Madrid: Market Tour & Paella Cooking Class with Lunch

Summary

Shop the market, cook paella and tapas, share a Madrid table

You’ll join a small group in Madrid to shop at a historic market with a local guide, pick fresh ingredients, then cook classic tapas and paella together in a private kitchen. Share laughter over lunch and drinks as you learn not just recipes—but why food means so much here. You might leave full, but also feeling unexpectedly connected.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to actually cook paella in Madrid, not just order it? I did—so I signed up for this day trip that starts at one of those old markets you’d probably walk past if you didn’t know better. Our guide, Marta, greeted us with a grin and somehow remembered everyone’s name after two minutes (still don’t know how). The market was alive—vendors calling out, the smell of oranges mixing with coffee and something salty I couldn’t quite place. We picked tomatoes so ripe they almost burst in your hand. I tried to ask for “pimientos” in Spanish; the stall owner smiled patiently and corrected me, which made me laugh more than it should have.

Afterwards we walked through narrow streets into Huertas—Marta led us behind what looked like a regular restaurant door but turned out to be this bright kitchen space just for us. There was vermouth waiting (sweet, herbal, kind of surprising if you’re used to dry cocktails) and slices of cured meat from the market. We all rolled up our sleeves. Chopping onions with strangers is weirdly bonding—someone always tears up first. Marta showed us how to get the rice just right for the paella; she said “patience is flavor,” which sounded wise until I got impatient anyway.

Cooking together felt messy and real—croquetas that weren’t perfectly round, patatas bravas with sauce everywhere. But sitting down around the table after, eating what we’d made (and more wine than I expected), it felt like we’d known each other longer than a morning. The fruit for dessert was simple but somehow perfect after all that food. Walking out into the afternoon sun, I kept thinking about how food here isn’t just about recipes—it’s about slowing down enough to notice who you’re sharing it with. That’s stuck with me more than any cooking tip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Meet guide near historic market
• Explore market and chat with vendors
• Pick up fresh ingredients
• Go to private cooking space
• Enjoy aperitif of sweet vermouth
• Prepare tapas, croquetas, and patatas bravas
• Eat homemade lunch with beer or wine
• Have seasonal fruit for dessert

Top questions

Is this Madrid cooking class suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it can be adapted for vegetarians if you let them know after booking.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, you eat everything you cook—including lunch and dessert—with drinks included.

Are drinks provided during the experience?

Yes, drinks like vermouth, beer or wine are included.

How many people are in each group?

The cooking class is limited to 12 people or fewer.

Where does the Madrid market tour start?

You meet your guide near one of Madrid’s most historic markets.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, due to safety reasons it’s not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Can people with mobility impairments join this experience?

No, unfortunately it isn’t suitable for guests with mobility issues or wheelchairs.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided market visit in English where you’ll pick fresh ingredients together, an aperitif with snacks from the market, hands-on small group cooking class preparing tapas and paella in a private kitchen space (with all drinks), plus plenty of food for lunch and seasonal fruit dessert before heading back out into Madrid.