Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- La Boqueria
- Various speciality food shops
Photos & Highlights
- Barcelona food tour that includes tastings
- Led by a chef or food writer
Tour Description
Barcelona’s vibrant La Boqueria market attracts Michelin-starred chefs and local grandmothers equally. As the center of the city's food scene and epicenter of Catalan gastronomy, the Boqueria offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of gastronomic Barcelona. On this 3-hour La Boqueria Market tour, we'll explore the market and nearby specialty food shops, tracing the history of food in this culinary city. In the company of a chef or food writer, we'll get a basic overview of regional Catalan gastronomy while tasting local specialties.
Barcelona Food Tour in La Boqueria Market
We begin by getting a foundation of Catalan culinary traditions, usually over a cup of traditional hot chocolate at a historic dairy. We'll then move on to La Boqueria, which, although it's now located in newer buildings, was established in the 13th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest markets. We’ll discuss the long history of public markets in Barcelona, from the medieval period to their revitalization in the 1990s.
La Boqueria Market with an Expert
We’ll spend the majority of our time together under the glistening canopy of La Boqueria itself. We’ll venture into the briny, wet stands where fresh fish, shellfish, and an array of mollusks are arranged over beds of ice. We'll stop to examine freshly hunted wild mushrooms or to inhale the salty aromas of cured jamon and embotits. We may sample typical dishes at such famed tapas bars as Pinotxo (for those wanting a closer look at Barcelona's tapas culture, we recommend our Barcelona Tapas Tour). Along the way, our expert guide, a trained food critic, chef, or local historian, will explain some of the origins and provenance of these foods against the backdrop of Catalonia’s rich culinary history and diverse geography.
"We learned so much about Barcelona's traditions and typical food from the region. Our guide gave us a better understanding of the city, its history, and its cuisine."
Catalan cuisine is as innovative as it is economical: No part of the animal is thrown out. Unusual combinations like rabbit with snails (conejo con caracoles) or pigs feet with nuts and peas (pies de cerdo con piñones y guisantes) illustrate the experiments of ancient Catalan cooks. From this lineage of contrasting flavor profiles and economical exploits, Catalonia leads the world in culinary innovation, boasting many Michelin star restaurants and forging new frontiers in molecular gastronomy.
Barcelona Food Tour
Time permitting and depending on the stands we visit inside La Boqueria Market, we may visit a selection of specialty food shops in El Raval and the Gothic Quarter or a modern market building, which contrasts the busier, more visited Boqueria. We may also discuss notable restaurants specializing in “market cuisine” to highlight the interplay between market and restaurant, produce and chef.
Looking for a sweeter experience in the city? Try our private Barcelona Chocolate Tour.
Booking Instructions
Please note any food allergies or intolerances in the Notes box when booking.
FAQ About the La Boqueria Market Tour
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Though Catalan food is traditionally meat- and seafood-based, we will taste some items that do not contain animal products.
Though Catalan food is traditionally meat- and seafood-based, we will taste some items that do not contain animal products.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Some of the shops we visit are small, and many will have a step up to access them. The general route may include small streets with narrow sidewalks; please get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.
Some of the shops we visit are small, and many will have a step up to access them. The general route may include small streets with narrow sidewalks; please get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.
Where You'll Start
175 Reviews
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Very knowledgeable & personable.
Chris
Nov. 22, 2023
Vicky was a fabulous tour guide! We couldn't have asked for a better experience. We started off our tour with in a 100+ year old restaurant famous for its chocolate milk, cheese with honey and walnuts, and chocolate and churros. Then we were off the famous Boqueria Market where Vicky treated us to everything from fresh juices, to cured meats and olives. Vicky showed us all the best of Barcelona including many specialty food shops, another famous market, and to finish a glass of cava and clara at a beautiful music theatre. Vicky even remembered that we were in Barcelona celebrating our ten year anniversary and had a special gift waiting for us at the end! Such a thoughtful, intimate, and special experience. 10 out of 10! Would absolutely recommend and hope to be in this part of the world again to do another tour with Vicky in the future.
Laura
Oct. 18, 2023
Outstanding tour!!
William
Oct. 1, 2023
