Are you looking for places to eat in Madrid with your school group? Eating with a large group in such a big city can be complete chaos if it is not planned in advance. That is why you need to take certain factors carefully into account: proximity to the monuments you plan to visit, the spaces available for groups, whether reservations can be made or not, and, of course, the price.
If you are organising your end-of-year trip to the capital, here are the best ideas for sampling the local gastronomy, taking a break in one of the city’s parks for a picnic, or visiting the finest tapas bars in Madrid.
Eating outdoors
When you organise an excursion on your end-of-year trip, the same question always comes up: where do we eat with a school group in Madrid? The cheapest option — and the best one in the capital — is to plan strategic stops in the city’s many parks for a picnic. Madrid has a large number of open-air spaces where you can stroll, play in the gardens and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature in the middle of the city. Here are the best choices:
City centre
- Jardín del Buen Retiro: one of the most iconic parks in Madrid, right next to Atocha station. El Retiro is a historic garden and public park with numerous fountains, wide meadows and a large boating lake. Moreover, being situated in the city centre, it is perfect for a quick stop during your sightseeing tour.
- Jardines de las Vistillas: a natural balcony at the top of the city, in the La Latina neighbourhood. Another perfect option if you are visiting the surrounding area.
- Madrid Río: a riverside park along the banks of the Manzanares, consisting of a pedestrian and leisure zone. Here, pupils can play on the fountains, giant slides, original swings and skate park. The Matadero, one of the most comprehensive cultural centres in the city, is also located here.
- Parque del Oeste: in the Moncloa district, this green space with wide meadows is right next to the Temple of Debod.
On the outskirts
- Parque Europa: situated in Torrejón de Ardoz, it is one of the most famous municipal parks in the Community of Madrid, featuring replicas of Europe’s most iconic monuments. If you decide to include this visit in your itinerary, it will be the surprise your pupils never expected — it is not the best-known park in the city, but it is certainly the most original.
- Casa de Campo: Casa de Campo is Madrid’s largest park — a chance to experience nature right in the middle of the city. You can have lunch here when visiting the Zoo or the Parque de Atracciones, take a walk in the peace and quiet of the park, and take a break from the urban hustle and bustle.
- Parque Juan Carlos I: located in the north-east of Madrid, this enormous park features canals, numerous fountains, wide meadows and a wealth of possibilities.
Restaurants for school groups in Madrid
Of course, it is always necessary to plan at least one sit-down meal at a restaurant (even if it is not the finest quality) so that the students leave with a good impression. Madrid has a wide range of group set menus on offer. Here are some of the restaurants we have found for you and your group:
- Topolino
- Vips
- La Zaguina
- Casa Patas
- La Chulapa de Alcalá
- Txapela
- Botania
- Taberna Rayuela
- Restaurante la Gaditana
- La Puebla
- Lamucca de Prado
- Museo del Jamón
- La cocina de San Antón
- La cava de Casa María
- Restaurante Casa Salvador
Tapas around Madrid
Although it is not the most recommended option for groups, it is always important to experience the local food and atmosphere. For this, there is nothing better than heading to the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods to try their hundreds of tapas bars. Nibbles and bustle — so that pupils can experience the Madrid atmosphere first-hand. If you are planning to leave some free time or organise an evening stroll, this is a great way to round off the end-of-year trip. Here are the main tapas neighbourhoods in central Madrid:
- Malasaña: Petisqueira, La Ardosa, Casa Julio, Bar Sidi and Pez Tortilla are some of the best-known tapas bars in this trendy neighbourhood. You cannot miss its colourful streets, small shops and original bars that your group will love. They will also be able to get those photos they are so keen to share on social media to show off their wonderful end-of-year trip to the capital.
- La Latina: the tapas neighbourhood par excellence offers a wide range of bars where you can enjoy delicious homemade croquettes, patatas bravas or a good pincho de tortilla. We especially recommend visiting the Cava Alta and the Cava Baja, where most of the bars are concentrated. Some names: La Búha, El Viajero, Lamiak, Txirimiri, Casa Lucas, Muñiz and Casa Amodeo.
- Lavapiés: finally, this multicultural neighbourhood is a must on any visit to Madrid. Calle Argumosa as the main thoroughfare and its squares are packed with small bars offering food from all cultures: African, Indian, Asian, Spanish, Basque, and more. Visit Achuri, La Playa de Lavapiés, Café Viralata or Africa Fusión — you will see for yourself!
Guide to organising your school trip to Madrid
Find out more in this special travel guide we have prepared so that teachers can comfortably plan and organise your end-of-year trip. Tell us your needs and preferences and we will tailor the trip to suit you. Everything about your group trip to Madrid:
