This Barcelona Market Tour Skips the Tourist Traps
Looking for a Barcelona market tour that takes you beyond the usual tourist spots? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I wanted to find a food tour that goes beyond La Boqueria and shows where locals actually shop and eat.
That’s why I joined the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born with Devour Tours—to see if it truly delivers an authentic experience.
In this review, I’ll share what’s included, my honest thoughts, and whether this market tour is worth it for foodies looking for a genuine taste of Barcelona. Let’s get into it!
Is the Barcelona Market Tour Worth It?
I went on the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born with Paella Lunch with Devour Tours, and I can honestly say it was absolutely worth it!
This small-group morning tour was led by Jessica, a fantastic guide who grew up in the neighborhood and still lives there today, making the experience feel truly local.
We started at Santa Caterina Market, a quieter, more authentic alternative to La Boqueria, where we tasted olives, jamón ibérico, cheeses, and small sandwiches while getting a glimpse of how locals actually shop. We even stopped at a market bar for a glass of cava!
Next, we visited two historic bakeries in El Born, trying sweet coca bread, pastries, and traditional turrón, before heading to Barceloneta for a classic potato bomba and vermouth at a traditional tapas bar. The tour ended with a delicious paella lunch and wine at a local restaurant.
I left feeling completely full and satisfied, and getting insider insights from a true local like Jessica made it even better.
If you’re looking for a food-focused market tour (with paella) that skips the tourist traps, this is the one to book!
Why Choose Devour Tours?
Devour Tours is one of the most well-known food tour companies in Spain, offering authentic, locally-driven experiences.
What started in Madrid has now expanded across Spain and Europe, all while staying true to their mission of supporting small, family-owned businesses.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Sustainable tourism: They prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients and work with local, family-run businesses to preserve Barcelona’s culinary traditions.
- Insider access: Their strong local connections mean you get reserved spots at popular eateries that are often fully booked.
- Excellent value: Tours include generous portions of food and drinks, plus engaging stories that make the experience both delicious and educational.
- Exceptional guides: Their passionate guides make history and food culture come alive in a fun and approachable way.
- Easy booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it a stress-free option for travelers.
How to Book the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born
The best way to book the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born with Paella Lunch is directly on the Devour Tours website.
What’s great is that they offer free cancellation so if for any reason you need to cancel, you can do so for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.
I’d definitely recommend reserving your spot in advance because they are very popular small-group tours with limited spaces.
The Barcelona Market Tour Experience
Here’s a quick overview of the Barcelona market tour itinerary and what to expect on this tour!
I won’t spoil the names of the restaurants and establishments to keep it a surprise, but it includes a visit to a local market, a food tour of El Born, and a paella lunch in Barceloneta.
Arrival at the Meeting Point
The tour begins in front of Santa Caterina Market on Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, where you’re supposed to arrive 15 minutes early.
Our guide, Jessica, greeted us warmly, gave a quick overview of what to expect, and set the stage for a relaxed yet food-filled morning in Barcelona.
There were only 5 people in my group, which made it feel really intimate and personalized right from the start.
Santa Caterina Market
Our first stop was Santa Caterina Market, a much quieter and more local alternative to La Boqueria market.
The atmosphere is lively yet not overwhelming, with vendors chatting with regular customers–which really gives you a real glimpse into daily life in Barcelona.
We sampled olives, jamón ibérico, fuet, a variety of cheeses, and small sandwiches, all while learning about the region’s ingredients.
Before leaving, we stopped at a market bar for a glass of cava, because what’s a food tour without a little bubbly?!
El Born Bakeries
Next, we wandered into El Born to visit two historic bakeries.
The first, a patisserie dating back to 1852, is known for its sweet coca bread, which we got to see being made on some of the original equipment.
At the second, a fourth-generation sweets shop, we sampled different types of turrón while Jessica caught up with the owners.
You could tell these weren’t trendy, tourist-filled bakeries–they were authentic, time-honored institutions that locals have trusted for generations.
Tapas Bar in Barceloneta
After exploring El Born, we walked toward Barceloneta and stopped at a classic tapas bar with beautiful tiled tables and a laid-back, neighborhood feel.
Here, we tried vermouth paired with a potato bomba, one of the few tapas that is supposed to be truly native to Barcelona.
Paella Lunch in Barceloneta
We wrapped up the tour with a traditional paella lunch at a cute local restaurant in Barceloneta.
The paella was perfectly timed for our arrival, so there was no long wait–just steaming, saffron-infused rice ready to be enjoyed.
Paired with a glass of white wine, it was really delicious and the perfect way to end the tour.
Paella is one of the most famous foods to try in Barcelona and this tour did not disappoint!
End of the Tour
The tour ends near the main market and square in Barceloneta, where you can easily walk to the beach, explore the area, or head back into the city.
Public transportation and taxis are also easily available if you’re heading elsewhere.
Tips for the Market Tour in Barcelona
Follow these tips to make the most of your tour experience:
- Book the tour for the first day of your trip: This tour is a great way to get familiar with the city, learn about local food, and get recommendations from your guide that you can use for the rest of your stay.
- Don’t eat breakfast: The tour starts at 10:00AM, and you’ll be eating plenty! A few people in my group had breakfast beforehand and were too full to enjoy all the tastings–don’t make the same mistake.
- Book in advance: This is a small-group tour, and spots fill up quickly, especially during high season. Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there’s no downside to booking early on the Devour Tours website.
- Get there early: The tour has a strict 5-minute grace period, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time to check in and avoid missing out.
- Be prepared for walking: Most of the tour is on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to explore the charming streets of El Born and Barceloneta.
- Head to the beach afterward: The tour ends in Barceloneta, just a short walk from the beach boardwalk, making it the perfect spot to walk or relax by the sea after all that food.
- Bring cash for tips: It’s best to bring cash (in euros) to tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. You can also tip online but there’s no guarantee that the money will actually get back to the tour guide.
Barcelona Market Tour: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Barcelona walking market tour:
How long is the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born?
The tour lasts 3.5 hours, including food and market stops and a guided walking tour.
What time does the tour start?
It typically starts at 10:00AM, but check your booking confirmation for exact details.
How many people are on the tour?
The group size is small, with a maximum of 9 people for a more intimate experience.
Does this tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it can be adapted for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free (not celiac), dairy-free, non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women. Note any dietary needs when booking, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends near the main square in Barceloneta, where you can walk, grab a taxi, or take public transportation back to your accommodation.
What’s the cancellation policy?
When booking on the Devour Tours website, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Do you need to tip?
Tipping is customary but not required–if you enjoyed the tour, a tip for your guide in cash is always appreciated!
Final Thoughts: Barcelona Market Tour Review
I hope this review has given you a clear idea of what to expect from the Ultimate Barcelona Food & Market Tour of El Born and whether it’s the right fit for you!
If you’re looking for an authentic, food-focused experience that skips the usual tourist traps, this tour is a fantastic choice and easily one of the best food tours in Barcelona.
From tasting local specialties at Santa Caterina Market to enjoying a traditional paella lunch, every stop felt thoughtfully curated and truly immersive.
Plus, with a knowledgeable local guide that knows the neighborhood inside and out, you’ll walk away with great recommendations and insider tips for the rest of your trip.
If you love food and want to experience Barcelona like a local, this is the best Barcelona market tour and is absolutely worth it!
