The Best Chocolate Shops and Churrerías in Madrid
Madrid is the European capital of churros with chocolate. This simple yet irresistible delight – fried dough in the shape of a star (or smooth) to dip into a cup of thick chocolate – is a ritual for Madrileños. It is eaten for breakfast, as a snack, after dinner, or at dawn after a night out. In this guide, I will take you on a journey to discover the best chocolate shops and churrerías in Madrid, from the most famous and touristy (San Ginés) to the most authentic and local.
What Are Churros and Spanish Chocolate
First of all, let's clarify what we are talking about.
Churros:Dough made of flour, water, and salt (and sometimes egg), fried in olive oil. They have a star shape (thanks to the special pastry bag with a star tip) or smooth (in this case, they are called "churros lisos"). They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Porras:Similar to churros but thicker (double or triple), with a smooth cylindrical shape. They are softer and less crispy. They are typical of Madrid.
Chocolate a la taza:Thick chocolate (almost like a cream), made with dark chocolate, sugar, and often thickened with cornstarch. It is not the liquid hot chocolate that is drunk in Italy; it is a thick sauce in which churros are dipped.
How to Eat Them:You take the churros with your hands (or with tongs), dip them in the chocolate, and bite them. You do not drink the chocolate with a spoon (although some do). In the end, you can drink the rest of the chocolate (if you have a sweet tooth).
The Best Churrerías and Chocolate Shops in Madrid
Here is my selection, from the most famous to the hidden gems.
1. Chocolatería San Ginés (The Most Famous)
Description:Opened in 1894, it is the most famous chocolate shop in Madrid, an institution. Located in a passage near Puerta del Sol, it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (even on Christmas and New Year's). Its walls are covered with antique tiles, mirrors, and old photos. The atmosphere is historic and chaotic.
What to order:Churros with chocolate (portion of 6 churros + cup of chocolate). Also porras.
Price:About 4 euros for the portion (6 churros + chocolate). 3.50 euros for churros only.
Atmosphere:Always crowded, both at 10:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Waiters in white jackets running between the tables.
Where:Pasaje de San Ginés, 5 (near Puerta del Sol).
Tip:Go at 8:00 AM (just awake) or at 2:00 AM (after the nightlife). Avoid peak hours (11:00 AM-1:00 PM and 5:00 PM-7:00 PM). If there is a line, wait: it's worth it.
2. Chocolatería Valor (Quality Chain)
Description:Valor is a Spanish chain specializing in chocolate (they also have their own cocoa plantation in Venezuela). Their chocolate shops are spread throughout Madrid, offering consistent and excellent quality. It is not as historic as San Ginés, but it is very reliable.
What to order:Churros with chocolate, porras, or even drinking chocolate (chocolate a la taza) with churros on the side. They also have hot chocolate with milk (more liquid) for those who don't like the thick kind.
Price:Similar to San Ginés (4-5 euros).
Atmosphere:More modern and calm. There are tables and a counter.
Where:Multiple locations: Gran Vía, Sol, Atocha, Callao, Serrano.
Recommendation:Perfect if you want a chocolate shop that is less chaotic than San Ginés but with good quality.
3. Chocolatería 1902 (The Second Most Famous)
Description:Opened in 1902 (hence the name), it is another historic chocolate shop in Madrid. Located near Atocha station, it is less touristy than San Ginés but very loved by locals.
What to order:Churros with chocolate, porras, and also tapas and light dishes.
Price:4-5 euros.
Atmosphere:Historic, with antique tiles and a wooden counter. Quieter than San Ginés.
Where:Calle de la Infanta Isabel, 5 (next to Atocha station).
Recommendation:Ideal if you are arriving or departing from Atocha station.
4. Churrería Santa Ana (In the Heart of Huertas)
Description:Small churrería in the Huertas neighborhood (Barrio de las Letras). It is very loved by locals, less so by tourists. The churros are made to order and the chocolate is thick and flavorful.
What to order:Churros with chocolate, porras, and also filled churros (rellenos) with cream or chocolate (a rarity).
Price:3-4 euros.
Atmosphere:Small, with a few tables. Very authentic.
Where:Calle de Santa Ana, 10 (near Plaza de Santa Ana).
Recommendation:Perfect for a break after a walk in the Barrio de las Letras.
5. Churrería La Antigua (In Huertas)
Description:Another small churrería in the Huertas neighborhood, just a short walk from Plaza de Santa Ana. Famous for its porras (thick and soft) and extra-dense chocolate.
What to order:Porras with chocolate (the porras are their specialty).
Price:3.50-4.50 euros.
Atmosphere:Small, family-run, with a few tables.
Where:Calle de León, 7 (corner with Calle de las Huertas).
Recommendation:Perfect for breakfast before visiting the Prado (it's a 5-minute walk).
6. Chocolatería San Ginés (Chamberí) – The "Twin" of the North
Description:San Ginés has opened a second location in the Chamberí neighborhood (Calle de Ponzano). It is less famous and less crowded than the original, but offers the same quality.
What to order:Same menu as San Ginés (churros, porras, chocolate).
Price:4-5 euros.
Atmosphere:More modern, less historic, but much quieter.
Where:Calle de Ponzano, 69 (Chamberí).
Recommendation:If you're in Chamberí for shopping or tapas, make a stop here.
7. El Brillante (Churros and Bocadillos)
Description:El Brillante is famous for its bocadillos de calamares, but it also offers great churros with chocolate. It's an institution near the Reina Sofía Museum.
What to order:Portion of churros with chocolate. But their specialty is the bocadillo de calamares.
Price:4 euros (churros). Bocadillo de calamares 6-8 euros.
Atmosphere:Chaotic, frequented by tourists and students.
Where:Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 8 (across from the Reina Sofía Museum).
Tip:Perfect for a quick lunch (bocadillo) followed by churros for dessert.
8. Churrería Madrid 1883 (Modern Experience)
Description:A modern establishment (opened in 2019) that draws inspiration from tradition but with a contemporary twist. The churros are made with organic flours and the chocolate is artisanal.
What to order:Churros with chocolate, filled churros (Nutella, cream), gluten-free churros.
Price:5-7 euros (more expensive than average).
Atmosphere:Modern, stylish, with seating.
Where:Calle de San Bernardo, 4 (near Gran Vía).
Tip:Ideal if you're looking for a modern and gluten-free alternative.
Comparison Table
| Name | Area | Historical? | Price (churros + chocolate) | Tourist ATM | Open 24h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Ginés (original) | Sol | Yes (1894) | 4 € | Very high | Yes |
| Value | Various | No (chain) | 4-5 € | Medium-low | No (until 23:00) |
| 1902 | Atocha | Yes (1902) | 4-5 € | Medium-high | No |
| Santa Ana | Huertas | No (small) | 3-4 € | Low | No |
| La Antigua | Huertas | No | 3.50-4.50 € | Low | No |
| San Ginés Chamberí | Chamberí | Yes (new location) | 4-5 € | Low | No |
| El Brillante | Atocha | Yes (1940) | 4 € | Medium-high | No (until 23:00) |
| Madrid 1883 | Gran Vía | No (modern) | 5-7 € | Medium-low | No |
Churros for Breakfast, Snack, or After the Night Out
Madrid residents eat churros at three times:
Breakfast (desayuno):From 7:00 to 10:00. Churros are a Sunday treat, not an everyday thing.
Snack (merienda):From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Children and adults have snacks with churros and chocolate.
After the nightlife (madrugada):From 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM. After a night of dancing, churros are the fuel to get home. San Ginés is the most famous place for this.
Homemade Churros vs Bar
Homemade churros are rare (the dough needs to be fried fresh). So Madrileños go to the bar. Don't try to make them at home if you don't have the equipment (piping bag with star tip) and hot oil.
Churro Alternatives (Spanish Sweets)
If you don't like fried foods, try:
Porras:Thicker and softer.
Torrijas:Slices of bread soaked in milk, egg, fried, and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon (typical for Easter).
Rosquillas:Fried doughnuts (tontas or listas).
Bartolillos:Fried pastries filled with cream.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Churros in Madrid
What is the best churrería in Madrid?
San Ginés is the most famous and historic. For an authentic and less touristy experience, try La Antigua or Santa Ana.
How much do churros with chocolate cost in Madrid?
3-5 euros depending on the place. San Ginés 4 euros.
Are churros only for breakfast?
No, they are also eaten as a snack and after dinner (or after the nightlife).
What are porras?
Thicker churros (double or triple), softer and less crunchy.
Is San Ginés open 24 hours?
Yes, every day of the year, even on Christmas and New Year's.
Can you get churros to go?
Yes, in all locations. They come in a paper cone.
Do churros contain gluten?
Yes, the dough is made from wheat flour. Some places (e.g., Madrid 1883) offer gluten-free churros.
Can you dip churros in chocolate even if it's very thick?
Yes, that's how you eat them. Dip and bite.
What is the best time to go to San Ginés?
At 8:00 AM or 2:00 AM. Avoid peak hours (11:00 AM-1:00 PM, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM).
Can children eat churros?
Yes, but be careful with the hot chocolate (it can burn). It's better to wait for it to cool down.
A rite to perform
Eating churros with chocolate in Madrid is a rite that every visitor should experience at least once. During yourholiday in Madrid, whether you choose the historic San Ginés, the quiet La Antigua, or the modern Valor, you will immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition. Churros are not just a sweet treat: they are a moment of togetherness, a sweet break in a hectic day, and a memory you will take home. Don't forget to dip them well, leave a bit of chocolate on your lip, and smile. Enjoy!
Read about holidays in Madrid: complete guide.
Review date:April 15, 2026