Barcelona in 1 Day for Couples - Guided market visit to Mercat de la Boqueria with a professional chef
In Collaboration with La Foodieteca. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, intimate 4-hour experience in central Barcelona: meet your chef at La Boqueria, stroll the Gothic Quarter past the Cathedral, then enjoy a premium hands-on cooking class, wine pairing and tasting at La Foodieteca — perfect for couples who love food and shared moments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with La Foodieteca, inspired by the tour La Boqueria Market Tour & Premium Cooking Class in Designer Loft. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided market visit to Mercat de la Boqueria with a professional chef
- Scenic stroll through the Barri Gòtic with Cathedral views
- Premium hands‑on cooking workshop in a designer loft (La Foodieteca)
- Wine & cava pairing while tasting your own creations
- Digital recipes & apron to take home — perfect couple keepsakes
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at La Boqueria at 10:00 for a relaxed market tour, then a short romantic walk through the Gothic Quarter to La Foodieteca for a premium hands-on cooking class, tasting and memories to take home.
Meet your chef at Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
Gather at the main entrance of La Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep) where your chef will meet you to begin a guided tour of Barcelona's most famous market. Learn to choose the freshest ingredients and hear stories behind local specialities — a colourful and sensory introduction to Spanish cuisine.
Tips from local experts:
- Romantic photo spot: the colourful fruit & candy stalls make a lovely backdrop for a couple selfie — arrive slightly early to catch the market at its most photogenic.
- Insider buy: ask your chef about a small jar of Allioli or a wedge of good Manchego to sample later — sharing a bite is a sweet couple moment.
- Practical note (Spring): stalls are busy in May but weather is pleasant — wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and carry a light layer for breezy La Rambla mornings.
Stroll through the Gothic Quarter toward the Cathedral
A 20-minute scenic walk through Barri Gòtic. Wander narrow lanes, pass hidden squares and historic façades, and pause in front of the Barcelona Cathedral for views and photos en route to the cooking venue.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause for a romantic moment on the Cathedral steps — May light is soft and perfect for candid photos of the two of you.
- Cobblestones and small alleys: keep the pace gentle and hold hands — wear shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
- If you'd like a quieter route, ask your chef to take the lesser-used alleys that open onto small plazas (fewer tourists, more atmosphere).
Arrival & Welcome at La Foodieteca — cava & Iberian tapas
Arrive at La Foodieteca, your designer loft cooking venue with Cathedral views. Enjoy a welcome glass of cava and Iberian tapas while the chef introduces the menu and the hands-on plan for the morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a window/terrace-facing spot (if available) for cathedral views — it makes the welcome cava feel particularly romantic.
- Light spring clothing: lofts can be warm during active cooking; remove layers before the workshop begins.
- If you prefer a quieter table, tell the host when you arrive — they can seat couples slightly apart for more intimate conversation.
Hands-on cooking workshop — tapas, paella & sangría
Roll up your sleeves together and cook five authentic Spanish dishes (including tapas, paella or fideuà, sangría and a dessert) under the chef’s guidance. The session is fully interactive so both partners participate in prepping, seasoning, and cooking.
Tips from local experts:
- Cook as a team: split tasks to create playful teamwork — one can stir the paella while the other finishes the tapas plating for a fun, shared memory.
- Ask for a window seat when plating so you can admire the Cathedral while you taste — small gestures (like feeding a bite) can be delightfully romantic.
- Spring timing: ingredients are fresher and lighter — embrace seasonal menus and ask for lighter wine pairings if you plan a leisurely afternoon afterward.
Tasting & wine pairing — savour what you made
Sit down together to taste your creations with carefully selected Spanish wines and cava. Relax, chat with the chef, and enjoy the fruits (and flavours) of your teamwork in a cosy setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a second small bottle of cava or choose a rosé for sharing — toast to the experience and make it an intentional romantic moment.
- Ask the chef for pairing notes to recreate the experience later — the digital recipes make for a lovely couple activity at home.
- If you prefer to linger longer, let the staff know — they often accommodate couples who want extra time for photos and conversation in the loft.
Wrap-up & take-home memories
Finish with photos, receive your digital recipes and aprons to take home, and collect tips for recreating the dishes. Leave with new skills, full stomachs and a special shared memory of Barcelona.
Tips from local experts:
- Before you leave, take a final photo overlooking the Cathedral — the loft’s vantage point is ideal for a keepsake couple image.
- Ask for recommendations for a nearby rooftop cocktail bar (golden-hour suggestion) to extend your romantic day — La Foodieteca staff usually have favoured local spots.
- Keep the digital recipes as a date-night idea: plan to cook the menu together back home for a memorable follow-up evening.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Restaurant, Experience, Meal |
