Calle de la Cava Baja (Cava Baja Street), Madrid

Many visitors to Madrid tend to focus solely on the famous Plaza Mayor, but there is so much more to explore in the surrounding area, particularly in the vibrant district of La Latina, which extends south from the square. This neighborhood is a haven for food lovers, boasting some of the city's finest restaurants, tapas bars, and flamenco venues, especially along the charming street known as Cava Baja – a maze of tapas bars, with around 50 establishments packed into a small area. You can embark on a culinary adventure, moving from one end of the street to the other, sampling a variety of delectable dishes in a spontaneous and exciting manner. As you stroll along, you'll notice that the street follows the curves of the original 12th-century city wall, and in certain bars like Posada del Dragón (located at #14), remnants of the ancient wall can still be seen.

Other notable highlights in the area include La Concha (#7), a tiny yet charismatic establishment that serves an incredible vermouth cocktail accompanied by complimentary tapas (they even sell their own vermouth for €12 a bottle) and Posada de la Villa (#9), situated within a 17th-century inn and offering a delightful setting across its three floors. La Chata (#24) is a beloved and traditional tiled tapas bar, adorned with hanging hams and taurine memorabilia, where you can savor a wide range of dishes, such as their excellent oxtail and stuffed onions and peppers. For wine enthusiasts, Taberna Tempranillo (#38) is a popular wine bar that showcases an extensive selection of domestic wines by the glass. It's the perfect place to discover your favorite Spanish vino, and their tapas offerings are equally impressive.