Madrid in 1 Days - Make classic Paella Mixta (with vegetarian option) in a traditional paella pan
In Collaboration with Travel Vibes. Updated on April 7, 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
More than 25 itineraries in Madrid.
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 |
Why this experience
You'll learn to make paella from a local chef in central Madrid during an evening class—not the tourist version with seafood piled three inches high, but Paella Mixta, the everyday paella that Spanish families actually cook on weekends. The class covers technique: toasting the rice, managing heat, understanding why the socarrat (crispy bottom layer) matters, achieving the right liquid-to-rice ratio. If you prefer vegetarian, the chef adapts the recipe without compromising depth. Alongside the paella, you'll prepare sangria from scratch—how to balance fruit, wine, and sweetness so it tastes like something intentional, not a punch bowl accident.
What makes this matter is that you leave understanding a technique, not just having watched one. Paella is simpler than it seems once you understand the principles; sangria is the same. The class concludes with eating together, tasting what you've made, and discussing regional variations across Spain.
Best for food lovers who want to cook rather than just eat, who are curious about Spanish technique, and who want recipes they'll actually use at home.
Before you go
- Best time: Year-round. Evening classes mean daytime exploring is still available; cooking indoors keeps you comfortable regardless of season.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. All ingredients for both paella and sangria, instruction, and the meal afterward are included.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Prior cooking experience isn't required. You'll stand, stir, and manage heat—physical but not demanding.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothes suitable for a warm kitchen, closed-toe shoes, a notebook for notes or photos of the recipes, water bottle.
- Getting there: Meet in central Madrid (exact address provided upon booking). Metro access is straightforward from most Madrid central stations (Sol, Antón Martín, or Sevilla).
- Accessibility: Standard kitchen setup. Inform the operator of mobility or accessibility needs when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make paella for a large group at home after this? Yes. The paella recipe scales well for 4-8 people. The chef will advise on pan size and heat management during the class.
What if I have dietary restrictions? Vegetarian paella is the standard alternative; other allergies and restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Discuss when you book.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable tour includes a hands-on evening class with a local chef, instruction in making Paella Mixta (or vegetarian variation), sangria preparation and technique, all ingredients for both the paella and sangria, the meal you cook and eat together, and Spanish wine pairings. Operator: Traditional Taste.
Is this a small group or private? Classes typically include 4-8 participants. Request private booking when you book if you want it with family or close friends only.
Complete your trip in Madrid
Explore Madrid's culinary traditions through multiple lenses—technique, history, and casual dining.
- Evening tapas cooking class - rooftop cocktail — Learn broader Spanish tapas technique alongside the paella skills
- Madrid city wine tour and pairing — Extend your food knowledge through wine and traditional Spanish pairings in La Latina
- Madrid in 3 days - Tapas crawl in La Latina — Taste Madrid's culinary diversity across multiple venues after learning to cook
Browse all Madrid itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
