Listings

Often starting with a market visit, these hands-on classes teach you to cook a proper paella (and usually sangria) before you sit down to eat the results. A fun, tasty skill to take home.

A guided run through Gaudi’s greatest hits – typically the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and a Passeig de Gracia house – with skip-the-line entry and the stories behind the shapes. The efficient way to see the essentials.

An evening graze through a handful of local tapas bars with a guide, tasting Catalan small plates paired with wine, cava and vermouth. A delicious, sociable way to eat like a local without the guesswork.

Escape the city to the serrated Montserrat mountain and its dramatic hilltop monastery, reached by rack railway or cable car. Guided day trips handle the transport and often include a wine tasting or the boys’ choir.

A guided wander through the medieval Barri Gotic – Roman remains, hidden squares, the cathedral and centuries of stories a map won’t give you. A perfect orientation on your first day.

Skip the long queues with a guided fast-track tour of the Sagrada Familia, an expert decoding Gaudi’s symbolism as you go. Many options add a tower climb for the rooftop views – easily booked online.