Madrid in 1 Day for Friends - Make classic Paella Mixta (with vegetarian option) in a traditional paella pan
In Collaboration with Travel Vibes. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Hands-on paella & sangría workshop in a central Madrid cooking space. Meet on Calle de la Montera, learn ingredient history, make sangría, cook a mixed paella (with vegetarian option), then share the meal with your group. Ideal for friends looking for a social evening of food, drinks and local tips.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Travel Vibes, inspired by the tour Traditional Taste: Paella & Sangría Workshop. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Make classic Paella Mixta (with vegetarian option) in a traditional paella pan
- Craft and taste an authentic sangría you prepared
- Central meeting point on Calle de la Montera — easy on-foot or metro access
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening cooking workshop — choose the 19:30 start. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to meet the host at Calle de la Montera 24.
Meet the host at Calle de la Montera 24 (outside the tattoo shop)
Arrive 15 minutes early to locate the host waiting outside the ground-floor storefront at Calle de la Montera 24. The group will then enter together and go upstairs to the cooking space.
Tips from local experts:
- Gran Vía / Sol are a 3–6 minute walk — use Metro Callao (L3/L5) or Sol (L1/L2/L3) for the quickest route.
- On weekends the main entrance may be closed; if so, follow the host to the garage entrance — bring the booking confirmation in your phone to show the concierge.
- Bring a small tote or jacket; the rooftop-style photo-lighting upstairs is great for group photos — aim for arrival before 19:25 to grab the best spots.
Quick hand wash and setup
A short hygiene & safety moment: wash hands and get assigned stations and aprons. This keeps the evening flowing and is friendly for group cooking.
Tips from local experts:
- Towels and aprons are provided — tie long hair back and roll up sleeves to stay comfortable while cooking.
- If anyone in your group has allergies, tell the host now so they can adjust your station (vegetarian/seafood-free option available).
- Spring evenings can be mild — there’s good ventilation upstairs, but bring a light layer in case of kitchen drafts.
Group introductions — quick icebreaker
Meet other participants and the chef. The host will assign team roles so everyone gets hands-on time without losing the social vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- This workshop attracts other traveler groups and locals — swap Instagram handles if you want to keep in touch.
- Ask about the chef’s favorite Madrid tapas spot — local recommendations are often the best after-class hangouts.
- If you're a group of friends, ask to be placed together so you can coordinate who handles which cooking step.
Introduction to ingredients & paella history
Short demo about saffron, bomba rice, sofrito, and how regional paellas differ. Good moment to photograph the colorful ingredients.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask about substituting ingredients back home — hosts often share tips for sourcing bomba rice and saffron affordably.
- The chef will show how to smell saffron properly — bring your phone for a quick ingredient flat-lay photo (great for socials).
- Spring produce is fresh in Madrid — ask if any seasonal local veggies are being used in your paella.
Sangría workshop — build & balance your mix
Hands-on sangría making: choose fruits, balance wine with citrus and sweeteners, then taste and tweak. Learn the classic recipe and a modern twist.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the 'white sangría' twist if you prefer a lighter option — ask the host for a spritz of cava for a party-ready finish.
- Taste as you go — hosts encourage small group tastings so you can personalize sweetness and acidity.
- This is a great moment for group cheers and a pre-dinner photo — glassware is Instagram-friendly and supplied.
Paella ingredients introduction (seafood, chicken, & veg options)
Chef explains how each protein and vegetable contributes — guests can request vegetarian adaptation now.
Tips from local experts:
- If travelling in a group, split into two paella teams (meat/seafood and vegetarian) to try both styles.
- Ask for the exact rice-to-broth ratio — it's a key takeaway you can replicate at home.
- If anyone prefers no shellfish, inform the chef now; ingredients and pans can be separated to avoid cross-contact.
Paella preparation — hands-on cooking in the paella pan
Participate in each stage: sofrito, adding rice & broth, timing the socarrat (crispy bottom). The chef guides and demonstrates techniques.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be standing and moving around a cooking station for the main session.
- Savor the smell of the socarrat — when the bottom crisps, it's time to remove from heat; ask to photograph the moment.
- If you want to recreate the dish, ask for the chef's recommended local shops to buy bomba rice and fresh saffron in Madrid.
Tasting: Eat and drink together in a cozy atmosphere
Share the paella and sangría you helped prepare — a festive sit-down to try your dish, ask questions, and trade cooking notes. Recipes are handed out at the end.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a prime time to swap tasting notes and ask the chef for plating tips — photographers love the communal tables and warm light.
- If you're continuing the night, ask the host for a nearby lively bar suggestion — central Madrid has lots of group-friendly options within a 5–10 minute walk.
- Keep any leftovers to-go if available — ask for a container; many groups like to grab a late-night snack en route to nearby nightlife.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Break, Experience, Meal |
