Paella and Basque Cheesecake Cooking Class in Bilbao

Cook a full Spanish menu and sit down to eat it together

A hands-on cooking class in Bilbao where you prepare Spanish starters, two types of paella, and a traditional Burnt Basque Cheesecake from scratch, guided step-by-step by a local chef in a small group of up to 12 people. You make everything yourself, then dine on your own dishes in a private room with three glasses of local wine or non-alcoholic drinks included. The school sits just across the river from the Guggenheim Museum.

The experience

What do you actually make in a cooking class? Here, you start with local Idiazabal cheese and chorizo cooked in cider, move into two styles of paella (fish and meat), and finish by baking the cheesecake yourself: the one with the famous caramelised top that makes it Basque. A local chef guides you through each step, but you're the one doing the work. All ingredients, an apron, and printed recipes go home with you.

The class runs 3.5 hours and stays small by design: maximum 12 people means you get real attention instead of watching from the back. Beginners and experienced cooks both show up. The pace and instruction adjust to who's in the room. Once everything is cooked and cooled, you move into a private dining room and eat what you've made together. Three glasses of local wine or non-alcoholic alternatives come with the meal, so there's no separate bill for drinks.

The cooking school is located just across the river from the Guggenheim Museum, which puts it within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most of central Bilbao. You bring yourself. Transport from your hotel is not included. Wear clothes you don't mind getting flour on, and arrive ready to work. This is not a demonstration.

What’s included

• All ingredients and materials for cooking.
• apron.
• printed recipes to take home.
• three glasses of local wine or non-alcoholic drinks with the meal.
• private dining room to eat everything you've prepared.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Operated by Gastronomía Bilbao

Is this one for you?Small group size (maximum 12 people) means you get hands-on guidance and real attention from the chef rather than standing at the back of a crowded class. Book this if you want to actually make the food yourself and leave with skills you can use at home, not just watch a demonstration.

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Top questions

What exactly do I cook in this class?

You prepare Spanish starters with local Idiazabal cheese and chorizo cooked in cider, then make two types of paella (one with fish, one with meat), and bake a traditional Burnt Basque Cheesecake from scratch. Everything you make becomes the meal you eat at the end.

Is this class suitable if I've never cooked before?

Yes. The class welcomes both beginners and experienced cooks, and the chef guides you step-by-step through each dish. Small group size means you get personal attention and can ask questions as you work.

Do I get to take recipes home?

Yes. Printed e-recipes for everything you've made are provided so you can recreate the dishes at home.

What drinks are included?

Three glasses of local wine or non-alcoholic alternatives are included with the meal. If you want additional drinks, you can order them at checkout.

How do I get to the cooking school?

The school is located just across the river from the Guggenheim Museum in central Bilbao. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the location is easy to reach by taxi or on foot from most parts of the city.