Spain Travel Tips: 33 Things to Know Before Visiting Spain

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These Spain travel tips will help you have the best experience possible. If you are planning a trip, there are definitely some things you should know before you go to Spain.

What do you imagine when you think of Spain? Beaches? Yes. Heritage architecture? Yes. Bullfights? Yes.

But Spain is much more than this. I have been to Spain many times, and lived in a few different cities as well. During my times here, I have been able to acquaint myself with the friendly Spaniards and learn so much about what has become one of my favorite countries.

Spain is easily enjoyed – with such wonderful landscapes and climate, it’s hard not to! But these tips for traveling to Spain should iron out any issues and explore the country like a true expert.

Make Sure You Have a Valid Visa

Yes, that’s right, Europe is starting to implement visas. Whether you are traveling from the USA, Australia, or the UK (or anywhere else), make sure you are familiar with when the ETIAS will be implemented.

From 2025, everyone traveling to Spain and the EU will need and ETIAS visa, which is valid for 3 years once issued and allows a stay of 90 days in every 180 days in Europe (just like before).

Venture Beyond the Standard Tourist Circuit

Which Spanish cities are on your itinerary?

  • Barcelona? Yes.
  • Madrid? Yes.

But Spain is much more than these. Check out some small towns like:

  • Toledo
  • Chinchon
  • Salamanca
  • San Sebastian

And the list goes on and on! Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the biggest cities, because that’s where the true culture and authentic magic lie. When you move away from the popular tourist circuit, you experience the real Spain.

Get Ready to Delay Your Appetite Because Spaniards Eat Late

Natives in Spain eat extremely late compared to other cultures. Mornings in Spain are very different from the rushed mornings in Australia or the USA. For example, breakfast in Spain is usually around 8-9 am, followed by lunch at 2 pm (then siesta… see below) and a late dinner at 10 pm.

People love to stay up late in Spain. Among my many Spain travel tips, this one will probably save you the most heartache. As a pro tip: In Spain, it’s a good idea to have some light snacks in the evening to keep you full till dinner.

Siestas are a Real Thing

I just mentioned that people LOVE to stay up late in Spain, and this goes hand in hand with having a long afternoon nap after lunch, too. This is the Spanish siesta.

Siesta time in Spain is usually between 2 and 5 pm. But, no, the entire nation doesn’t sleep at that time. It means shops and restaurants will likely be closed during this time, especially in smaller towns and cities.

It’s basically the lunch and nap time of the entire nation, where things slow down. Before making any plans, factor siesta time in because there’s nothing more disheartening than waltzing out for a late afternoon meal and figuring out that everything is closed!

Tipping is Not the Norm

Tipping isn’t the norm in Spain, neither is it expected unless you get exceptional service. If you tip, ensure the restaurant hasn’t already added it to the check in the form of a service charge. If not, rounding up or a 10% tip is a good figure to go with.

Keep Your Belongings Close

Violent crime is rare in Spain (thank God for that!). However, that doesn’t mean petty theft or pickpocketing doesn’t happen – similarly to most big cities in Europe. To combat this:

  • Always keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Be extra cautious in crowded spaces like metros.
  • Dress casually, and don’t be flashy.
  • Wear your backpack in the front.
  • Keep your phone on a cord (this is the one I bought for Spain and have used ever since) or a zipped pocket
  • Have a purse that zips
  • Try to blend in.

Use the Public Transport

Almost every big city in Spain, like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Seville, has a good public transit system. Such a transportation system is affordable and reliable. You might not find metros in smaller towns, but buses are common.

Intercity bus travel in most big cities in Spain usually costs you 2€, whereas cabs usually cost 1-2€ per kilometer. So, as a top Spain budget travel tip, it’s better to stick to public transport. Just keeps your belongings close, as I mentioned above.

Don’t Miss Paella when in Valencia

Paella is a rice-based dish that consists of rice, veggies, chicken, saffron, and seafood that is decidedly most popular dish in Spain.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

It can be found all over the country, but if you want to enjoy authentic Paella, try it in Valencia. Not only will the taste be authentic, but you can find numerous variations of it.

Order the Local Beverages

You may be excited to drink copious amounts of sangria in Spain, and I don’t blame you. Order some sangria by all means, but make sure to expand your horizons a little bit!

Tinto de Verano is a local cocktail that more people should know about. It’s a combination of red wine and lemon soda – giving you some refreshment with your buzz.

Similarly, when in the Basque region, don’t skip Kalimotxo, which is red wine and coke. Don’t knock it until you try it! Vermouth is also an integral drink to Spanish culture, and you can even find it on tap in some places in Spain (and some small bars in Madrid). Theres white and red vermouth. but red (vermut rojo) is more popular.

Be Ready for the Festivals

Did you know Spain has over 800 annual festivals? Yes, that means every day you are in Spain, a festival of some kind is being celebrated.

Make sure to know about such festivals in advance and incorporate them into your itinerary. It’s always a shame when you find out the city you are in had a festival – yesterday!

Some of the most popular festivals in Spain include:

  • La tomatina (Anyone wanna hurl tomatoes?)
  • Las Fallas (Enjoy the huge bonfires when mache figures are burned)
  • Semana Santa (Citywide feasts & bands)
  • Sitges Carnival (LGBTQIA carnival)
  • San Fermin (Running with the Bulls, anyone?)

There are also TONS of amazing music festivals- check my list of the top music festivals in Spain here. From all travelling in Spain tips I have covered in this post, this one is the most effective tip to experience Spanish culture.

Learn Some Basic Spanish Phrases Before You Go

Want to socialize with the locals? If so, the best way to do so is to learn basic Spanish phrases to get you by. Some of the best Spanish phrases to know before visiting Spain are:

  • Hola means Hi.
  • Buenos días means Good morning.
  • ¿Hablas inglés? means Do you speak English?

Such rudimentary knowledge of Spanish will help you navigate and explore the country better, and also be more respected by locals (they are usually encouraging if you try)! In the big cities you can definitely get by with English. but it’s always helpful to know a bit of the local language no matter where you go.

Explore Barcelona Like a Pro

Since I know Barceona the best, I have to share all the resources I have compiled from my first hand experience living and exploring there. Here are my articles:

  • Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona
  • Unique Places to Stay in Barcelona for all Budgets
  • Barcelona Hidden Gems
  • Barcelona Outdoor Activities
  • Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona
  • Best Views in Barcelona
  • Barcelona’s Best Brunch & Breakfast
  • Where to Find the Best Coffee in Barcelona

Spain is a Great Place to Work and Travel

Many travelers like to work as they travel these days, and Spain is a great country for that. Many people like to work as an au pair in Spain to learn the culture/language and live with a local family. There are also a lot of positions available to teach English in Barcelona/Spain too!

Summer is Not the Best Time to Visit Spain

Wait, what?

If you have researched the best time to visit Spain or looked at other travel tips for Spain, chances are most websites would have suggested summer. However, conditions are a lot different in much of Spain in summer. We are speaking about daily temperatures upwards of 95°F/35°C.

This is not exactly pleasant, and creates difficulty exploring during the middle of the day. That is NOT what you want when you are trying to make the most of your trip.

A better time to visit Spain would be in the shoulder season, between September to November and March to May. During these times the country will have better weather and also will also be less crowded.

There’s More to Spain than Spanish

Take a guess: How many official languages does Spain have?

The answer is FIVE! The point is, don’t expect Spanish to help you everywhere. Do learn some phrases in Castilian, Galician, Basque, Aranese, and Catalan, depending on the region you are visiting. Yes, most people speak Spanish (and English in bigger cities), but as I mentioned above, knowing a little goes a long way.

Pintxos to the Rescue

Above, I spoke about having a little snack because Spaniards dine late. But which snack? Pintxos (peen-chos) are a great option. They go well along with a drink and are relatively inexpensive. 

You can get them in bars for as little as 2€. Usually, Pintxos consist of small snacks held together with a toothpick. With numerous variants available, finding one that goes well with your taste buds is easy.

Tapas are a Must Have

Pintxos aren’t the only snack worth trying. Tapas are another great option. For those who aren’t aware, Tapa is similar to a miniature meal and widely regarded as Spain’s most significant contribution to the culinary world. Pintxos are smaller bite-sized snacks. Check out the difference between the two here.

Some Tapas which you should definitely try include:

  • Jamon Iberico
  • Boquerones en Vinagre
  • Patatas Bravas
  • Padron Peppers/Pimientos de Padron

After living in Barcelona for a few months, I created a list of the best tapas bars in Barcelona here (and what to order/more of the best tapas to try).

Roads are a Great Way to Explore

Public transport is a great way to travel within city limits. It’s best to rent a car to travel between cities, since the roads (especially the toll roads) are in great condition. It helps you explore the country at your own pace so you can stop along the way.

Note: Before you follow these travel tips in Spain, ensure you download offline maps so that you don’t get lost if the network reception is poor.

Take it Slow

By now, you already know Spain offers hundreds of different things. That, however, doesn’t mean you should jam-pack your entire schedule.

It’s best to take it slow to enjoy the experience when in Spain. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, have a scrumptious meal, socialize with the locals, take part in siesta, and take it all in. Take it slow, and you can really connect with the Spanish culture, which does the same.

Don’t Forget About Warm Clothes

You might be confused about why you would need warm clothes for Spain. Let me explain.

Spain is spread across a large geographic area. Seasons and temperatures can vary greatly from one part to another. For example, Spain is home to 11 mountain ranges (covered below). Wouldn’t it be cold up there? You bet!

That’s why you should always pack warm clothes if you plan to explore around the country. Moreover, instead of searching for the general seasons in Spain and packing accordingly, it’s best to check the seasons in individual parts of Spain. That will help you better prepare for your trip.

Book Tickets in Advance (and Remember Free Hours)

Most tourist attractions in Spain require an entry ticket. These are often sold out weeks in advance for popular attractions, especially during peak season. A prime example is the Alhambra (the most visited castle in Spain), whose tickets are often sold out one month in advance.

Besides booking the tickets in advance, ensure you arrive at the designated time; otherwise, you can be denied entry. You can also book ‘skip-the-line’ tours and tickets for many famous attractions such as:

  • The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
  • The Alhambra in Grenada
  • The Prado Museum in Madrid
  • Alcazar in Seville

Note: Before booking the tickets, find out about free hours. Some attractions like the Madrid Royal Palace do have some free hours on certain days. However, be warned that the places get pretty crowded during these free hours.

Don’t Worry About Wifi

In Spain, it’s common for cafes and restaurants to provide WiFi. Besides, public WiFi hotspots are also available, and all hotels and vacation rentals will also have wifi. Staying connected isn’t an issue in Spain. Problems arise when you head to the mountains or countryside. Therefore, it’s best to download maps offline before embarking on such trips.

You Can Pay with a Credit Card

The good news about exploring Spain is that you won’t have to worry about payments. Carry a credit or debit card, and you can use it in cities and villages along the coast. ATM’s are everywhere if you need cash, but usually a card will suffice. The only exceptions are small transactions, so do carry some change for those.

Remember: The dominant transactional currency is Euros(€), but some merchants do provide the option of charging your card your local currency. Make sure to always stick to €; otherwise, you might incur extra charges.

Don’t Forget the Islands

For most tourists, Spain consists of beautiful cities, small towns, beaches, and mountain ranges. But did you know Spain has some of the most beautiful islands as well? When exploring Spain, don’t skip:

The Balearic Islands

Menorca, Mallorca, and Ibiza are the most well-known of the Balearic archipelago, located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. These islands have incredible climates, beautiful beaches and cliffs, and plenty of historic places to visit to continue learning about Spanish culture- but make it island life. Ibiza is, of course, one of the party capitals of the world!

The Canary Islands

Tenefire, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and more make up the 7 Canary Islands. You wouldn’t think them to be in Spain as they are actually out in the Atlantic Ocean closer to West Africa/Morocco, but they are an autonomous Spanish community. They are one of the sunshine capitals of Europe and have incredible volcanic landscapes that feel like another world.

Important Spain Travel Tips: Note Down the Emergency Number

This Spain travel tip is applicable to any country you are visiting. Spain has a single emergency number, which is 112. Whether you are facing a health, accident, or any other emergency, this number will help you gain assistance.

Socialize After Meals

In Spain, meals are a means to socialize. So, don’t complete your meal in a hurry and leave, because meal time is the best time to socialize.

After your meal, stick around for some chit-chat or another drink (or five). Spaniards even have a word for it: Sobremesa. It means “over the table” and refers to the conversations that happen after the meal.

Choosing a Good Restaurant is an Art in Spain

The best way to enjoy great food in Spain involves choosing a restaurant that not only has great reviews but also is frequented by locals.

In addition to reviews, check the menu, and if it’s in Spanish and the restaurant isn’t close to tourist attractions, it’s probably a good one to sample authentic Spanish cuisine.

Do Visit the UNESCO Heritage Sites

Spain is a paradise for history and heritage lovers. With 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will be spoilt for choice. This makes Spain tied for 4th with time most UNESCO heritage sites in the world. That’s a LOT of history!

Whether you love heritage buildings, cities, rock art, or landscapes, there are numerous places to visit that are just as beautiful as they are fascinating.

Take Advantage of all Coastlines

Do You Know: Apart from the Mediterranean sea, which other water bodies touch Spain?

The answer is the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. The Mediterranean Sea does offer some great attractions like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and Costa de Valencia, but the beaches in Cantabria are known for their pristine waters and sparse crowds.

As for the Atlantic coastline, it offers some of the biggest surfing waves in the world and is a surfer’s paradise. In a nutshell, don’t limit your trip to a single coastline.

Opt for Fixed-Price Lunches

Most other bloggers covering Travel tips for Spain won’t highlight this hack, but it can help you save a lot of money. Lunch is the most lavish meal of the day in Spain. However, don’t burn a hole in your pocket while having lunch.

Instead, go with fixed-price lunch-only menus that most popular restaurants offer. Usually, the menu offers you a choice between 3 to 5 appetizers, 3 to 5 main course options, and desserts. A drink and bread are usually included. This is a great way to enjoy different foods without breaking the bank!

Tap Water is Safe for Drinking

Tap water in Spain is potable and fine to drink. However, the taste can vary from one city to another. As long as you are in a city or town, it’s best to avoid spending money on bottled water. However, when I was in Barcelona some people said they did not like the tap water. It IS safe, but it’s up to you.

Tip: I do recommend trying Vichy Catalan when in Spain, which is a naturally sparkling water sourced in Spain. Even though it isn’t exactly cheap, it has healing properties due to its source.

Spain Can Be Very Affordable

Even though the dominant currency in Spain is Euros(€), it’s not as expensive as France or Germany. It’s definitely one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe. However, if you compare it to Portugal, it’s more expensive.

Spain budget travel tips: The trick is to plan your trip in advance, avoid expensive food (there are many Michelin restaurants in Spain!), and opt for affordable accommodation.

Don’t Miss the Nightlife

When it comes to nightlife, western Europe is the place to be, and Spain surely does not disappoint.

Since Spaniards like to eat late (dinner at 10 pm), the parties go on till dawn. The bigger venues might have a deadline of 4 am, but many smaller venues don’t. As for club options, you will be spoilt for choice, especially in cities like Barcelona.

You can enjoy the nightlife in Spain in numerous ways like:

  • Hanging out at a local bar
  • Drinking in public (It’s legal!)
  • Experiencing a flamenco performance while drinking
  • Enjoying nightlife at clubs and discos
  • Attending music festivals

Visit at Least One Michelin-Star Restaurant

Up until now, I have spoken about local Spanish snacks, but Spain is also home to many Michelin-star restaurants. So, if you feel like splurging on a nice meal during your trip, there are plenty of options. MAny of them also have tasting menus and very creative dishes. Head over to any of the options below:

  • Noor (Cordoba)
  • Canabota (Sevilla)
  • Quique Dacosta (Denia)
  • La Salita (Valencia)
  • And More!

Make Sure to Explore The Mountains

Did you know Spain is home to 11 Mountain ranges? The most popular ones include:

  • Sierra Nevada
  • Picos de Europa
  • Pyrenees
  • Sistema de Gredos

If you have time to explore only 1, I would recommend to explore the Sierra Nevada range because of its:

  • Scenic roads (Hint: Road to Pico de Veleta – the highest paved road in Europe)
  • Beautiful villages (Capileira)
  • Ski resorts
  • Hiking trails (Pico de Veleta, El Chullo, Laguna de las Yeguas)

Spain Travel Tips to Save on Attractions: Try City Passes

Do you plan to explore a city extensively? If yes, most large cities in Spain allow you to buy a city card that provides you access to attractions within the city limits. A primary example is the Madrid City Card which costs only 8€ for one day. Or you can get city passes that include admission to main attractions. For example:

  • Madrid Go City Pass
  • Barcelone Go City Pass

Some sightseeing passes also provide free transportation. Do check out such city cards before booking the individual venue tickets.

Plan your trip keeping these Spain travel tips in mind, and I am sure you will have a memorable trip. These travel tips for Spain should help you avoid most tourist pitfalls and explore this beautiful country at its best. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!