Bilbao isn’t just about striking architecture and museums. It’s also a city where food is celebrated with passion and craftsmanship. For travelers eager to get hands-on, Bilbao offers a fantastic variety of immersive cooking classes and workshops that deepen your understanding of Basque cuisine. We’ve especially enjoyed the Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class (more details here), which pairs expert instruction with a lively atmosphere—perfect if you want to learn local bites in a friendly setting. Whether you’re interested in mastering small-group immersive experiences or exploring traditional pintxos, Bilbao’s food workshops promise authentic fun and tasty results.
If you’re planning your trip and want a well-rounded culinary experience, you’ll find these classes are a great way to connect with local culture and pick up new recipes to impress friends back home.
1. Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao
At number 1 on our list is the Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class, which has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 49 reviews. This 2.5-hour class provides a true taste of Bilbao’s culinary soul, led by a knowledgeable Basque chef who introduces you to the region’s key ingredients and spices. The class is held in a modern kitchen where you’ll be involved in preparing classic pintxos—tiny bites often topped with seafood, ham, or cheese, typical of Basque bars.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of hands-on cooking and storytelling. You’ll learn the history behind each dish while getting practical tips for replicating these recipes at home. Participants rave about the warmth of the host, Mikel, and how engaging the class is. One reviewer called it an “excellent experience” that made them feel like family. The price of $114.64 per person reflects its detailed instruction and the quality of the ingredients used.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups or first-timers eager for expert guidance on Basque cuisine, especially if you love learning in a lively, welcoming environment.
2. Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao with Open Bar
For around $172, the Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class offers a 3.5-hour deep dive into local ingredients and techniques. Led by Chef Mikel Larrañaga, this experience emphasizes seasonal products directly from the market and includes an open bar with local wines—adding a festive touch. The small group setting ensures everyone gets plenty of attention, and you’ll enjoy cooking La Gilda, Marmitako, Txuleta, and more.
Guests often mention how fun and engaging Mikel is—an instructor who combines passion with humor. One reviewer called it “an incredibly fun” experience, and many were surprised by how many different dishes they mastered in a single session. This class is ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive cooking experience with lively company and a more immersive feel, plus the opportunity to enjoy your own culinary creations paired with local wine.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who value a relaxed, social atmosphere and want to learn how to cook multiple authentic Basque dishes in one sitting.
3. Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao
This Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class offers a 2-hour experience in a cozy mountain villa, where seasonal produce is grown on-site. The intimate setting, with just a small group, lets you focus on mastering the art of Basque tapas while enjoying local Spanish wine, cheese, and olive oil. The chef guides you through creating several pintxos, sharing local stories along the way.
Guests rave about the chef’s personable approach, with one praising the “great slicing, dicing, and learning” in a well-organized setting. The highlight is sitting down together after cooking to sample your creations in a scenic, private environment. For $115, this class offers personalized attention and combines culinary skill-building with cultural insights.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a more relaxed, scenic experience with hands-on cooking and tasting, especially if you enjoy combining food with local scenery.
4. Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao
The Paella Cooking Class is a 3.5-hour session where you’ll learn how to cook the iconic Spanish paella, along with sangría and other Spanish favorites like Padrón peppers and gazpacho. For $150.39, you’ll meet a friendly local chef in a welcoming venue, preparing 2-3 starters, a flavorful paella, and a dessert.
Guests mention how much they enjoyed the storytelling aspect, with one saying the “technique for creating the broths was a learning experience.” This class is ideal if you want to master the art of paella and appreciate learning traditional cooking methods in a lively atmosphere. You’ll also get to enjoy your dishes with the group, which enhances the communal feel.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers seeking a comprehensive, hands-on culinary adventure that covers a variety of classic Spanish dishes with a friendly instructor.
5. Bilbao: Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class
This class combines learning to cook traditional pintxos with tasting and cultural stories. The 2.5-hour session for $108 per person includes a spacious modern studio, local wine, and a chance to recreate 4 pintxos. The instructor, Irene, makes you feel like family, sharing her insights into local ingredients and traditions.
Reviewers highlight Irene’s warmth and the class’s engaging atmosphere. One mentions, “we learned a lot and enjoyed the evening,” appreciating the opportunity to taste their own creations alongside charcuterie and local wine. This experience balances hands-on cooking with cultural learning, making it ideal for travelers who want a solid introduction to Basque cuisine without a long commitment.
Bottom line: Well-suited for those who prefer a more relaxed pace with plenty of tasting, learning, and cultural conversation.
6. Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao
Offering a longer, 3.5-hour experience, this Paella and Sangría class costs about $142. It emphasizes learning how to prepare authentic paella and traditional Spanish drinks. The class is highly praised for its clear instructions and beautiful venue—making it ideal for those who want a more immersive culinary experience.
Guests report that the instructor, Mikel, makes the class fun and the environment welcoming. It’s perfect for those interested in Spanish gastronomy and looking to take home a recipe or two. The focus on real paella techniques is especially valuable for home cooks.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a full evening of Spanish cooking and socializing with an emphasis on authentic paella.
7. Private Workshop Preparation of Pintxos with Lunch in Bilbao
This private workshop, costing around $113, offers an intimate, personalized experience in Bilbao’s old town. You’ll learn to prepare 4 skewers of pintxos, in a relaxed setting near the Mercado de la Ribera. The focus here is on traditional Basque dishes reimagined with modern techniques, guided by a passionate chef.
Reviews commend the friendly approach and the chance to learn cultural significance alongside cooking. One appreciates the opportunity to meet new people and learn about local traditions while making delicious food. This class is excellent if you want a more private, tailored experience that combines cooking with cultural insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who prefer private, personalized classes with a focus on traditional ingredients presented in a friendly environment.
8. Bilbao: Immersive Basque Cooking Class
This 3.5-hour immersive class is perfect for those who want to master fundamental Basque dishes like pintxos, fish soup, and ribeye. Held in downtown Bilbao, it includes pairing with local wines and a relaxed group atmosphere.
Guests mention the instructor Mikel’s deep knowledge and the chance to learn cooking techniques and cultural context. It’s a great choice for foodies who want a well-rounded, interactive experience that ends with a shared meal in a convivial setting.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on learning and want a comprehensive, local culinary experience.
9. Bilbao: Pintxos Elaboration Workshop
Finally, the Pintxos Elaboration Workshop offers a culinary exploration into both traditional and modern pintxos, using techniques from classic to molecular cuisine. For $108, this 2-hour class focuses on creative reinterpretations of Basque bites.
Guests appreciate how innovative the class is, mixing culinary science with local flavors. It’s perfect if you’re excited about experimenting with modernist techniques in a fun, educational setting. It also offers a taste of the latest trends in Basque cuisine.
Bottom line: Great for adventurous food lovers eager to push culinary boundaries while learning about traditional pintxos.
$108 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Bilbao
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, schedule, and culinary interests. If you want a quick, fun intro, the Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao offers excellent value. For a more intensive experience with multiple dishes, the Small-group Immersive Basque Cooking Class or Immersive Basque Cooking Class are ideal choices. Budget-conscious travelers might opt for the Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class or Pintxos Elaboration Workshop, which offer great experiences at a lower price point.
If you’re after authentic local cuisine and a chance to learn traditional recipes, the Paella Cooking Class with Basque Sangria is a fantastic option. For a private, personalized experience, the Preparation of Pintxos with Lunch provides detailed instruction in a relaxed setting.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time and experience. Also, consider whether you prefer a shorter class focused on tapas or a longer, more immersive cooking adventure.
Bilbao’s culinary workshops are a smart choice for food lovers, culture explorers, and those seeking a hands-on way to connect with Basque traditions. Whether you’re looking for an intimate class in a mountain villa or a lively group session downtown, you’ll find a memorable way to bring home a taste of Bilbao. Pick the one that matches your interests, book ahead, and get ready to cook up some local flavor.