Magpie
5.0(38 reviews)

A Day in Sants: Feasting Off the Grid

From$150
5 hours
Max 7 people
Barcelona, Spain

About this activity

Eat your way through a lesser-explored neighborhood with a long-standing local food scene and a fascinating history. Across markets and old vermuterias, pastry shops and down home restaurants, Sants satisfies those hungry for alternative Barcelona.

Highlights

  • Culinary walking tour
  • Untouristed residential neighborhood
  • Breakfast in the local market
  • Visit to a former textile factory
  • Farm to table lunch with seasonal catalan dishes

Full description

On our Sants food tour we will visit many emblematic establishments, getting a taste of what life in Barcelona was like before it became a global hotspot. This neighborhood, one of the city's economic engines during industrialization, has managed to stay under the radar, allowing it to keep its traditional charm and way of life. We will start with a hearty breakfast in the centenary local market and we’ll drop by some of the area's food shops and restaurants, tasting artesanal delicacies and well-loved seasonal dishes. Along the way we’ll stop at an old school bodega to enjoy some vermut and at small bakeries and chocolate stores for handmade sweets.

We won’t leave Sants, though, without a visit to one of the city's most unique social projects, a massive 19th century textile factory transformed by locals into a bustling cultural center. Over a drink and more bites there, we’ll learn how cooperatives and social movements make this neighborhood so special.

Included / Excluded

  • All food consumed on the walk – almost a dozen different edible specialties
  • Culinary Backstreets Guide
  • Alcohol sampled
  • Transportation to and from meeting point

Meeting point

Start Location

Placeta de Ramon Torres Casanova, Carrer de Finlàndia, Barcelona, Spain

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
  • Some stops may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven terrain.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater as evenings can be cool.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tasting.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

More than one week before the beginning of the activity: 90% Refund Less than one week before the beginning of the activity: 50% Refund Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: No Refund

Reviews

5.0(38 reviews)
Google
Tony Egan
Sep 2026
5.0

We did the Yanesen tour with Michelle and had a wonderful time exploring corners of Tokyo we were unlikely to find ourselves. The food and venues were very well curated with cultural and historic locations well spaced between eating and drinking. Michelle provided excellent background and context at all times and the pacing was great. Finishing with a drink on a makeshift street bar was perfect. Thank you Michelle for one of the best experiences of our trip.

Google
oliver sands
Sep 2026
5.0

We recently did the food tour of Kichijoji and had the best time. Our guide, Michelle, was incredible. She was the perfect blend of knowledge, fun and passion, and she introduced us to a diverse range of food offerings and venues. I would highly recommend jumping on one of Michelle's tours with Culinary Backstreets as it was the highlight of our 5 day stay in Tokyo. Cheers, Oliver & Ged

Google
Erin McCaughey
Aug 2026
5.0

The tour was awesome and we highly recommend. We were expecting a larger group but were excited to show up to a private tour with Kasumi. She made the tour very personal and did an excellent job making the tour feel casual while teaching us lots of new things. She had the cultural knowledge and also mentioned that she continues to learn every time she takes a new group around. Some of the restaurants and shops we stopped at had lovely owners and workers, who were willing to teach us and share their knowledge happily. It was a good mix of foods and Kasumi made sure we were well hydrated and had plenty of time to rest on a hot day. We had a great day and we highly recommend it!

Book Now