Boqueria Market Tour, Paella Cooking Class, Sangria & Tapas
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Barcelona, Spain
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Unlike other cooking experiences that can be packed full of people, this Barcelona small-group cooking class lets you master the art of Spanish paella in an intimate setting. First, hit up a local market with your chef-guide to pick up fresh ingredients. Once back at the studio, drink local wines and craft your own paella. Come hungry and create a full meal—with skills to take home.
- Explore a local Barcelona market with your chef leading the way
- Learn how to make traditional Paella—and enjoy your creations
- Local sangria, wines, and other Spanish goodies provided
- Group size zapped at 12 for a fun, small-group experience
Sample Menu
Starter
Catalan TAPAS & Pica Pica
- Pan con tomate: Do the signature Catalan move: rub ripe tomato on bread! - Artisanal jamón & cheese platter - Cava welcome drink
Main
1. Golden SEAFOOD PAELLA **Default**
• Prawns • Norway lobsters • Mussels • Squid • Cuttlefish • Bomba rice • Secret sofrito (learn our trick!) • Home made broth
Main
2. Mushroom VEGETABLE PAELLA
Notify in advance for mushroom/Vegetable Paella
Main
SANGRIA
Sangria Workshop - YOUR pitcher: Muddled fruits + Spanish wines - Non alcohol drinks available too (Virgin Sangria, water, soft drinks and juice)
Dessert
Crema Catalana
Custard topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. It's similar to the French crème brûlée. It is made from milk, egg yolks, and sugar
What's Included
- LunchCatalan feast: Traditional starters & Tapas: Artisanal Jamón& cheeses, mussels. Golden Seafood Paella (prawns/lobster/mussels/squid). Free-flowing Sangria, Cava, Wine, soft drinks. Seasonal dessert!
- Dinner️Catalan feast: Traditional Starters&Tapas: Artisanal Jamón &cheese. Golden or BLACK INK Seafood Paella (prawns/lobster/mussels/squid). Free-flowing Sangria, Cava, Wine, Soft drinks. Seasonal dessert!
- Alcoholic BeveragesFree-flowing Sangria, Cava and Wine. Non alcoholic beverages: Virgin Sangria, water, soft drinks and juice
- Paella options: Seafood Paella *DEFAULT* 2. Mushroom/Veg paella available (notify in advance)
- Mon-Sat: Boqueria Market entrance: Rambla 89-91, Look for red umbrella, 5 min before the start time
- Sun/Bank Holiday classes: Meet at Carrer del Notariat, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08001. Extra cooking!!
- 5+ min late for market go directly to cooking school: Carrer del Notariat, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08001
- *NO MARKET TOUR ON SUNDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS (Market Closed). Meet directly at cooking school
- *Gratuity
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- La Rambla, 89, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
MON-SAT → Boqueria Mkt main entrance: Rambla 89-91, LOOK FOR RED UMBRELLA, OPENED 5 MIN BEFORE START TIME. LATE 5+min for Market tour → SKIP market, join us at Cooking School SUNDAY & HOLIDAY (Market closed) → Calle Notariat 8, glass door, Paella Barcelona Cooking School
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Authentic paella is naturally gluten-free
- Short stroll from the market to cooking space 300m (less than 1,000 feet)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Natalie_B
This experience was a hit from every aspect. The tour of the market introduced us to so many delights. The hostess did a great job of building a team environment and getting everyone involved. Oh, and dare I mention that the food was fabulous!
I highly recommend this experience as a way to learn more about and eat authentic Paella.
Reviews
5.0
based on 265 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Sterling_F, Jul 2026
This was just the best experience. John was great, we learned to make the best paella I’ve ever had not to mention the sangria, pan con tomate etc etc. Great tour of the market, gorgeous teaching kitchen and fun small group. We can’t wait to make paella at home. Strongly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Sterling, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. "The best paella ever", now thats what we like to hear (compliments to the chef, YOU)! Our trip to La Boqueria market is very unique vs competitors and often leaves people raving, we are so glad you liked it! We are very proud of our large facility right in the heart of Barcelona, just 300 meters from the market. Thank you for joining us and best of luck with the Paella at home!
Vincent_M, Jul 2026
I'm Vincent from Hong Kong. Chef John was fantastic! He took us to a local market and explained the traditional Spanish ingredients and seafood used in local cuisine. The class was fun, informative, and hands-on. We learned a lot and cooked an amazing paella. Highly recommended!
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Response from Host, Jul 2026
Vincent, thank you for joining us and for leaving a review. The market tour is one of many aspects that separate us from our competitors; we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed it. 'Fun, informative, and hands-on' is exactly what we are aiming for, and obviously, delicious food. Thanks for the recommendation!
Renee_A, Jun 2026
This was an amazing experience. The two chefs were great. Our group had Chef Matteo his instructions were easy to follow. The group got to know each other and had a great time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Delighted to hear about your experience with us, Renee. Paella has always been a community dish best shared with others over stories and laughter. It is so great to read how that Spanish cultural aspect was something that stood out to you, it's just what we wanted you to experience. Thanks for joining us!
Randi_M, Jun 2026
A wonderful experience! We loved it! Amazing chef, lovely atmosphere. Definitely recommend this cooking class experience
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Randi, thank you for the recommendation! It's so great reading how much you enjoyed the experience. We loved having you and would love to see you again one day!
Cynthia_H, Jun 2026
Fun class. Learned so much about making paella. Beautiful cooking school, knowledgeable chef, freshest ingredients. This was a great time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Cynthia, thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience. Fresh ingredients, fun, and educational. That is exactly what we are after. We are so glad that you had a great time. Hopefully, we will see you again one day!
Phincy_T, Jun 2026
Worth every penny! Our chef John was so fabulous! Gave us a tour of the Market and taught us what to look for when buying ingredients for the Paella. Also the actual cooking portion was great too as learned a lot on making Sangria, Paella. Was a great way to end our trip!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Phincy, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us / Chef John and that you found it "worth every penny". Our market tour really separates us from competitors. Sounds like you are leaving Barcelona on a high! Safe travels and we hope to see you again one day!
Andrea_C, Jun 2026
Fantastic experience across the board! The tour through the market to try the ingredients was unbelievable! The chef was absolutely fantastic and made the entire experience excellent. Super relatable and appreciated that he was from the States! Would do this multiple times!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Andrea, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I must say the market tour is really great, we are so happy you enjoyed it. Chef John will love reading this. We look forward to seeing you again and again and again!
Laura_S, Jun 2026
The group leader was so fun. It was neat to walk around the Market to get our fresh ingredients. The wine, food and fun was following.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Laura, we really appreciate the review. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Delighted to read that you enjoyed your time with us. Hopefully we can welcome you back one day!
Amy_S, Jun 2026
This is truly a special experience in Barcelona. Nothing compares to the care and Catalan culture and cooking! The space is gorgeous and you will leave with an education, full heart and belly and new appreciation for Paella, Sangria & Spain!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Amy, that is a really thoughtful review. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are constantly trying to ensure that the class is educational, cultural, and fun. It also helps that we use quality ingredients and it's delicious! Thank you for jopining us and hopefully we will see you again soon.
Judi_B, Jun 2026
Chef Maria was fantastic. She is vet interesting to listen to. I learned so much about the history of paella, how to cook all the different seafood and how to make sangria. She made the whole experience entertaining, very enjoyable and fun.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
You really captured what we are trying to create, Judi: something educational, entertaining, and fun. Chef Maria is delighted reading reviews. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! "Best paella cooking class" now that is what we like to hear!
Terry_S, Jun 2026
We had a wonderful experience learning to cook seafood paella, sangria and soffrito! Maria was an excellent teacher and was a lot of fun! We enjoyed meeting the people in our group.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Terry thank you for taking the time to write a review. We really appreciate you joining us. It's so great reading how wonderful you found the class and your chef Maria.
Lydia_v, Jun 2026
We had the best experience . We always take a cooking class when we travel and this one was right up there with the best . We especially enjoyed the market tour beforehand. Chef Matteo was an informative and fun instructor .
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Lydia, thanks for mentioning the market tour, it really separates us from competitors. We are delighted to read how much you enjoyed it. Thank you for the review, and hopefully, we see you again one day!
Martha_M, Jun 2026
Our chef and guide, born, raised in Barcelona but also world traveled; was fabulous. She was full of knowledge and enthusiasm without being overbearing in any way. A master at hospitality and grace.
We learned such great hands on details for prepping seafood that I’m psyched to try at home now. A joy to spend time w a genuine spanish chef.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Martha, thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We are delighted to read how much fun you had and that you enjoyed your time with Emma! Best of luck recreating the paella at home for friends and family that could not join!
Domingo_M, May 2026
Mateo gave us a pleasant and grounded experience, took us in a journey, touching on history, meanings, food and spices to recipe and paella cooking while savoring appetizers wine and sangria in a slow steady and intentional pace with a unique style and grace. Made our day, we have memories, recipes and skills to share… thank you
Response from Host, May 2026
That is so great to read. You really captured what we are trying to create. Educational, fun and memorable experience. Thank you for joining us. Hopefully we will see you again one day!
Hayley_M, May 2026
This space is gorgeous. Not only did we make Paella, we also made Sangria and they had small charcuterie plates ahead of time with wine. This was our families favorite thing to do in Barcelona!!
Response from Host, May 2026
"Our families favorite thing to do in Barcelona". Wow Hayley, thanks for those kind words. We are delighted to read how much you enjoyed your time with us. What a lovely family memory! Thanks for joining us!
Brenda_W, May 2026
Come hungry! There is a little bit of walking and I’d recommend dressing for the kitchen to be a little warm. You will have a fabulous time. We had Emma as our chef and she is so wonderful. It was a small group of 8 and it was also nice to meet some other travelers and share a meal with them.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for the review Brenda! We really appreciate you joining us. Chef Emma will be delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the class.
Melissa_S, May 2026
Lot of fun and provided us with much cava and sangria. School was clean with chic vibe.
Learned how to cook paella and make sangria.
Met a lot of nice people while cooking.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for the review, Melissa! We really appreciate it. It was so great reading how much fun you had, how you enjoyed the location's vibe, and walked away with some new friends! Paella is all about community. Thanks for joining us!
paul_S, May 2026
First, great experience with Matteo. We had two teenage boys with us and he included them in the entire process, shopping and cooking. A very enjoyable experience/night.
Response from Host, May 2026
That is fantastic to hear! We always want to ensure that everyone is involved no matter the age or skill level. We are so happy to read how much you enjouyed your time with us! Thank you.
KIMBERLY_W, May 2026
Your group will meet at the main entrance of the market. We were told to look for a red umbrella. The market is full of red umbrellas so a bit confusing. Our chef met us at the front entrance after we texted for more detail. He was holding a (closed) red umbrella but not easy to spot. Maybe try holding something more obvious (a pink flamingo??) Anyway, once our group of 12 found each other we were given small headsets to use as we traversed the market selecting items for our cooking class. Chef was explaining how to select certain items via headset. Some worked/some did not so we Eventually we gave up on headsets and continued without these devices. Market is bustling and vendors don’t like groups blocking their space so it’s difficult for a group that size to lean in to hear what chef is explaining.
Once we had our items, we moved out of the market and walked about a block to the cooking class location. NOW the fun began!! Everything from this point on was exceptional. We were met with a small sit down of wine, cheese, meats nuts & got to know a bit about chef Matt & how things would proceed. We broke Into small groups to prepare ingredients for our paella, including fabulous sangria. We learned a lot but had so much fun together. Chef Matt is so knowledgeable but also very funny & witty. He has everything planned to perfection and we succeeded in making the most wonderful dish of paella and a smaller second one for someone in our group with a shrimp allergy. So accommodating on our behalf. We sat down together and had the most fabulous meal and thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Highly recommend this and kudos to Chef Matt for making our day so much fun!!!
Response from Host, May 2026
Kimberly, wow thanks for the detailed breakdown and for the 5 stars even though there were a couple areas we can improve. Definitely noted that as a minimum the umbrella needs to be open and we will investigate an alternative option seeing as a red umbrella is common, thanks for that! The headsets are fantastic for everyone to be involved in a busy market (if they are all working, and if we ensure that all guests know how to use them). We will check them all and train all chefs on how to use them + educate guests. We are so delighted to read how much fun and how fabulous the experience was after that! Chef Matt and all our chefs really try their best to be educational, fun and accommodating. Thanks for the recommendation and fantastic review that we can use to get better!
Jeff_G, May 2026
One of the best excursions we’ve done! Maria is an absolute pro - both as a chef and tour leader. We learned so much about how to shop for a cook a delicious paella. My wife doesn’t eat seafood, so she cooked her own chicken and sausage paella. It was so much fun. Totally recommend this tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Jeff, great to hear you foud the class educational, fun, and that chef Maria adapted to the needs of the group. We really appreciate the recommendation and are super proud to be labled "the best excursion you've done"! Thanks for joining us!
Joyelle_F, May 2026
Such a lovely experience! Walking through the market you learn about how things are prepped and what to look for when picking items. The cooking part went at a good pace and we had fun doing it! Would do this class again.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for joining us and leaving the review. We really appreciate it. We are glad that you enjoyed the whole experience from market to plate and hope to see you again one day!
John_V, May 2026
Awesome experience! We met Miguel outside the market and he introduced us to the ingredients we would use in our Paella. Beautiful kitchen and table setting for our class. Would highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks John, great to hear you found it awesome. Proper full experience from the full market tour, beautiful kitchen and lovely paellas. Thanks for the recommendation to others, it is really appreciated!
RONALD_W, May 2026
Very social experience while learning the basics of making a seafood paella. Lots to eat and drink. Some things had to be prepared in advance so we didn’t prepare the sofrito as part of class.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the review, Ronald. It's great to hear that you found the class both social and educational. Paella is a community dish best enjoyed with others! While fresh sofrito is good, it reaches its "peak" after 24 hours because the chemical compounds in the garlic and herbs have had time to fully infuse into the moisture and oils. We still enjoy teaching you the secrets to it!
SHARON_W, May 2026
Everything was very nicely done the food was great. They catered to all of our food allergies. The chefs had a very nice instruction. A lot of hands on work with class
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review. They mean so much to us. We are glad to hear you got your hands dirty and then were able to enjoy the "great" fruits of your labour. We would love to welcome you back one day!
Whitakerhome, May 2026
Chef Maria is one of a kind & her joy in teaching others to LOVE cooking was evident. My son & his 5 roommates had a memorable night. She had them cooking & laughing through all their tasks. Oh & the event space & kitchen is gorgeous. 1000/100 recommend her to anyone. Look no further BOOK THIS ONE!
Response from Host, May 2026
What a lovely review. Thanks for taking the time to write that. "1000/100" haha love that, and couldn't agree more! We take great pride in our facilities, and it's not very common to find something as spacious and comfortable in the heart of the city. Chef Maria will be delighted when she sees this. Thank you for your kind words!
Brianna_K, May 2026
Great experience with other travelers, had a lot of fun and learned some culinary best tips! Chef and her daughter both were extremely welcoming.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for joining us and for leaving a review! So glad you had so much fun and also learnt a few tips. Hopefully, we will see you again one day.
LAURIE_A, Apr 2026
Loved shopping for the food and so much fun all cooking together. The Paella was fabulous!
Well worth taking this event! Loved it!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Laurie! Thanks for your kind words and the 5-star review. We loved having you. Thanks for choosing us. Very glad that you found the paella "Fabulous". Hopefully, we will see you again one day!
Kristine_M, Apr 2026
Every detail from start to finish is well thought out. The paella was incredible and I can’t wait to try to make it at home. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for joining us and for the review! It means a great deal to us. Compliments to the chef (YOU) for the incredible paella. We would love to welcome you back one day and hear all about the recreation at home!
Anonymous, Apr 2026
What a fun, educational experience. From the amazing Barcelona market shopping tutorial to the expert seafood Paella building experience, it was an evening of firsts. I didn't know that squeezing the spleen was a thing in the kitchen, or how to properly prep Prawns but Maria showed us the wonders of the Mediterranean cuisine. Lots of wine, great information, laughs and delicious Paella.
If you're looking for a unique experience in Barcelona, this is it!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
It's so great hearing the experience from your perspective, it is exactly what we are going for. We take a lot of pride in our unique market tour and always focus on the classes being educational and fun. We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the experience and Maria will be very happy when I pass the feedback on. Thank you for joining us.
Ethan_N, Apr 2026
Amazing experience! Buy fresh ingredients from La Boqueria market before a short walk to a beautiful kitchen to make authentic paella. Meet some great people, drink sangria and eat amazing Spanish food. A must for anyone wanting to have some fun in Barcelona and eat good!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Ethan, great summary and thanks so much for sharing your experience! We are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and we would love to welcome you back one day!
From $116.31
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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