Madrid isn’t just a city of grand boulevards and historic sites; it’s also a hub for hands-on culinary experiences that give you an authentic taste of Spanish life. We love how many of these workshops focus on simple, traditional dishes like paella and tapas, and how they emphasize learning from local chefs who reveal their secret tips. For example, the Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing combines fun, learning, and a generous pour of Spanish wines, making it a top choice for food lovers. Whether you want to master the art of making sangria, or learn the difference between regional tapas, Madrid offers a variety of classes that cater to all tastes and skill levels.
If you’re visiting Madrid and want to roll up your sleeves, these workshops are a perfect way to bring home a taste of Spain. From beginner-friendly classes with unlimited sangria to more comprehensive courses on Spanish cuisine, there’s something for all. Keep reading for our picks—each one offers a unique flavor of Madrid’s culinary scene.
Quick Overview
Madrid’s workshops cover cooking classes focused on paella, tapas, and traditional Spanish dishes, with experiences ranging from casual, family-friendly sessions to more sophisticated classes led by professional chefs. Many include wine or sangria pairings, and some even feature market visits. For example, the Madrid: Half-Day Spanish Cooking Class combines a market tour with hands-on cooking, perfect for those wanting an immersive experience. And if you’re after a lively, social atmosphere, the Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef offers a comprehensive introduction to Spanish small bites and local ingredients.
Below, we’ve broken down each experience so you can see what makes it stand out—helping you choose the perfect culinary adventure in Madrid.
1. Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with Bottomless Wine Pairing
At number 1, this hands-on paella class in Madrid is a standout because it combines authentic cooking skills with a generous sampling of five different Spanish wines. During the roughly 2.5-hour session, you’ll learn how to prepare paella from scratch, including traditional ingredients and techniques, making it ideal for those eager to bring a piece of Spain home. The class features a communal table where everyone shares a hearty meal of Spanish cheese, charcuterie, gazpacho, paella, and churros with chocolate—a real feast.
What sets this experience apart is the interactive format and the glowing reviews. One guest called it “the highlight of our vacation,” praising the “well-organized, fun, and knowledgeable staff,” and a “bottomless wine” that truly lived up to its name. The small groups ensure personalized attention, and the recipes you take home make this a lasting souvenir. It’s perfect for foodies ready to master the quintessential Spanish dish while enjoying a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn authentic paella-making from expert instructors and enjoy a lively meal with wine, this class is a top pick.
2. Madrid: Paella and Sangria Workshop in the City Center
Number 2 on our list offers an accessible, fun introduction to two iconic Spanish drinks: paella and sangria. Priced at around $66, this 2.5-hour workshop in central Madrid invites you to sip unlimited sangria while cooking a classic paella with a local guide. The focus here is simple—no prior experience needed—and the friendly guides make it a social, engaging event.
Guests consistently praise the lively atmosphere, with one reviewer noting that guides Silvana and Irenee “made the entire experience engaging and fun.” The recipes are yours to take home, so you can impress friends later. It’s especially suitable for those who want a relaxed, social evening that mixes cooking, drinking, and mingling.
Bottom Line: A great option for travelers who want a casual, interactive experience with plenty of wine and the chance to learn how to make sangria along with authentic paella.
3. Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing
Number 3 is a three-hour tapas class that really delves into Spain’s famous small bites. Starting with a glass of cava, you’ll prepare garlic prawns, stuffed piquillo peppers, and more, then feast on everything you cook along with a main course and dessert. The class emphasizes traditional recipes and the art of pairing with Spanish wines.
With a 5-star rating based on nearly 400 reviews, many guests highlight the knowledgeable staff and the quality of the food. One reviewer called it “the best class” they’ve taken, noting that they looked forward to practicing at home. The lively, friendly environment makes it ideal for couples, families, or groups wanting a comprehensive yet fun cooking experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to learn how to prepare classic Spanish tapas and enjoy a full, flavorful meal with wine.
4. Paella Workshop with Bottomless Sangria in Central Madrid
With a 5-star rating from over 350 reviews, this paella and sangria workshop in Madrid is praised for its interactive, friendly atmosphere. The 2.5-hour experience is very hands-on: everyone participates in cooking, and the instructor shares secrets of Spanish culinary tradition. At the end, you get to enjoy your seafood, chicken, or vegetable paella with bottomless sangria.
Guests highlight the “great hosts” and say it’s the “best paella and sangria” they had during their trip. The recipes are taken home, so you can recreate your favorite dishes later. The class is perfect for food lovers who want a fun, memorable experience in central Madrid.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a relaxed, engaging cooking class with alcoholic drinks included, this offers excellent value and a friendly setting.
5. Madrid: Half-Day Spanish Cooking Class
At number 5, this half-day class offers two options—paella with a market visit or a tapas session, both led by local chefs. The full-day experience includes shopping at a local market, which is ideal for those wanting an immersive taste of Madrid’s food scene.
Guests rave about Chef Angel’s teaching style, and the class is suited for families or solo travelers. The sessions are well-organized and feature generous portions and excellent sangria. The class’s 4.9/5 rating reflects its quality and fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a comprehensive, hands-on experience that includes market shopping or a focus on Spanish staples like tapas or paella.
6. Paella and Sangria Workshop with Tapas Tasting
Number 6 offers a 3-hour seafood paella workshop with traditional methods and over 11 ingredients for sangria. Guests enjoy sampling tapas bites while the paella cooks, making this a delicious, social experience.
Reviews commend the friendly chefs and suggest this workshop is great for food lovers wanting to learn authentic techniques. The recipes are yours to keep, and the included lunch and sangria make it good value for around $89.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to learn paella and sangria-making in an interactive, tasty setting.
7. Madrid Traditional Paella & Wine Tasting Cooking Class
This small-group class, rated 5 stars, takes you into a local Madrid kitchen to learn how to make paella, tortilla, and sangria. Led by a native Valencian, Paloma, the class emphasizes step-by-step techniques and cultural insights. After cooking, you share your dishes in a convivial setting with wine included.
Guests appreciate Paloma’s warmth and her tips, with one reviewer calling it “an incredible class.” The experience is perfect for those who want local insights and hands-on cooking in a relaxed environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies eager for authentic Valencian dishes and personalized instruction.
8. Tapas & Paella Cooking Class in Madrid with a Professional Chef
Number 8 offers a 3.5-hour guided experience with a professional chef, exploring Spanish tapas, paella, and wine. The focus is on techniques and traditions, with participants creating their own tapas in a private eatery. The class emphasizes participation and conversation, with plenty of wine and friendly atmosphere.
Guests love the personalized attention and the fact that everything is taught by a real chef. “Lola was an exceptional teacher,” one reviewer notes, emphasizing the quality of instruction and the delicious food.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a deeper dive into Spanish cuisine with professional guidance.
9. 10 Tapas Cooking Class Experience in Madrid with Sangría
This 2.5-hour class focuses on making 10 different tapas, with an emphasis on regional flavors. It’s perfect for small groups (up to 15 people), providing hands-on practice with tips from expert chefs. After cooking, everyone enjoys the tapas and sangria together.
Guests praise the interactive format and say it’s “a wonderful way to learn about Spanish cuisine,” with many noting it’s perfect for foodies and social travelers.
Bottom Line: A solid choice if you want to try many different tapas recipes in a lively, personalized environment.
10. Madrid: Paella and Sangria Workshop with Tapas
Number 10 combines paella, sangria, and tapas into a 3-hour experience. Participants learn secrets of perfect paella and sangria, then enjoy a shared meal. The class offers option to choose seafood, chicken, or vegetable paella, catering to dietary preferences.
Reviews highlight the informative instructors and delicious, interactive cooking. It’s suitable for families and groups wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a well-rounded Spanish culinary experience with variety and flexibility, this workshop hits the mark.
11. 10 Tapas 2.5-Hour Cooking Class
This small-group class features learning to make 10 regional tapas, with a paired meal and sangria at the end. It’s especially good for those who want to explore diverse flavors and techniques with step-by-step guidance from a professional chef.
Guests describe it as interactive and fun, with one reviewer calling it “the best time in Europe” for its hands-on approach and delicious recipes.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re interested in sampling many regional dishes and learning in a friendly, engaging setting.
12. Madrid: Tapas & Paella Cooking Class with Expert Chef
Number 12 offers a 3.5-hour small-group experience, led by a professional chef. You’ll learn to cook traditional tapas and paella, then enjoy your creations with wine, beer, and sodas. The class emphasizes participation and local culture, making it perfect for foodies.
Guests note the passionate chef Lola and the personalized, interactive format. It’s excellent for travelers who want a comprehensive, fun introduction to Spanish cooking.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a lively, participative experience with a focus on Spanish culinary traditions.
How to Choose Your Madrid Cooking Workshop
When selecting a workshop, consider your budget, time, and culinary interests. For mastering paella with unlimited wine, the Paella Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine Pairing offers a lively, all-inclusive experience. If you want a more relaxed, social evening with sangria and tapas, the Madrid: Paella and Sangria Workshop might suit you better.
For those interested in a deep dive into tapas and regional flavors, options like the 10 Tapas 2.5-Hour Cooking Class or the Taste of Spain: Tapas Cooking Class provide extensive menus and expert guidance.
Finally, if your goal is learning from a professional chef, the Tapas & Paella Cooking Class with a Professional Chef offers a very personalized, chef-led experience.
Final thoughts
Madrid’s culinary workshops are as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re after a lively wine and paella night, a comprehensive tapas class, or an authentic local experience, these options deliver. For first-timers, the Paella Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine offers a fantastic introduction—plus, the reviews speak for themselves. More adventurous food lovers might opt for the Small-Group Tapas Tour, which promises many flavors and plenty of interaction.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Whatever your choice, these classes will give you a genuine taste of Madrid’s food scene—and maybe even inspire your next dinner party at home.