Barcelona: Hidden Markets, Tapas & Paella Food Tour

Barcelona’s vibrant culinary scene comes alive on the "Hidden Markets, Tapas & Paella Food Tour." Over 3.5 hours, you’ll explore bustling markets, savor traditional Catalan treats, and indulge in local wines and a delightful seafood paella. With a small group, you’ll learn about the city’s authentic flavors and culture. But the experience doesn’t stop there – the tour offers a glimpse into the hidden gems that truly capture the essence of Barcelona’s gastronomic delights.

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour food tour explores the Born and Barceloneta neighborhoods of Barcelona, visiting local family-run establishments and the vibrant Santa Caterina market.
• Participants will sample a variety of traditional Catalan pastries, sweets, and local wines, as well as enjoy a seafood paella feast at a seaside restaurant.
• The tour provides insights into the area’s history, culinary traditions, and the tapas and wine culture of Barcelona.
• Guests can experience the bustling energy of the Santa Caterina market and enjoy the seaside ambiance of Barceloneta.
• The tour is limited to 9 participants and is available in English, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 3.5-hour "Barcelona: Hidden Markets, Tapas & Paella Food Tour" provides an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Barcelona.

Priced from SEK 961 per person, the tour is limited to 9 participants and available in English.

A limited group of 9 participants can join this English-language tour for SEK 961 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour allows guests to explore the Born and Barceloneta neighborhoods, visiting local family-run establishments and a vibrant market.

Participants will sample over 11 delicious food items and 3 local drinks, learning about tapas and wine culture, and enjoying a seafood paella feast paired with local wine.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the vibrant Mercado de Santa Caterina, where participants can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this local market.

They’ll then visit the nearby Brunells for a taste of traditional Catalan pastries, followed by a stop at Torrons i dolços La Campana for a sampling of local sweets.

The next stop is Bodega La Peninsular, a historic wine cellar, where guests can learn about the region’s wine culture.

The tour culminates with a feast of seafood paella at Restaurante Can Ramonet, complete with local wine, in the charming Barceloneta neighborhood.

Exploring Born and Barceloneta Neighborhoods

As guests embark on the Barcelona food tour, they explore the historic neighborhoods of Born and Barceloneta.

In the Born district, they discover local family-run establishments and the vibrant Santa Caterina market. Here, they learn about the region’s tapas and wine culture while sampling delectable bites.

Journeying into Barceloneta, they enjoy the seaside ambiance, visiting a classic bodega and savoring a seafood paella feast.

Throughout the tour, guests gain insights into the area’s rich history and culinary traditions, experiencing Barcelona’s local flavors and authentic charm.

Visiting Local Family-Run Establishments and a Vibrant Market

Guests on the Barcelona food tour visit several local family-run establishments and the vibrant Santa Caterina market.

They explore the historic Born and Barceloneta neighborhoods, discovering:

• Brunells, a traditional charcuterie shop selling artisanal meats and cheeses

• Torrons i dolços La Campana, a family-owned confectionery specializing in Spanish nougat and sweets

• Bodega La Peninsular, a century-old wine cellar offering tastings of local vintages

At the lively Santa Caterina Market, guests sample fresh produce, regional delicacies, and enjoy the bustling energy of this beloved food hub.

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Sampling Delicious Food Items and Local Drinks

Throughout the Barcelona food tour, guests savor over 11 delicious food items and 3 local drinks.

At the Santa Caterina Market, they indulge in iconic Catalan treats like manchego cheese and Iberian ham.

Guests indulge in iconic Catalan treats like manchego cheese and Iberian ham at the Santa Caterina Market.

Next, they sip on vermut, a traditional Spanish aperitif, at Brunells.

Later, they sample turron, a classic Spanish nougat, at Torrons i dolços La Campana.

At Bodega La Peninsular, they enjoy diverse tapas washed down with regional wines.

The tour culminates in a seafood paella feast accompanied by local wine at Restaurante Can Ramonet, providing a true taste of Barcelona’s vibrant culinary scene.

Learning About Tapas and Wine Culture

One of the highlights of the Barcelona food tour is the opportunity for guests to learn about the local tapas and wine culture.

The guide provides insights into the history and traditions behind these iconic Spanish culinary experiences:

• Tapas are small, shareable plates that are an integral part of Spanish social life. Guests learn how these bite-sized dishes allow for communal dining and conversation.

• The tour also explores the diverse and rich wine culture of the region. Guests sample local wines and discover how they pair perfectly with the tapas dishes.

• Throughout the experience, the guide offers engaging commentary on the evolution of these beloved Spanish gastronomic traditions.

Enjoying a Seafood Paella Feast

Towards the end of the Barcelona food tour, guests indulge in a seafood paella feast at Restaurante Can Ramonet.

Paella, a quintessential Spanish dish, is served piping hot from the pan. The flavorful rice is infused with the briny essence of shrimp, mussels, and squid.

Paella, a quintessential Spanish dish, with flavorful rice infused with the briny essence of shrimp, mussels, and squid.

Paired with a glass of local Spanish wine, the meal transports guests to the vibrant coastal neighborhoods of Barcelona.

The guide shares insights into the cultural significance of paella, encouraging guests to savor each bite and sip.

This shared dining experience caps off the tour, leaving guests satisfied and eager to return to explore more of Barcelona’s culinary delights.

Important Information and Accessibility

The food tour meets at Mercat Santa Caterina, located at Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003 Barcelona.

Participants should arrive 15 minutes early and look for a guide with a red bag or Devour Tours sign.

Attendees are advised to bring:

• Passport or ID

• Comfortable shoes

• Water

The tour isn’t suitable for guests with mobility impairments, vegans, or those with gluten intolerance (not celiac).

However, it can be adapted for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free (not celiac), non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The availability of the tour is not explicitly stated. However, it notes that it’s "Likely to sell out; check availability for starting times," suggesting the tour may not be available every day of the week.

Are Vegetarian Options Available for the Paella Course?

The tour is adaptable for vegetarians, and offers non-meat paella options. According to the details, the tour can accommodate various dietary requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free requests, though not for vegans or those with celiac disease.

Can We Request Stops at Specific Tapas Bars?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific requests. Guests can request to visit particular tapas bars or adjust the itinerary based on their preferences, subject to the guide’s approval and availability.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, covering approximately 2 miles throughout the 3.5-hour experience. Guests can expect to walk between food stops and through vibrant neighborhoods, with breaks provided to rest and enjoy the local cuisine.

Is Transportation Between Different Venues Provided?

No, transportation between the different venues is not provided. Participants are expected to walk between the various food stops and markets during the 3.5-hour food tour. The tour itinerary covers nearby neighborhoods that are explored on foot.

The Sum Up

This Barcelona food tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Visitors can enjoy the local culture, sample traditional Catalan delicacies, and savor a delightful seafood paella. With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate and authentic experience, making it a must-do for foodies visiting Barcelona.

You can check availability for your dates here: