Tapas in Madrid and other stuff to do
 

Is tapas part of the culture in Madrid? What are the good ones to check out? Last time I was there I saw flamenco and that was just amazing, hot sweaty passion! I went to the Sofia and Prado museums and also the Royal Palace, spent sunset at Temple of Debod next to a bunch of lovey dovey kids and haf a nice long stroll along a garden near the Palace. I rode the HOHO bus! I love HOHO buses in any city, get immense pleasure especially when I remember to bring my own foldable quality headphones that makes a world of difference. I met fun and interesting people watching a soccer game at a dive bar and more interesting people at a rooftop of some fancy dancy hotel I stayed in. Please help me fill my 5 days there. There is so much to learn about Madrid, a city I initially underestimated but can't wait to go back soon. Muchas gracias!

you do not say when you are going and it is easy to pick what ever you like via the offical website.
http://turismomadrid.es/en/

Tapas didn't start in Madrid, but neither did flamenco, and there are plenty of tapas bars around, so in that way, it's definitely part of the culture. Lots of good guides, this is a good list of places in various areas
https://tapastalk.wordpress.com/tapas-bars/

Yes, I would say that tapas is very much part of the culture in Madrid, as well as having aperitifs late in the afternoon in any of its plazas.
A place I recently "discovered" ( was actually recommended by Lincasanova a poster here) and found to be very authentic was Casa Revuelta , in Old Madrid. Its specialty is bacalao (cod fish). Its very difficult to get in, because its small and usually mobbed, but don't be deterred!

Forgot to add in reference to things to do, if you have good weather you should spend some time in Retiro park.

... and north of Retiro in upscale , non touristy Salamanca - Serrano

If there on a Sunday and in season, go to a bullfight !

Yes! I forgot about Retiro Park thanks for reminding me and Salamanca also. I'm leaving this week flying to Barcelona first but thats even quicker only 2 days there, just enough time to see some of the big ones I wanted to do - Park Guell and La Sagrada. Thank you for the restaurant rec Casa Revuelta. I'm looking forward to more of your suggestions. Gracias!

I also enjoy Mercado San Miguel, near Plaza Mayor

Have a great trip!

When in Spain, we tend to have a cheap menu del dia at lunchtime, and tapas in the evening. last time we were in Madrid we stayed near the Opera and it was very easy just to wander out of the hotel and more or less pop into the nearest bar to see what they had. we rarely found a duff one and we had a lot of fun in the process.

Casa Revuelta is excellent, but it's no restaurant, just great tapas and atmosphere. A few small tables, but in line with good tapas tradition most people just stand in the bar and eat and drink. Try the squid in its own ink tapa, also delicious! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ta-Madrid.html

+1 Mercado San Miguel. We went there a few times during a short stay in Madrid. Great variety and prices were reasonable. Nice wine and fun atmosphere.

check out marble's guides-our favorite tapas and dining recs were all in the retiro park area. mmmm!

I think that's Maribel's guides, suitably mangled by the spell-check.

The Mercado San Miguel YES! Great idea, I wanted to go there last time but ran out of time thank you. I took a HOHO bus and it dropped me off at a tapas place but don't remember it starts with an L, with an open air window with indoor/outdoor feel. Candle lit at night and the kitchen is in the building across the restaurant. People were smoking inside though but surprisingly didn't bother me just made me miss my disgusting habit back in college. What was the name of it? It has two locations in Madrid. Maribel! wherever you are thank you for creating the wonderful guide you so generously share with everyone.

<dropped me off at a tapas place but don't remember it starts with an L, with an open air window with indoor/outdoor feel>

Could have been Madrid classic Casa Labra:
http://www.casalabra.es/
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/casa-...nba-Pm7-yZR-yA
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ra-Madrid.html

Enjoy tapas on your own. Suggested routes:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...qEvGaY_4&msa=0

Some fabulous routes here, Revulgo. Route 9, 11 and 12 would all be great intros to Madrid tapas culture in the heart of the city, but next time in Madrid I'll go for either 13, 14, 15 or the Chueca or Chamberi routes and around. Thanks!

Thanks for the great map...

Casa Lucas , one of my favourites on Cava Baja , is missing.
Albora serves slightly different tapas than usual " tourist selection" , was mobbed at lunch.
La Catapa is very local...ther was no menu in English a couple years ago (might be a problem for some) and

Estay is still closed (under renovation ).