free to enter?

Yes, the Garden of the Prince of Anglona is a public park and is free to enter. However, it is a small, quiet space with restricted hours, usually closing at sunset, so it is best to visit earlier in the day.

What is the closest Metro station to the start of the tapas trail?

The closest station is Metro La Latina on Line 5 (the green line). The exit puts you right at the edge of Plaza de la Cebada, just steps away from the start of the major tapas streets.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the heartbeat of old Madrid with a self-guided walk through La Latina, the city's most evocative medieval neighborhood. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of Spanish life, where centuries-old architecture meets a legendary culinary scene. As you wander through narrow, winding alleys that follow the footprint of the ancient city walls, you will discover why this district is the undisputed home of the tapas tradition. This walking route is designed to let you explore at your own pace, moving from the bustling energy of historic taverns to the quiet serenity of hidden gardens. Your journey begins on the iconic Calle de la Cava Baja, a street famous for its concentration of traditional eateries, before leading you through vibrant local markets and sun-drenched plazas. You will encounter the spiritual history of the city at the Church of San Andrés and find a peaceful escape in the secret Garden of the Prince of Anglona. The experience concludes with a breathtaking view from the Viaducto de Segovia, offering a panoramic perspective of the Royal Palace and the valley beyond. Whether you are a foodie looking for the perfect bite or a history enthusiast tracing the roots of the Spanish capital, this self-guided adventure provides an authentic look into the local lifestyle. Unlike a traditional walking tour Madrid, this independent route allows you to linger over a glass of vermouth or spend extra time photographing the colorful facades without a fixed schedule. It is the perfect way to experience the soul of the city, combining the flavors of the present with the echoes of the past in one of Europe's most atmospheric quarters. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Savor the atmosphere of Calle de la Cava Baja, Madrid's premier tapas street.

Explore the colorful Mercado de la Cebada, a hub of local food and community life.

Visit the historic Church of San Andrés, dedicated to Madrid's patron saint.

Relax in the medieval Plaza de la Paja, once the city's main marketplace.

Find tranquility in the hidden 18th-century Garden of the Prince of Anglona.

Take in sweeping views of the Royal Palace from the Viaducto de Segovia.

Tour Stops (6)

Calle de la Cava Baja

Welcome to one of Madrid's oldest and most famous streets. Calle de la Cava Baja follows the line of the ancient 12th-century city walls. In the Middle Ages, 'cavas' were ditches that allowed people to enter and exit the city secretly. Today, the secret is out: this is the spiritual home of the tapas crawl. The colorful buildings here once served as inns and stables for travelers arriving at the city gates. Look closely at the facades; many taverns still retain their original 19th-century tiled signage. This street is most vibrant in the late evening when locals gather for 'tapear'—moving from bar to bar to sample different specialties. Please note that bar opening times and specific menus vary frequently, so let your nose and the crowds be your guide.

Mercado de la Cebada

This striking building with its colorful, wave-like roof is the Mercado de la Cebada. While a market has existed on this spot since the 16th century, the current structure is a mid-20th-century design that has become a canvas for local street art. Inside, you will find a bustling world of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. It is a cornerstone of the neighborhood, where tradition meets modern local life. On weekends, the market often transforms into a social hub where you can enjoy fresh seafood or local wines right at the stalls. Keep in mind that as a working market, stalls typically close during the afternoon siesta hours and on Sundays, though the exterior street art is always visible.

Church of San Andrés Apóstol

Standing before you is the Church of San Andrés, one of the oldest religious sites in Madrid. This church is deeply connected to the city's history, as it was the original burial place of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Madrid. The building has suffered significantly over the centuries, particularly during the Spanish Civil War, but its Baroque dome remains a landmark of the La Latina skyline. The adjacent chapel, the Capilla de San Isidro, is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture. As this is a place of active worship, please be respectful of ongoing services. Opening hours for the interior can be unpredictable, but the exterior architecture tells a story of resilience and faith that spans nearly a millennium.

Plaza de la Paja

Enter the Plaza de la Paja, or 'Straw Square,' which served as the commercial heart of medieval Madrid. Long before the Plaza Mayor was built, this was the city's primary marketplace. Its name comes from the tax paid in straw to the nearby chapel. Unlike the grand, symmetrical squares elsewhere in the city, this plaza retains an irregular, sloping shape typical of the Middle Ages. It is a perfect spot to observe the contrast between the historic stone walls and the leafy trees. Today, the square is lined with cafes and vegetarian restaurants, making it a popular local hangout. Take a moment to imagine the bustling medieval fairs that once filled this space with merchants, livestock, and travelers from across Castile.

Garden of the Prince of Anglona

Hidden behind a high brick wall at one corner of Plaza de la Paja lies a secret: the Garden of the Prince of Anglona. This small, walled space is a rare surviving example of an 18th-century aristocratic garden. It was designed in 1761 by Nicolas Chalmandrier and maintains its original Neoclassical layout, featuring low boxwood hedges and a central fountain. It is a peaceful sanctuary that feels worlds away from the city's traffic. Because it is maintained by the city but tucked away, many visitors walk right past its entrance. The garden is open to the public daily, but hours vary by season. It is a wonderful place to sit and reflect on the hidden layers of Madrid's history in near-total silence.

Viaducto de Segovia

Our walk concludes at the Viaducto de Segovia, an impressive feat of engineering that connects the area of the Royal Palace with the hills of La Latina. The current concrete structure dates to the 1930s, replacing a 19th-century iron predecessor. Standing here, you are treated to one of the most iconic views in Madrid. Looking north, you can see the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace towering over the valley. The viaduct has long been a subject for Spanish artists and filmmakers, appearing in several films by Pedro Almodóvar. As the sun begins to set, the stone of the palace glows gold, providing a perfect finale to your exploration of the city's oldest quarters. From here, you are just a short walk away from the grander boulevards of the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided tapas walk is the best way to explore La Latina. By following a route through Calle de la Cava Baja and Mercado de la Cebada, you can sample local specialties like 'huevos rotos' or Spanish vermouth at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule.