Valencia: Paella Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & Market Walk

Summary

Valencia food market stroll then paella cooking & wine

You’ll shop for fresh ingredients at Valencia’s bustling Central Market with your guide before learning how to cook authentic paella in a hands-on class. Enjoy local wine tasting, share laughs over tapas, and savor your own creation alongside new friends. Expect warm flavors, lively stories, and that rare feeling of being truly welcomed into local life.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that saffron?” our guide Carmen said, holding up this tiny glass jar like it was treasure. We’d just squeezed into the Mercado Central de Valencia—honestly, I nearly got distracted by the smell of oranges and that weirdly sweet whiff from the jamón stall. There were locals everywhere, chatting in Valenciano, waving their hands around. Carmen knew half the vendors by name (she got us to taste a tomato right there—so juicy I almost laughed). I didn’t expect shopping for rice and beans to feel like a mini adventure, but it did.

After we’d filled our bags (and my head was spinning from all the colors), we walked over to the kitchen. It was this bright space tucked away on a side street—felt cooler inside, which was a relief because Valencia in June is no joke. The chef greeted us with “¡Vamos!” and handed out aprons. I’m not much of a cook but having my own station made me weirdly confident. Chopping garlic while everyone joked about who would burn the rice first—it felt more like hanging out than a class. The olive oil sizzled and suddenly everything smelled…warm? Like toasted bread and something earthy. We learned why you never stir paella once it’s simmering (I tried and Carmen caught me).

Sitting down together after, with glasses of local wine and little plates of olives and cheese, I realized I’d actually made real paella in Valencia—like, from scratch. Everyone compared their socarrat (that crispy bottom bit), and there was this moment where nobody talked because we were just eating. The chef brought out some kind of almond cake for dessert—I can’t remember the name but it tasted like summer afternoons somehow.

I still think about that first bite—the saffron really does make everything golden. If you’re even half-curious about Spanish food or want an excuse to meet people (or just eat well), this paella cooking class Valencia thing is worth it. Honestly, I left smelling faintly of smoked paprika but didn’t mind at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paella cooking and market visit

• Visit Mercado Central de Valencia
• Buy fresh ingredients for paella
• Attend live paella cooking workshop
• Cook paella at your station
• Enjoy tapas, wine, and paella
• Have a sweet treat
• Return to meeting point with guide

Top questions

Is the paella cooking class Valencia wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include wine tasting?

Yes, wine tasting is included during your meal after the cooking class.

What happens if Mercado Central is closed?

If your tour is in the evening or on Sunday when the market is closed, you’ll skip the market visit and go straight to cooking at a lower price.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Please advise any specific dietary needs when booking so they can be accommodated.

How long does the paella cooking class last?

The full tour lasts longer if visiting Mercado Central; tours without the market last 3 hours.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both meeting points.

Is lunch included in this experience?

You’ll enjoy your own freshly cooked paella along with local tapas as part of your meal.

What’s included

Your day includes picking fresh ingredients at Mercado Central de Valencia (when open), a step-by-step hands-on paella cooking class with your own station guided by a professional chef, local wine tasting alongside traditional tapas and dessert—all equipment provided before returning with your guide.