10 Paid Experiences in Spain You Can’t Miss! Last Updated: March 15, 2025

Spain has a way of pulling you in with its energy. It’s not just about the landmarks or the food, it’s the rhythm of life here. Long, relaxed lunches, lively streets, music in the air, and locals who truly know how to enjoy life.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what’s worth paying for, here are ten paid experiences in Spain that will make your trip even more special.

Madrid

1. Tapas Tour in Madrid

Let’s start with food, because, well, Spain. Tapas are small plates meant to be shared, and they come from an old tradition where bartenders would serve a piece of bread or ham over drinks to keep flies away. Now, tapas are an experience.

The great thing is you can easily do a vegetarian or vegan version of a tapas tour. Most places offer patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce), pimientos de padrón (tiny green peppers, some mild, some fiery), pan con tomate (toasted bread rubbed with fresh tomato and olive oil), and berenjenas con miel (crispy aubergine drizzled with molasses). If you’re vegan, just double-check the sauces, some aiolis contain eggs. A guided tapas tour is the best way to sample different dishes and discover local favourites without having to figure it all out yourself.

Book here: The Tapas Tour that I recommend.

2. Sangria Making Workshop in Madrid

Sangria is Spain in a glass, fruity, refreshing, and perfect for warm evenings. But there’s an art to making it. A good sangria is the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and just the right amount of brandy.

If you’re vegan, check if the wine used is vegan-friendly (some wines are processed with animal-derived products). A sangria workshop lets you mix your own, try different variations, and, of course, drink it all in the end.

Book here: Sangria & Paella making experience in Madrid that I recommend.

3. Day Trip to Toledo & Don Quixote Windmills from Madrid

The Don Quixote windmills in Castilla-La Mancha are stunning, with cultural and historical significance tied to Spain’s most famous novel. Perched on a hill, these windmills offer breathtaking views of the countryside.

Toledo, just a short ride from Madrid, feels like stepping into a medieval painting. Cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and a mix of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic influences make it one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. You can visit the impressive Toledo Cathedral, walk through the Jewish Quarter, and try the famous marzipan (yes, it’s a must!).

Book here: Day trip to Toledo & the Don Quixote Windmills that I recommend.

Seville

4. Flamenco Show in Seville

You haven’t felt the soul of Spain until you’ve watched flamenco in Seville. This is raw emotion. The stomping of heels, the passionate guitar, the deep, almost haunting singing—it’s intense in the best way.

Seville has some of the best flamenco venues, from small, intimate tablaos to larger theatres. If you can, find a spot where locals go, it’s a different energy.

Book here: The Flamenco Show in Seville that I recommend.

Granada

5. Alhambra Tour in Granada

The Alhambra is a masterpiece. Intricate carvings, peaceful courtyards, and breathtaking views over Granada make it one of the most stunning places in Spain.

You can wander through the gardens and admire the fountains, but the real magic is inside the Nasrid Palaces. The delicate carvings, Arabic calligraphy, and the way light filters through the archways make it unforgettable. Make sure to book your tickets in advance—this place sells out fast.

Book here: The Alhambra Tour that I recommend.

Also read: 8 Must-Try Paid Experiences in Turkey 

Barcelona

6. Paella Cooking Experience in Barcelona

Originally from Valencia, this rice dish is cooked slowly in a wide pan, absorbing all the flavours of saffron, paprika, and fresh ingredients. While the traditional version includes seafood or meat, a vegan paella is just as delicious.

Many cooking classes offer a vegetarian version made with artichokes, green beans, and mushrooms, cooked in rich, saffron-infused broth. If you’re joining a class, just ask in advance, and they’ll easily adapt it for you. The best part is that you get to enjoy your paella with a glass of wine after all that effort.

Book here: Paella cooking experience that I recommend.

7. Sagrada Familia & Park Güell Tour in Barcelona

Gaudí’s architecture is what makes Barcelona feel like a dream. The Sagrada Familia, still under construction after more than a century, is like nothing you’ve seen before—tall, detailed, and unique. Park Güell, with its colourful mosaics and playful designs, feels like stepping into a storybook. A guided tour makes a huge difference because there’s so much to take in.

Book here: Sagrada Familia & Park Guell Tour that I recommend.

Málaga & Surroundings

8. Yacht Tour in Málaga

Málaga is all about the sun, the sea, and that laid-back Mediterranean vibe. A yacht tour lets you see the coastline from a different perspective, with the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. Some tours even include a swim stop in the open sea. If you’re there in the evening, go for a sunset tour, there’s something magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon from the water.

Book here: Sunset Yacht Tour in Malaga that I recommend.

9. Day Trip to Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas from Malaga

If you love scenic views, Ronda will leave you speechless. This small town is perched on the edge of a dramatic cliff, with a deep gorge splitting it in half. The Puente Nuevo bridge is the main attraction, offering stunning views. Not far from Ronda is Setenil de las Bodegas, a village where houses are built directly into the rock. Walking through its narrow streets, with giant boulders hanging over your head, feels surreal.

Book here: Day trip to Ronda & Setenil from Malaga that I recommend.

La Rioja

10. Wine Tasting in La Rioja

Spain’s wine culture is something else. La Rioja, in the north, is famous for its deep red wines. A wine-tasting tour usually includes a visit to a vineyard, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process and, of course, try different varieties. Even if you’re not a huge wine drinker, the experience of being in the vineyards, sipping wine with a view of the rolling hills, is worth it. Again, if you’re vegan, it’s good to check which wines are vegan-friendly. Many Spanish wineries now offer natural and vegan wines, so you won’t be left out!

Book here: Wine tour in La Rioja that I recommend.

Spain has so much to offer, and while there are plenty of free things to do, these paid experiences are truly worth it. Whether it’s food, history, or just soaking up the local vibe, each of these activities adds something special to your trip.

Need help planning? Feel free to reach out at +91-9833292780 / theveggietravels@gmail.com—I’d be happy to share more tips!