La Campana
Madrid's legendary spot for the iconic bocadillo de calamares, serving up crispy fried calamari in a baguette for over 155 years.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, quicker service
La Campana
Best Time
Fewer crowds, quicker service
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Madrid's legendary spot for the iconic bocadillo de calamares, serving up crispy fried calamari in a baguette for over 155 years.
"The best calamari sandwich in Madrid! It’s cheap 4.50 Euros and is a great snack or quick lunch."
🎯 Grab & Go is Key
If the line is long, head to the takeaway queue on the right for a much faster experience. :running:
🍋 Lemon & Mayo Magic
Don't forget a squeeze of lemon! Some also add mayonnaise for extra flavor. :lemon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bocadillo de Calamares
Main counter
Madrid's quintessential street food: a crusty baguette overflowing with crispy, tender fried calamari. A must-try!
Takeaway Option
Right-side queue
Skip the dine-in line! Grab your calamari sandwich to go and enjoy it in a nearby plaza.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Queue for a Classic
Simple Flavors, Big Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Grab & Go is Key
If the line is long, head to the takeaway queue on the right for a much faster experience. :running:
🍋 Lemon & Mayo Magic
Don't forget a squeeze of lemon! Some also add mayonnaise for extra flavor. :lemon:
💰 Budget-Friendly Bite
Enjoy a hearty and delicious calamari sandwich for around 4-4.50 Euros. +1
🚶♀️ Eat on the Go
Perfect for a quick bite while exploring Madrid's charming streets. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Grab & Go is Key
If the line is long, head to the takeaway queue on the right for a much faster experience. :running:
🍋 Lemon & Mayo Magic
Don't forget a squeeze of lemon! Some also add mayonnaise for extra flavor. :lemon:
💰 Budget-Friendly Bite
Enjoy a hearty and delicious calamari sandwich for around 4-4.50 Euros. +1
🚶♀️ Eat on the Go
Perfect for a quick bite while exploring Madrid's charming streets. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Campana is celebrated for its iconic, no-frills calamari sandwich, offering a taste of Madrid's street food heritage at an affordable price. While the simple preparation and potential for long queues are noted, most visitors find the quick service and delicious, fresh calamari well worth the experience, especially when opting for takeaway.
"This place is just simple. When we went there wasn’t much of a line so it was a quick bite to grab and go. This is more of a tourist trap but it’s still a simple meal to grab a go. If the wait is under 10 minutes I would recommend you try it. The staff is very efficient and can get your order out really quickly. This is not really a place to have a long meal as it is more of a fast meal kind of place. We had the calamari and the tortilla which were both good."
Miriam Bustos
"Good calamari sandwich.. simple no sauce nothig just bread and fried calamari. The calmaries are fresh good tasting and not oily.. the bread is ok bit hard to chew .. service was fast although it was very very crowded.. the prices are good 4.5 euro for large portions.. they serve drinks as well .."
Fadi Saleh
"The best calamari sandwich in Madrid! It’s cheap 4.50 Euros and is a great snack or quick lunch.
The lineup to get a spot inside is usually pretty long. A quicker option is to go to the line up on the right side and order take away (Aqui solo pedidos para llevar) to eat somewhere in a nice plaza or other spot. Takeaway is super quick, only takes a few minutes after ordering as they are constantly making the sandwiches so what you get is a hot sandwich with fresh bread, soft and slightly chewy, and lots of fresh fried calamari. They also throw in a couple packs of mayonnaise to squeeze over the calamari."
stewart woo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Campana is conveniently located near Plaza Mayor at Calle de Botoneras, 6. The closest metro station is Sol, which is a short walk away. Many visitors find it easy to reach on foot while exploring the city center. +1
Yes, it's very accessible. The Sol metro station serves multiple lines and is a central hub. From there, it's a pleasant stroll to La Campana.
Absolutely! If you're visiting Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, or the Royal Palace, La Campana is within easy walking distance, making it a perfect stop. +1
Simply head towards Plaza Mayor. La Campana is a well-known spot right in that vicinity, often marked by queues. +1
Street parking in this central Madrid area can be very difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport or walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, La Campana is a casual bar and does not require advance ticket purchases. You order and pay at the counter.
La Campana typically opens early and stays open late, serving throughout the day. It's best to check their official social media or a reliable local guide for the most current hours, as they can vary.
There is no entrance fee. You pay for what you order, primarily the famous calamari sandwich.
If you opt for takeaway, service is very quick, often just a few minutes. The dine-in line can be significantly longer, sometimes over 10 minutes.
La Campana is a no-frills establishment, and reservations are not typically taken. It's a place for quick bites, not leisurely dining.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
La Campana is world-renowned for its bocadillo de calamares, a simple yet delicious sandwich filled with fried calamari. They are said to sell more calamari sandwiches than any other bar in Spain. +1
The calamari sandwich is very affordable, typically costing around 4 to 4.50 Euros. +2
It's a classic: a crusty baguette filled with freshly fried calamari. Some visitors add mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
While the calamari sandwich is the star, they also offer other classic tapas dishes and drinks like sangria. +1
Reviewers generally describe the calamari as fresh, good-tasting, and not overly oily, thanks to proper frying techniques.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic bocadillo de calamares in all its glory! Photos of the bustling counter and the lively atmosphere outside are also great. +1
Yes, you can take photos inside, but it can be crowded. Many prefer to photograph their sandwich after purchasing it, perhaps in a scenic spot nearby.
Absolutely! The historic Plaza Mayor, just steps away, offers a beautiful backdrop for enjoying and photographing your La Campana sandwich.
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for photos. Early mornings or late afternoons might have fewer crowds, making it easier to get clear shots.
Popular hashtags include #LaCampana, #BocadilloDeCalamares, #MadridFood, #SpanishStreetFood, and #VisitMadrid. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for the takeaway service is highly recommended with children, as it allows you to avoid long waits and find a comfortable spot in a nearby plaza to eat. This way, kids can enjoy their sandwich without the pressure of a crowded indoor space. The price point also makes it an excellent choice for families looking to manage their budget while still experiencing local flavors.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is the perfect spot for a satisfying and inexpensive lunch or snack. By choosing the takeaway option, you save money and time, allowing you to allocate your funds to other experiences or attractions in Madrid. It's a prime example of delicious, authentic food that doesn't break the bank.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
It's a quick, easy, and iconic culinary stop that fits perfectly into a busy itinerary. You can enjoy your sandwich while soaking in the atmosphere of Plaza Mayor or find a quiet bench to people-watch. The affordability and speed make it a must-visit for anyone on the go.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Bocadillo de Calamares
The magic lies in its simplicity: fresh calamari rings are lightly coated in flour and fried to a perfect crisp, then served in a crusty baguette. Unlike some other seafood sandwiches, La Campana's version is intentionally minimalist, allowing the quality of the calamari to shine. Many visitors are surprised by the lack of complex sauces, but this is part of its authentic charm.
It's more than just a sandwich; it's an experience. Grabbing a bocadillo de calamares from La Campana and enjoying it while strolling through the historic streets of Madrid is a quintessential local pastime. The sheer volume they sell daily – reportedly over 8,000 kilos – speaks volumes about its enduring popularity.
Navigating the Crowds: Tips for a Smooth Visit
While the dine-in area can have long lines, the dedicated takeaway counter on the right side of the establishment often moves much faster. This allows you to get your delicious calamari sandwich in minutes and find a pleasant spot nearby, such as the vibrant Plaza Mayor, to savor your meal.
Even if you decide to dine in, the staff at La Campana are known for their efficiency. They work quickly to serve the constant stream of customers, ensuring that even with a crowd, your wait is generally reasonable for such a popular spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit