Barcelona: Paella Cooking Class with Las Ramblas Views

Summary

Paella class in Barcelona kitchens above Las Ramblas with wine

You’ll join a small group high above Las Ramblas for a hands-on paella cooking class led by a local chef. Taste your way through Spanish classics—soup, tortilla, paella—and end with Catalan cream and unlimited Rioja wine. Expect laughter, new friends, and views you’ll remember long after dinner ends.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the street and climbed up what felt like a hundred stairs (no elevator, so be ready), right above Las Ramblas — you could hear the city hum even from inside. The kitchen was bright, a little steamy already, and our chef, Marta, greeted us in that quick-fire Spanish way that makes you feel like you’re already part of the group. I fumbled with my apron (still not sure I tied it right) while someone popped open the first bottle of Rioja. You could smell garlic and something sweet — maybe pear? — floating from the prep table.

Marta showed us how to slice butternut squash for this creamy soup I’d never heard of before. She handed me a spoon to taste and grinned when I tried to say “crema de calabaza” — probably butchered it. There were people from everywhere: an older couple from Canada, two friends from Seoul, a solo traveler who barely spoke but kept smiling at everything. We took turns flipping tortillas (the Spanish kind), and there was this moment when everyone just paused to watch the eggs set perfectly golden at the edges.

The main event was paella, of course. Saffron hit the pan and suddenly it smelled like summer evenings by the sea — or maybe that’s just what I wanted it to be. Marta explained every step but let us get our hands messy, stirring rice and sneaking sips of wine between questions about her favorite markets in Barcelona. The view over Las Ramblas at sunset is something I still think about; lights flickering on below while we waited for the rice to crisp up just right.

Dinner felt almost accidental after all that cooking — everyone perched around big wooden tables sharing plates, passing bread, laughing about whose paella had too much salt (mine). Someone poured more wine than they meant to. For dessert we bruléed sugar on Catalan cream with shaky hands, half nervous we’d set something on fire. Walking out later into the noisy Barcelona night, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once in three hours — which says a lot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on paella cooking class

• Arrive at Barcelona Cooking kitchen
• Meet bilingual chef instructors
• Prepare butternut squash and pear cream
• Make Spanish tortilla with tomato bread
• Cook authentic paella
• Enjoy Catalan cream dessert
• Drink unlimited wines

Top questions

Is this Barcelona paella cooking class suitable for beginners?

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

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Yes, unlimited premium red and white DOCa Rioja wines are included throughout.

Does the venue overlook Las Ramblas?

Yes, the kitchen is located above Las Ramblas with city views during your class.

What dishes will we prepare besides paella?

You’ll also make butternut squash & pear soup, Spanish tortilla with tomato bread, and Catalan cream for dessert.

Are food allergies or dietary restrictions accommodated?

Menus can be adapted for most food restrictions including vegan diets—just let them know in advance.

Is there an elevator in the building?

No elevator is available; access is by stairs only.

Are children allowed in this cooking class?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

How long does the cooking class last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect around 3 hours including dinner.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fresh ingredients for every dish on the menu—soup, tortilla, paella, dessert—plus bottled water and unlimited premium Rioja wines throughout. Aprons are provided during class time so you can get as messy as needed before sitting down together for dinner overlooking Las Ramblas.