Barcelona: Markets Walking Tour & Private Food Tasting

Summary

Wander Barcelona’s lively markets, taste Catalan flavors, hear local stories and end with a private wine & cheese session if you want

You’ll wander through Barcelona’s iconic markets with a local guide, tasting olives and nougat as you go. See colorful roofs at Santa Caterina, laugh at quirky Catalan traditions, and if you choose the upgrade, finish with a cozy wine and cheese session led by a sommelier. It’s lively but also personal—a real slice of city life.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first thing that hit me at La Boqueria: this sharp, almost sweet smell of fruit—mangoes, maybe?—mixed with something savory from one of the stalls. Our guide, Marta, waved us over to a counter where a man was slicing jamón so thin it looked like stained glass. I tried to say “gràcies” but probably butchered it; the vendor just grinned and handed me an olive. It was salty and briny and for some reason reminded me of summer even though it was barely spring.

Walking down La Rambla felt like being inside someone else’s memory—flower stalls everywhere, people drifting in every direction. Marta pointed out the Miró mosaic under our feet (I’d have missed it), then told us how this whole street used to be a river. There was this guy selling tiny caganer figurines in a shop window—she explained what they meant in Catalonia and honestly I had to laugh. Never thought I’d learn about bathroom humor on a Barcelona food tour.

The Santa Caterina Market is quieter than Boqueria but the roof is wild—like scales on a dragon or something. Inside, we stopped near some ruins where sunlight came through these colored windows and made everything look warmer than it really was outside. We tasted nougat here (so sticky) and talked about how families come every week for groceries, not just tourists. It felt different—less rushed maybe.

If you go for the food & wine tasting at the end (we did), you get this private room in El Born Market where the sommelier pours wines you’ve probably never heard of. The bread with tomato is messy but good, and there was this blue cheese that surprised me—I didn’t expect to like it but now I kind of crave it sometimes. Everyone started talking more after the second glass; even Marta shared her favorite spots for late-night snacks. I left feeling full in all ways, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Barcelona markets and landmarks

• Visit La Boqueria Market
• Walk along Las Ramblas promenade
• Explore Santa Caterina Market and monastery ruins
• Visit Santa Maria del Mar church
• Stop at caganer shop
• Tour El Born Market cultural center
• Optional food and wine tasting upgrade

Top questions

How long does the Barcelona markets tour last?

The walking tour typically lasts around 3 hours, with extra time if you add the food & wine tasting upgrade.

Is food included on the Barcelona markets tour?

Yes, small tastings like olives and nougat are included during the market visits; more food is included if you choose the tasting upgrade.

Are drinks included in the optional tasting?

If you book the upgrade, premium Catalan wines are served during the private tasting; soft drinks are available for guests under 18.

Is this Barcelona food tour wheelchair accessible?

The walking tour route is wheelchair accessible; however, the optional food & wine tasting room is not accessible by wheelchair.

Which markets are visited on this Barcelona day trip?

The tour visits La Boqueria Market, Santa Caterina Market, and El Born Market along with stops at Las Ramblas and other sites.

Can I buy extra food during the market tour?

Yes—you’ll have some free time to purchase additional items at each market if you wish; your guide can recommend what to try.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide leads tours in English; check availability for other languages when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through La Boquería Market with small tastings like olives or nougat along the way, time to explore Las Ramblas’ cafes and flower stands, entry into Santa Caterina Market to see its famous roof and medieval ruins, plus an olive oil tasting in El Born. If you choose to upgrade at booking, there’s also a private session with cured meats, cheeses, Catalan tomato bread and wines led by both your guide and a dedicated sommelier before heading out into Barcelona again.