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On our second day wandering the streets of Barcelona late last year eating tapas and sipping sangria, my friends and I realized it might have been our responsibility to plan something apart from eating tapas and drinking sangria. Googling “Things to do in Barcelona” seemed to only yield Following suggestions for tapas restaurants, until I came across Airbnb’s increasingly popular (and relatively new) offering: Experiences.
Experiences are essentially an extension of the Airbnb booking platform, only instead of lodging, travelers can sign up for a huge selection of unique activities, tours, cooking classes, and more. hosted and designed by passionate and knowledgeable locals. As someone who quickly avoids super organized “touristy” plans, I was a bit skeptical. Are they worth it? Do they actually offer something beyond what I otherwise couldn’t discover on my own with enough research? But rather than cancel them entirely, I thought I’d look at some of the nearly 1,000 offers in Barcelona, and ended up signing up for a paella and sangria making course. Spoiler: I loved it.
the range of experiences in Barcelona run the gamut from arts and entertainment to others revolving around food, drink, the outdoors, and even sports, but I’ve rounded up a few of the most popular based on ratings (plus the one I tried), if you’re in the mood to mix things up on your trip. And no worries if you’re not one to plan – all of this can be booked at the last minute.
Cooking paella and mixing sangria
Price: $39 per person
Ciutat Vella
Airbnb ranking: 5 stars
I tried this experience myself and it really made my trip. Brave chef Nanda and wine connoisseur Rob are a newly married couple and open their light-filled stone-built apartment to travelers from all over for an afternoon (or evening) of learning how to make the best paella and sangria you can find. you have ever tasted. You’ll learn about ingredients you’ve probably never used before (squid ink, anyone?) and get insider tips for perfecting ultra-shareable dishes. Even if you’re not a huge seafood lover, the cheerful atmosphere created by Rob and Nanda is worth it. Plus, Rob snaps Insta-worthy photos while you cook, drink, and befriend your fellow chefs. You’ll walk away drunk on sweet sangria and full of life.
Brunch at the Boquería
Price:$55 per person
Ciudad Vieja
Airbnb ranking: 4.92 stars
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, chances are you’ll head to La Boqueria, the city’s largest open-air food market. When I went myself, I was so overwhelmed by the bouquets of jamon (traditional Spanish cured ham) and the rainbows of fruit juice that I left empty-handed. To avoid scams and locate the best Spanish delicacies, take this food tour with Xavi, whose solid expertise in food history (and helping travelers shed a few extra pounds) is sure to please.
Unique bars in the Gothic Quarter
Price: $67 per person
El Gotic
Airbnb ranking: 4.95 stars
By day, the Gothic Quarter is the hotspot for hip Spanish fashion and millennial cafes (the devilish Satan’s Coffee House is a must-see). At night, its narrow, cavernous streets seem to harness the power of the sun to burst with alluring Spanish energy. Normally I suppose it’s pretty easy to find places to drink in Barcelona, but “Experiencers” rave about host Alex’s “cool cat” style and vast knowledge of the city’s nightlife. As you take yourself to 3-4 bars, you’ll explore local hubs, each with unique stories that Alex highlights. Be sure to book this for the first night of your trip, as you’ll definitely want to revisit these off-the-beaten-track spots before you go.
A tour of vineyards and vineyards
Price:$75 per person
Penedés Wine Region
Airbnb ranking: 4.99 stars
If Barcelona’s beaches, restaurants and impeccable shopping aren’t enough to entice you, this wine tour in the Penedés region will affirm your Spanish obsession. As reviewer Diana says, “If there were 6 stars, this experience would get them.” During the four-hour tour, you’ll visit three wineries, sample a whole load of cava, and then finish with a relaxing picnic on the vineyard. Neus, your host, will also make sure to provide you with the “secrets, curiosities and peculiarities” of the region.
A bike tour (with tapas)
Price:$48 per person
Starts in El Gòtic
Airbnb ranking: 4.93 stars
I know I promised more tapas but hey, what’s the harm of tapas when combined with a bit of exercise? This 4.5-hour bike tour, led by Eva or Yanina, takes you through 2,000 years of Barcelona’s history from the comfort of your bike. Halfway through, they’ll take you to their local friend’s restaurant for a full tapas tasting so you can recharge your batteries. For first-timers to Barcelona, the tour is an ideal way to get your bearings in a city that’s only really walkable if you’ve got 10 hours to kill. You’ll visit all the major sights, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak up the Spanish sun.
Hike to Monserrat and Visit to the Monastery
Price:$75 per person
Monserrat
Airbnb ranking: 4.98 stars
This famous monastery located about an hour from the city attracts more than two million pilgrims each year, and religious or not, there is no denying the epic vistas you can admire here. Monserrat sits on a mountain 4,000 feet above sea level, and although you can take a tram all the way to the end, the 1.5-hour guided hike to the top is well worth the scorching glutes . And as the tour is a bit far from Barcelona, your guide Nico provides transport to the mountain in his van – a luxury as the trains to the mountain are often crowded.
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