Pam was a wonderful guide. She shared knowledge of the history and culture of Barcelona and helped us understand how to eat out in Spain. We keep talking about how the tour set us up to get the most out of our trip - from visiting the markets to enjoying a glass of Vermut with a little salty snack on the side.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Snacks
Excludes
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Our meeting point is in front of the door of Mercat de Sant Antoni, at the intersection of Carrer del Comte Urgell and Carrer de Manso, across the street from the cafe Els Tres Tombs.
Return
- Our meeting point is in front of the door of Mercat de Sant Antoni, at the intersection of Carrer del Comte Urgell and Carrer de Manso, across the street from the cafe Els Tres Tombs.
Itinerary
We will start by dropping into the historic and multicultural El Raval district, first for a carajillo, coffee spiked with Catalan brandy, at an unforgettable neighborhood haunt. From there we’ll make our way to the more upscale bodegas of the San Antoni and Poble Sec neighborhoods.
Here we will take in the history of the neighborhood and its original personality.
Around this wonderful community center, we will find the best bite.
Within the beautiful market, we will visit some interesting stalls on our way to a hidden gem for a beverage.
During the traditional afternoon “vermouth hour,” we will have our vermut done right, which means served chilled with only an olive as a garnish, an old-time soda siphon bottle ready for the occasional spritz, and, of course, a few perfectly paired tapas on the side.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
What a great experience! Our guide, Guillaume, was fabulous! Informative and charismatic! He told us history and culinary experiences, We walked and talked our way around Sant Antoni market and Eixample learning the ways of the city. All of this with great cava, vermut, wine and delicious food to sample.
Fun and educational tour with a small group. Lots of walking and eating. Good times. Our guide was really fantastic - had interesting convos with him about what it’s like to live in BCN. Will check out other tours in other cities!
This is a must do experience if you are in Barcelona! It was a great experience to be able to try bodegas and bars which we would never have thought to go to. We also had the opportunity to try things we either wouldn’t normally order or wouldn’t know to order. I will definitely be booking more food tours with culinary backstreets when I travel in the future.
An interesting evening spent in a less-touristy part of Barcelona.
We really enjoyed the Culinary Backstreets Bodega tour in Raval, the St. Antoni Market and surrounding areas. Can’t recommend it enough. We learned so much and experienced so much of the local culture of Barcelona all while eating and drinking many examples of local tapas and beverages including pan con tomate, Gildas, jamón Ibéricos, berberechos, and cod fritters. Ivan was a fantastic guide who was so knowledgeable and friendly who patiently explained the history of everywhere we went while getting to know us too. Take this tour!
We had a delightful tour with Ivan. We tasted delightful food and beverages, and learned so much about the bodega culture in Barcelona. We always have great experiences with Culinary Backstreets, and it was true again this time.
Really excellent tour with Lynda. A good mixture of history of Barcelona, visiting one of the big markets (am now an expert on the different jamon iberico, very useful) and of course numerous bodegas to try different drinks and food. I really appreciated that we had a range of diffrent drinks - cava, rancio, vermut and several different wines. And we tried Horchata de chufa (tiger nut milk, delicious) and ended with super churros and chocolate.
This was a perfect introduction to the food of northern Spain. Pam explained the history of bodegas and choice a wide array of food and wine for us to enjoy. She was very knowledgeable about the ingredients and source. It was a perfect way to spend our first night in Barcelona.
As always with a CBS tour, the walk was loaded with information, back stories and most importantly lots of delicious bites. Our guide Senem was knowledgeable and passionate. I loved discovering the evening of Barcelona through the bodegas. Much recommended.
What a great time I had! A small group of 4 and a wonderful guide in Senem! She was fun and knowledgeable and gave us a great insight into the bodegas of the areas we visited.
This was such a wonderful tour. We explored places that we would have never found on our own and felt like we got a very authentic experience. Our tour guide, Ivan, was incredibly knowledgeable and educated us on much more than just the food and drink! We learned so much about the history of the area, the architecture and the city planning
We booked for 2 people for our first night in Spain. When we met our tour guide Ivan, he told us no one else had booked (they book up to 7 guests for our tour). I was surprised and grateful they did not cancel, as often places do if they only get a couple of people. My husband and I did wonder if the evening could get awkward, as it was just us and Ivan for 4 hours, and figured we would run out of small talk. Well, no need to worry! Ivan was incredibly adept at making us comfortable. He had so much information to share about every food item, drink, and bodega. We learned an incredible amount about traditional foods and the culture behind them. The food was delicious, the restaurant staff so welcoming, with some great surprises along the way - we felt like honorary Barcelona natives. Ivan also gave us a master class on the history of Barcelona and Catalonia area, even grabbed a map at one point to illustrate. This tour was the perfect way to kick off our Spain trip.
Great tour and amazing guide. Loved it and highly recommend doing this. We were only in Barcelona for a day (cruise) and felt like we got a good taste of food, history and culture in this tour. Do it!
We spent a lovely evening being guided through the bodegas - old, new, traditional and modern. Pam was an amazing guide, carefully explaining the history and giving us insight into the food and wine.
Paola was the best. She gave us such an intimate and special experience we wouldn't have had anywhere else. She had so much knowledge to share and we loved every minute of it. We tried new things (Gildas was a favorite) and used our new found knowledge for the rest of our time in Barcelona.
This is a must do. We had several different types of tours during our stay in Barcelona and this was at the top of our list. All of the tours we took were good in their own way but this one was something we could not have done on our own. Our guide was Pamela who was tremendous and clearly had a great connection with all of the bodegas that we frequented. We were not dropping in as strangers but dropping in as friends due to Pam. Each stop was different -- an historical bodega featuring Cava and the best Iberian ham I've tasted, to a tiny hole in the wall with an appertif that I was not familiar with, to a bustling popular restaurant where we could choose our tapas to finally a modern wine bar featuring Vermouth -- where you could still siphon off any amount you wanted to purchase from their large barrels. It was all fantastic and very congenial. We were primarily in the Raval neighborhood which still feels quite tourist free and "regular". This was a wonderful way to experience a part of the city we might otherwise not have seen as well as drink and eat local versions of foods we might not have tried on our own. It felt very authentic and Pam was the reason for the ease and grace of the tour. Thank you!
This food tour was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona! Paola was so generous with her time and so knowledgeable, not only about the local food scene but also about other food and wine regions in Spain. She gave us fascinating insights into Spanish culinary culture and some valuable tips for places to visit in Barcelona and other parts of the country. It was great to do this at the start of our four week trip so we could use some of our newly acquired knowledge as we visited other cities and towns. A definite must-do!
Paula was the best food guide and tailored our tastings to my nephew's pescatrian diet. She has an amazing knowledge of the region's food and the region in general. I highly recommend Paula!
We had an awesome adventure! Our guide Paola was fantastic. Her knowledge was amazing. You definitely get to see things you would not find on your own.
From the moment we met our wonderful guide, Senem, we knew the day would exceed expectations! My husband and I were the only people signed up for the tour, so we were delighted from the beginning. We went on an epicurean (and alcoholic) journey through the backstreets of Barcelona. Senem was so knowledgeable and took us to places we would surely have passed by if we had wandered independently. Among the many alcoholic activities, we were encouraged to try local vermouth, swig wine from the tasting jug, and add anise to our coffee. Senem greeted the locals with a smile, and her friendly demeanor made us feel like locals wherever we went. I don't want to give too much away, but if you are open to a good time and have an adventurous spirit when it comes to trying new things, you are sure to have a wonderful tour.
Friends suggested this particular tour, as well as a glowing recommendation for our tour guide, Senem. We agreed with them on all counts. Senem was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and welcoming. We learned a great deal about a side of Barcelona that would have been otherwise invisible as tourists, while experiencing some top notch eating and drinking traditions. This is a great way to learn and to see beyond the typical tourist highlights.
What a lovely way to get to know the unique flavors of Barcelona. Pam was an excellent host - personable and knowledgeable. Our experiences were unique and we definitely would not have stumbled upon them otherwise. It was perfect and what we had hoped for.
One of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona. Senem was an extraordinary guide. We had so much fun and we learned so much!
Lior was wonderful. We felt like we had a friend introducing us to new foods and new places we would not have found on our own. It was a great night
Pamela Ferrando, our guide was terrific - she was a font of knowledge about the history of the area around the Mercat de Sant Antoni, the wines poured at the bodegas and the accompanying specialties. A wonderful conversationalist in perfect English, the adventure was indeed a highlight of our visit to Barcelona. Thank you.
My friend and I (mid-30s women) visited Barcelona in February 2025. We had each done tours with Culinary Backstreets before in other cities, and knew that we wanted to do one together -- and we are so glad that we did. The Bodega tour in Barcelona was absolutely amazing. Our guide, Senem, was a dream -- she was incredibly kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable, teaching us not only about the wonderful food culture and history of Barcelona's bodegas, but also the history of the city and how it's changed over the years. She even brought us to a church along our walk that features the only stained glass windows designed by Gaudi outside of Sagrada Familia -- absolutely stunning and such a delightful surprise! Each of the restaurants we visited were vibrant, unique, and delicious. We tried classics like jamón ibérico and pa amb tomàquet, as well as local specialties that we wouldn't have heard of if we hadn't taken the tour. The drinks were also delicious -- we tried cava, golden wine, tinto de verano, vermut, and more. Portions and pours are very generous and make the price tag more than worth it! Come hungry!! Overall would highly recommend this tour, as well as any other that Culinary Backstreets offers.
Wonderful immersion into both the food and culture of Barcelona. Our tour guide, Lior, was super well informed and made the event a high point of our trip.
This is an amazing tour. Sanem is great, she not only showed us the food also edicated us on local culture and people. Highly recommend and I wish we had more time we would have done the second tour by her as well. In culinary backstreet is a wonderful way to get to know local culture and cousin.
We had a wonderful time with Senem touring the bodegas of Barcelona. This was a pretty boozy morning with many samples of wine and vermut, plus traditional food from the market and small shops along the way. You feel like you are getting let in on the secret of the city, especially when she took us to places you would not know were the real hidden gems. Senem was very knowledgeable, personable and friendly. We have been with Culinary Backstreets all over the world and this was one of the best!
We took the bodega tour with Lior and it was fantastic. Truly one of the best tours ever. We learned about the food, traditions, and bodega culture of Barcelona, thanks to our guide, Lior, a literal expert—she is a sommelier and a trained chef! The tour also did a good job replacing a meal. We were not hungry afterwards, so there was no rush to find a place for supper. This tour company’s prices were a bit more than I usually pay for a food tour, but it was worth it. We also got a great little BCN guidebook at the end. (The gelato section in the book is excellent; I can now confirm that Barcelona has a high concentration of artisanal gelaterie that are on par with those in Italy.) 10/10 recommend! PS For lightweights, I recommend *tasting* each of the drinks. No pressure to finish them all!!!
Loot was an excellent guide in every respect. Here selections for food, wine and locations were terrific and exactly what we hoped for. We couldn’t have had a better experience.
We had an amazing time on this tour. Senem was very knowledgeable and clearly loves doing this. She was warm and friendly and looked after me as a vegetarian, making sure I had plenty to eat. She took us to some very cool places we never would have found on our own. Highly recommend!
Lior was amazing. We also had the pleasure of her coworker, Pauola (I am probably spelling that wrong- sorry!) join us as well. You could feel the passion the two have for the city. They had extensive knowledge of all things Barcelona- history, food, wine and more. I felt like I was on the tour with friends I had known for years. Truly an exceptional experience and 10/10 recommend!!
I recently took a bodega tour in Spain with Lior as our guide, and it was fantastic! Lior seamlessly blended history into the food and wine experience, taking us to authentic spots far from the usual tourist traps. The small group size made it intimate and personal, and Lior kept the conversation flowing effortlessly. We discovered local foods and wines we wouldn’t have tried on our own and visited hidden gems we wouldn’t have thought to explore. I highly recommend doing this tour at the start of your trip—it’s a great way to find your favorite local spots. Definitely recommend!
Highly recommend! We learned so much about the Spanish culture through the doors of the bodegas. We now feel knowledgeable about Spanish vermouth and wines, plus a few local dishes. Our guide was passionate and informative. Definitely a highlight of our trip.
Lynda was a wonderful tour guide! So friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We were fortunate to be the only ones on the tour on this particular day and Lynda was fantastic at shepherding us around the city. Would highly recommend!!
• We recently experienced the Culinary Backstreet tour in Barcelona specifically Barcelona Barrio Tradition in Bulk. We were so fortunate to have a truly amazing guide that really made the experience extraordinary. Pam was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that she brought out every detail of each place and each of the food and drinks that made you completely appreciate every detail of the tour experience. Her attention to detail was incredible and she was ready to field every question that was brought up (and it just so happened that there were three biology professors and a math teacher on board). Pam really made the tour. She obviously was extremely knowledgeable about the history and background of each stop and experience, but even more importantly, was concerned about each of the participants feeling comfortable and engaged. Tremendous experience – thank you Pam.
Over the top trip around parts of the city you would never discover on your own. Great experience. Senem was an amazing guide.
This was a fun and informative tour with my adult children and brother. The wine and food were great, and we learned much about the neighborhood and history.
It was amazing!! Paula did an outstanding job in letting us know about the history, customs and tapas/wines of the Barcelona backstreets. The establishments visited were exceptional, as they were small and quaint, and the selections of wines and food samples were great. Highly recommend!!!
Such an amazing tour! Four of us toured the bodegas with Senem - her in-depth knowledge about Barcelona was wonderful. Her appreciation for her adopted city flowed through the tour and made us see these fun haunts through her eyes. Absolutely loved the introduction to the locals hangouts, the tapas and drinks of Barcelona.
Senem took us on the Bodega Tour. She did a great job. Her English skills are perfect. The entire group loved her. We highly recommend her.
Pam was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who made the whole experience great fun. The food and wines sampled were delicious and every stop was very tasty. A great way to see Barcelona.
Our guide, Paula, was amazing! She did a great job of taking my wife and another couple through a neighborhood we wouldn't otherwise have visited and taught us the history of bbdegas in Barcelona. The food and wine were delicious throughout the trip, I found a new favorite Catalan dish, fricando, and we couldn't have been happier. We were all strangers to each other, but the guide and other couple made the experience feel like a meeting of friends instead of just a tour.
Our day with Senem was like hanging out with an old friend. We walked, we talked, we ate and we drank. All along the way, Senem was informing us about the neighborhood and the establishments we visited. We also learned about the fabulous foods and drinks - but in a low key, accessible way so that, by the end of the day, we felt like we had been to a party!
Very interesting walk through the shops of the Gracia district. With the guide Pam, smiling, friendly and very prepared, we tasted many typical dishes of the Catalan tradition. We were with our two daughters aged 12 and 15 who enjoyed all the dishes, from sweet to savoury. Absolutely recommended to discover a less touristic Barcelona.
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