Barcelona ranks among Europe’s top cities for culinary exploration and shopping—a perfect blend of lively markets, historic streets, and authentic Catalan flavors. The city’s famous La Boqueria Market isn’t just a place to buy fresh ingredients; it’s a sensory experience that can be enjoyed through a variety of guided tours. One of our favorites is the Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour. With a lively 4.7/5 rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, this hands-on experience combines market shopping, tapas, and unlimited sangria, making it ideal for those who love to cook and eat like locals. Whether you’re after a quick tasting tour or a full-day shopping trip, Barcelona offers a diverse array of food and shopping tours that cater to all interests.
From market-based cooking classes to gourmet food walks, this list covers the best ways to explore Barcelona’s vibrant food scene and stylish shopping districts. Prepare to sample local cheeses and cured meats, learn how to make authentic paella, or shop at designer outlets—there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 15 shopping and market tours in Barcelona, starting with some of the most highly-rated options.
1. Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour
This popular tour offers an unbeatable mix of market exploration and hands-on cooking. Follow the chef through the bustling Mercat de la Boqueria as you select fresh ingredients, then head to a well-equipped kitchen to cook paella, tapas, and sangria. The 3-hour experience, with a 4.7/5 rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, is praised for its friendly guidance and lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to learn traditional Spanish recipes while enjoying unlimited drinks. Guests rave about how interactive and well-organized it is, often mentioning their newfound confidence in making paella at home.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, fun introduction to Spanish cuisine with a market tour and a lively group atmosphere.
2. Barcelona: Paella Cooking Class with Market Visit and More
This award-winning class boasts a 4.9/5 rating from over 570 reviews, making it one of the best in the city. It combines a market visit to La Boqueria, where you pick fresh ingredients, with a full hands-on paella cooking session led by a professional chef. You also craft sangria and sample seasonal tapas, tasting the fruits of your labor afterward. Guests love the energetic guides and the chance to take home the recipes. The class balances local culture, culinary skills, and social fun, making it a standout choice for food travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want an immersive, well-organized cooking experience that includes market shopping and socializing with a friendly group.
3. Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour with Visit to a Local Market
Rating a perfect 5.0/5 from over 430 reviews, this small-group tour focuses on authentic local flavors in the El Born and Barceloneta districts. You’ll explore the Santa Caterina Market, sampling cured meats, cheeses, cava, and paella. The tour offers an intimate look at Barcelona’s food culture with visits to hidden eateries and local markets. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want to try a wide variety of foods and learn about Catalan traditions from a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, personal experience ideal for those who want to explore both markets and neighborhoods while sampling authentic food.
4. Paella Cooking Class Las Ramblas & Boqueria Market in Barcelona
This 4-hour, highly-rated (5.0/5 from 347 reviews) class is perfect for those who want a more comprehensive culinary experience. You’ll visit La Boqueria with a chef to buy fresh ingredients, then cook a 4-course meal near Las Ramblas. The group enjoys wine, and the class is praised for its friendly chef and delicious recipes. Guests highlight the vibrant market tour and the opportunity to learn about Spanish dishes in a lively setting.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a longer, more detailed cooking class with market shopping and wine in a lively part of town.
5. Half-Day Spanish Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour
Rated 4.9/5 from 341 reviews, this smaller group cooking experience emphasizes traditional tapas and market shopping. You spend time exploring La Boqueria, then prepare a 4-course meal with a professional chef, finishing with wine pairings. Guests praise the organized flow, vegetarian options, and the hands-on learning. It’s ideal for those wanting a shorter but focused culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: A quick, engaging way to learn classic Spanish dishes with expert guidance and market interaction.
6. From Barcelona: La Roca Village Shopping Express® Day Trip
Rated 4.7/5 from 579 reviews, this is more about shopping than food. It’s perfect for fashion lovers who want to shop designer brands at outlet prices just outside the city. The luxury coach makes for a comfortable trip, and you can enjoy VIP discounts with your VIP Pass.
Bottom Line: Ideal if style and discount shopping are your priority, and you want an easy day trip from the city.
7. La Boqueria Market and Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona
This small-group experience (5.0/5 from 205 reviews) combines a market tour with a paella and tapas cooking class. You explore La Boqueria, sample 10 different tapas with wine, then prepare your own Spanish lunch or dinner. The guide is praised for making everything approachable and fun.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a culinary deep dive with a focus on local ingredients and traditional dishes.
8. Food, Wine & History Tour with La Boqueria Market in Barcelona
Rated 5.0/5 from 122 reviews, this tour combines culinary tastings with a cultural walk through the Gothic and El Born neighborhoods. You’ll sample cava, ham, cheeses, and local dishes at four stops, learning about Barcelona’s history and culture along the way. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy storytelling paired with gastronomy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in both food and the historical context of Barcelona’s neighborhoods.
9. Private Paella Cooking Class and Market Visit with Personal Chef
Rated 5.0/5 from 59 reviews, this is a personalized experience featuring a private chef. You’ll visit La Boqueria with your own chef to pick ingredients, then cook a paella and sangria together. It’s highly praised for customization and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a customized, private cooking experience with expert guidance.
10. Barcelona Food Tour: Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide
Rated 5.0/5 from 58 reviews, this small-group tour combines market visits with walks through historic neighborhoods. You’ll sample fried fish, ham, cheeses, and pastries at La Boqueria and explore Gothic sites. It suits those who want a well-rounded cultural and culinary introduction.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want local food, history, and a leisurely pace.
11. Market Gourmet Visit and Spanish Culinary Experience in Barcelona
Rated 5.0/5 from 32 reviews, this tour emphasizes learning about the origins of recipes and shopping for seasonal ingredients. You prepare a 4-course meal and enjoy it with your group, taking home the recipes. It’s suited for serious foodies who want both culinary education and tangible skills.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a deep culinary dive with storytelling and hands-on cooking.
12. Barcelona: Street Food & Sightseeing Tour with Local Market
Rated 4.9/5 from 34 reviews, this tour combines street food tasting with historic sights. Starting at La Boqueria, you’ll sample patatas bravas, jamón, and local pastries while exploring narrow streets and local stalls. It’s perfect for foodies who also want sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a relaxed walk with tastings and cultural insights.
13. Barcelona: Market, Tasty Tapas/Food and Gothic History Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 44 reviews, this tour offers a 3-hour excursion combining the Gothic neighborhood with market visits and tastings. You’ll explore medieval streets and learn about local cheeses and tapas.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those interested in history and food in a short timeframe.
14. The Typical Catalan Spanish Market Lunch in Barcelona
Rated 4.7/5 from 30 reviews, this experience centers on a market tapas tasting followed by a lunch of 10-12 tapas. It’s perfect for food lovers who want a relaxed, authentic meal after exploring the city.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a leisurely, authentic local lunch.
15. Barcelona: Paella Cooking Experience + Boqueria Market Exclusive Tour
Rated 5.0/5 from 9 reviews, this tour combines an introductory market tour with a paella and tapas cooking class. You visit La Boqueria, learn about local ingredients, and cook in an interactive setting, then enjoy your meal with sangria.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a comprehensive, personalized cooking experience with market shopping and a relaxed atmosphere.
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Barcelona
When selecting a tour, consider your priorities: Are you after culinary skills? Then perhaps the Private Paella Cooking Class suits you. Want to explore local neighborhoods along with food tastings? The Food, Wine & History Tour blends both perfectly. For fashion lovers, the La Roca Village shopping trip provides an outlet shopping experience at great prices.
Your choice depends on your budget, time available, and what experience excites you most. If you’re short on time, a half-day cooking class might be best. For a more extensive immersion, opt for a full-day market and culinary tour.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona offers a wide spectrum of shopping and market tours to suit every taste. Food lovers will find plenty of opportunities to learn traditional recipes, such as paella and tapas, while shoppers can indulge in designer outlet shopping outside the city. For those seeking cultural insights, guided walks through historic districts with tastings provide an enriching experience.
Two standout options include the Paella Cooking Experience & Boqueria Market Tour for its lively, hands-on approach, and the Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour for its authentic small-group experience. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred times and make the most of your culinary adventure in Barcelona.
