Barcelona: Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Walk

Summary

Hands-on paella cooking after exploring La Boqueria market with local chefs in central Barcelona

You’ll shop alongside local chefs at Barcelona’s Boqueria Market, pick out fresh ingredients together, and then cook classic dishes like paella and Spanish tortilla in a relaxed kitchen near Las Ramblas. Expect laughter over wine, hands-on tips from bilingual chefs, and recipes to take home—a real taste of Barcelona that lingers long after lunch.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this one,” said Marta, nudging a tiny wedge of manchego into my hand as we squeezed between olive stalls in La Boqueria. I’d barely arrived when she started chatting with the vendors—some of them greeting her like family. The market was louder than I expected, all clattering pans and bursts of Catalan, but somehow it felt welcoming. I kept getting distracted by the colors—piles of tomatoes so red they looked fake, that sort of thing. We picked out shrimp for the paella and Marta let me smell wild mint for the gazpacho; I’m not sure I’ve ever paid this much attention to herbs before.

Back at the kitchen near Las Ramblas, aprons on, we circled a big wooden table. There were folks from Sweden and Brazil in our group (and one kid who kept sneaking olives). Our chef—Carlos this time—walked us through each step without making anyone feel silly for asking how to crack an egg or slice onions thin enough. I tried saying “pa amb tomàquet” properly but got laughed at (in a good way). Cooking Spanish tortilla was trickier than YouTube makes it look; mine fell apart but still tasted like heaven. The smell of saffron hit me as we stirred the paella rice, and honestly, that’s stuck with me more than any photo could.

Lunch turned into something social—wine glasses clinking, people swapping travel stories while spooning Catalan cream for dessert. The recipes came home with us (PDFs in my inbox before dinner), though I doubt I’ll find tomatoes quite like those outside Barcelona. It wasn’t just about learning to cook; it felt more like being let in on something locals actually do together. If you’re wondering about a paella cooking class in Barcelona, well—I’d go again just for that first bite after all the work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market tour and paella cooking class

• Visit La Boqueria market
• Meet local vendors
• Select ingredients for cooking
• Return to kitchen
• Prepare four-course menu
• Enjoy unlimited wines

Top questions

How long does the paella cooking class last?

The tour and class together take about four hours.

Is lunch included during the cooking class?

Yes, a full lunch is included as part of the experience.

Where does the tour start?

The experience starts near Las Ramblas with a guided walk through La Boqueria market.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Unlimited wines are included throughout the cooking class.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, menus can be adapted for any food restriction including vegan options.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome—from beginners to experienced cooks.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Do we get copies of the recipes?

You’ll receive PDF recipes by email after the class.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through La Boqueria market with local chefs, all kitchen tools needed for cooking back at their space near Las Ramblas, unlimited wine throughout your hands-on lesson, lunch featuring your own creations (like paella and Catalan cream), plus PDF recipes sent straight to your inbox—and an apron to use during class.