Chocolatería San Ginés Madrid: Your Guide to Churros & Chocolate

Madrid's Most Famous Churros Spot

Chocolatería San Ginés

It's no secret that churros originated in Spain; they've become a beloved treat worldwide. But if you're looking for the quintessential Spanish churros experience in Madrid, look no further than San Ginés.

Chocolatería San Ginés is hands down the most famous churros spot in Madrid. Having opened its doors in 1894, this iconic establishment has been serving up deliciousness for 132 years as of 2026—that's quite a legacy!

Now, 'famous' and 'delicious' can sometimes be two different things, right? While I wouldn't call it the absolute best churros I've ever had, it's definitely a must-visit for its history and unique vibe. In fact, I've been there three times!

It wasn't because I couldn't get enough of the taste, but rather because I had different friends visiting Madrid, and taking them to San Ginés was always part of the itinerary. It's simply one of those places you have to experience.

So, let's dive into everything you need to know about Chocolatería San Ginés.

Chocolatería San Ginés Madrid: Essential Info

This place is truly incredible, operating 24/7, 365 days a year—a rarity in Europe! While it's incredibly popular and often bustling with people, the turnover is quick as churros are a fast snack. Plus, there's ample seating, even extending to the basement level, so you usually won't wait long for a spot.

Finding San Ginés: Location & Directions

San Ginés is conveniently located very close to Puerta del Sol. Even for someone as directionally challenged as myself, I've managed to find it multiple times, so you know it's easy to navigate from Sol Square.

It's even closer to Plaza Mayor, making it a perfect stop after exploring the beautiful square. You can easily stroll over after admiring the architecture.

After a quick peek at Plaza Mayor (honestly, there isn't much to 'see' beyond its grandeur), it's time to head for some churros!

As you walk through the streets of Madrid, take in the vibrant atmosphere. Madrid and Barcelona, while both Spanish cities, have distinctly different vibes. Generally speaking, Madrid's city center feels a bit cleaner and more polished.

Perhaps it's my fondness for deep green, but I'm quite drawn to the distinctive green facade of San Ginés.

You might notice the full name: Chocolatería San Ginés. The "Chocolatería" prefix literally means 'chocolate shop'.

Most traditional churros shops in Spain start with "Churrería" (churros shop), so it might seem a bit odd. However, a quick look at their website reveals that they handcraft various chocolate products and offer a wide range of chocolate-related items, explaining the name.

San Ginés Menu & How to Order

View the San Ginés menu here

Most visitors come for the classic combo: churros and a cup of rich chocolate. In Spain, it's customary to dip the crispy churros into this thick, almost pudding-like hot chocolate.

When you enter San Ginés, the process is simple: order first! You'll receive a ticket after ordering, then find a seat. A server will bring your order directly to your table.

Prices (approximate, as of 2026, 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD)

Set of Chocolate with 6 Churros or 2 Porras = ~$6

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6 Churros or 2 Porras>

When I visit, even with a companion, I usually just order one set. If you're a true chocolate lover, you might consider one set plus an additional cup of chocolate.

In my photo, you can see I ordered one churros set with a soda. These churros can be quite oily, and the chocolate, while not overly sweet, is still rich. After a few dips, you might find yourself craving something to cut through the richness, which is why I often opt for a carbonated drink.

While churros themselves have slight variations from shop to shop, the chocolate dip can differ significantly. Some places infuse it with cinnamon, others make it incredibly thick, some prefer a slightly thinner consistency, and some are noticeably sweeter.

Honestly, San Ginés isn't entirely my personal style, but its fame and rich history make it an essential stop. It's certainly not 'bad' by any means, and I always recommend it to friends visiting Madrid for the first time.

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of churros con chocolate, I've actually had some truly delicious churros at a spot in Barcelona, which I'll be sure to share in a future post!

While I might have my own preferences, taste is subjective, and San Ginés boasts high ratings on Google for a reason. I definitely recommend trying it at least once to form your own opinion and perhaps compare it with other churrerías.

Just remember that the churros can be a bit oily, and the chocolate is richer than you might expect, but not overly sweet. Enjoy your sweet adventure in Madrid!

Buen Viaje!