Barcelona stands out as a city that celebrates its culinary diversity, and that includes a thriving vegan and vegetarian scene. Unlike many cities that simply add plant-based options to traditional menus, Barcelona offers dedicated tours that immerse you in its rich flavors and culture. Whether it’s tasting innovative vegan dishes in the lively El Born neighborhood or learning to cook authentic Catalan vegan recipes, there’s something for every plant-based foodie here. One of our favorites is the Vegan Food Tour in Barcelona, which combines local history with mouthwatering bites, making it a great introduction for first-time visitors.
What makes these tours especially appealing is their focus on authentic experiences. For example, the Catalan Cuisine cooking course offers hands-on lessons in preparing traditional dishes like Fideuà and escalivada, all vegan. Meanwhile, the Vegan Paella and rice dishes provide a chance to learn the art of making Spanish classics plant-based style. We’ll guide you through these options, highlighting what sets each apart so you can choose the perfect fit.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at five top vegan and vegetarian tours in Barcelona, each with its own vibe and focus. From walking tastings to immersive cooking classes, these experiences cover a wide range of interests and budgets.
1. A vegan food tour in Barcelona
At number 1, the Vegan Food Tour in Barcelona offers an engaging 3-hour stroll through the El Born neighborhood, renowned for its artistic and lively atmosphere. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the city’s culinary scene alongside its streets. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll visit some of the best plant-based eateries, sampling a variety of delicious Mediterranean and local vegan dishes. The tour also includes insider tips on where to visit and eat afterward, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to get a real taste of Barcelona’s vegan offerings.
What sets this tour apart is the balance between food and culture. You’ll enjoy several stops that showcase both traditional and modern vegan cuisine, with the guide sharing stories about the neighborhood’s history and the city’s evolving vegan landscape. The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, and reviews highlight its 5.0/5 rating based on six reviews — a testament to its quality. The price of $86.73 is quite reasonable for an experience that combines food, walking, and insider tips.
Bottom Line: For a friendly, comprehensive introduction to Barcelona’s vegan food scene, this tour delivers flavor, culture, and local insights in just a few hours.
2. Barcelona: Catalan Cuisine cooking course 100% vegan
Number 2 on our list is the Catalan Cuisine vegan cooking course, a 3-4 hour class that immerses you in authentic Catalan flavors prepared entirely plant-based. This experience is ideal if you enjoy hands-on learning and want to bring home new skills. The class takes place at a dedicated 100% plant-based cooking school, where you’ll learn to make classic dishes like Fideuà, Fricandó, and escalivada—all vegan versions of traditional recipes.
What makes this course stand out is the personalized cooking experience. During the session, you’ll get detailed instructions, tips on ingredient substitutions, and the chance to taste your creations at the end. The instructor’s passion for Catalan cuisine shines through, and the review scores a perfect 5/5 from three participants. Many mention how much they appreciated the cultural insights and friendly atmosphere.
Compared to a simple tasting tour, this hands-on class offers practical skills and a deeper understanding of Catalan food culture. The price of $90 is fair considering the duration and educational value. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to learn a new cuisine or couples seeking a fun activity.
Bottom Line: If you prefer cooking over eating, this class combines education, delicious food, and cultural insights in a highly rated experience.
3. Barcelona: Vegan Paella and traditional rice dishes
Number 3 is the Vegan Paella and traditional rice dishes, a 4-hour experience that focuses on mastering Spain’s most iconic dish—vegan paella. This class is suitable for travelers who want to learn the secrets behind perfect rice dishes while enjoying the convivial atmosphere of a dedicated vegan cooking school.
During the session, you’ll prepare several plant-based rice dishes, including vegan paella, using authentic ingredients and techniques. The guide emphasizes the importance of rice, saffron, and local vegetables, giving you a real taste of Spanish culinary tradition. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5/5 from two participants, praising the quality of the food and the friendly instructor.
What makes this tour special is its focus on vegan adaptation of a Spanish classic, making it ideal for those who love bold flavors and want to impress with their new skills back home. The long duration allows plenty of hands-on cooking and tasting. At $90, it offers excellent value given the quality and depth of experience.
Bottom Line: For anyone eager to conquer Spanish rice dishes in a relaxed, authentic setting, this class delivers the skills and flavors you’ll want to recreate.
4. Barcelona: El Born Vegan Food Tour
Number 4 is the El Born Vegan Food Tour, a 3-hour walk that combines sampling vegan dishes with discovering the neighborhood’s rich cultural and architectural highlights. Starting at Plaça d’Urquinaona and ending at Passeig del Born, the tour is led by a passionate local with over 10 years of vegan experience.
This tour shines in its focus on traditional and innovative vegan cuisine. You’ll visit several carefully chosen stops that highlight the diversity of Barcelona’s plant-based options, from classic tapas to modern creations. The guide shares insider tips on where to explore further and local spots that aren’t listed in many travel guides.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on numerous reviews, travelers love the personal touches and the mix of food and city exploration. The $85 price includes all tastings and the chance to see some of the city’s best-loved sights. The tour’s focus on culture and cuisine makes it ideal for curious food lovers who want a taste of Barcelona’s neighborhood life.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of food, culture, and local insights, making it a top choice for exploring El Born’s vegan scene in a relaxed setting.
5. Barcelona: Vegan Thai cooking course at In Bloom
Rounding out the list at number 5 is the Vegan Thai cooking course at In Bloom. This 4-hour class introduces you to exotic, plant-based Thai dishes like vegan Pad Thai, Tom Kha, and spicy chili vegan fish. It’s perfect for those craving international flavors with a vegan twist.
Held at a dedicated vegan cooking school, this class combines the fun of hands-on cooking with the thrill of tasting authentic Thai cuisine. The instructor shares detailed recipes and techniques, making it easy to recreate these dishes at home. The experience is highly rated at 5/5, with students praising the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn new skills in a cozy setting.
This experience is ideal if you’re looking to broaden your culinary horizons and enjoy a bit of spice from Thailand. The $90 price includes all ingredients, instruction, and tastings, making it excellent value for a full-day culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: For adventurous eaters eager to explore vegan Southeast Asian cuisine, this class offers an engaging, flavorful journey.
How to Choose the Right Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in Barcelona
When deciding between these fantastic options, consider your interests and travel style. If you love walking and sampling a variety of local vegan dishes, the Vegan Food Tour in Barcelona is a great start. For a more hands-on culinary experience, the Catalan Cuisine cooking course or the Vegan Paella class offer deep dives into traditional dishes.
Travelers interested in international flavors might prefer the Vegan Thai cooking class, while those wanting to explore a neighborhood’s cultural vibe should consider the El Born Vegan Food Tour. Budget, time, and dietary interest will help narrow your choice, but no matter what, booking early is wise given the popularity of these experiences.
Final thoughts
Barcelona’s vegan and vegetarian scene is lively, diverse, and easy to access through these thoughtfully curated tours. Whether you prefer soaking up local flavors with a walk, learning to cook traditional dishes, or exploring exotic cuisines, there’s an experience for you. For first-timers, the Vegan Food Tour in Barcelona offers a friendly and flavorful intro, while seasoned foodies might enjoy the hands-on cooking classes like the Catalan Cuisine or the Vegan Paella.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise a delicious way to discover Barcelona’s plant-based culinary side. Be sure to book early, especially in peak tourist seasons, to ensure your spot in these popular experiences.
