10 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Spain

So, you’re considering going to Spain? Honestly, a great idea! Spain is like that cool, chill friend who knows how to enjoy everything in life: great food, great arts, beaches that will make you want to stay, and people who know how to live life! But a little bit of prep goes a long way! Believe me, I’ve learned a lot of these lessons the hard way!

I am going to share 10 tips with you that can help you understand Spanish culture, help you avoid being a total tourist and actually make you travel like you know what you are doing! Let’s go!

1. Spain Isn’t Just One Big Happy Family

Okay, first reality check – Spain is way more diverse than most people realize. It’s not just flamenco and paella everywhere you go (though both are pretty fantastic). Each region has its own personality, and honestly, it’s like visiting different countries sometimes.

Catalonia (Barcelona’s home) feels almost French with its own language (Catalan) and a serious independence streak. Andalusia in the south is where you’ll find those postcard-perfect white villages and yes, authentic flamenco. The Basque Country up north? Totally different vibe – they’ve got their own language (Euskera) that doesn’t sound like anything else on Earth, plus some of the world’s best food (seriously, the pintxos will blow your mind).

Don’t even get me started on Galicia in the northwest – it’s like Spain’s mysterious Celtic cousin with bagpipes and everything! Each place celebrates different festivals, speaks different languages, and has totally different vibes. Embrace it – that’s what makes Spain so incredible to explore.

2. Timing Is Everything

Here’s the deal with Spanish weather – it’s not as straightforward as you might think. Sure, everyone pictures endless sunshine, but Spain’s a big country with mountains, coasts, and everything in between.

• Summer: Hot, hot, hot! And crowded. If you love beaches and big parties, this is your time.
• Spring & Fall: My personal faves. The weather is beautiful, and the crowds are way more manageable. Perfect for sightseeing.
• Winter: Great for cities like Madrid or Seville, but a bit chilly. Skiing in the mountains is a thing, too!
• Festivals: Want to go to La Tomatina (a giant tomato fight) or Semana Santa (Holy Week)? Book way in advance! These are huge deals.

3. The Boring But Important Stuff

Alright, let’s get the paperwork talk out of the way. If you’re from the EU, you’re golden – just bring your ID. Everyone else needs a passport, and depending on where you’re from, maybe a visa too. Americans, Canadians, Aussies – you’re good for 90 days without a visa.

Money-wise, it’s euros all the way. ATMs are everywhere, and your debit card will be your best friend. Most places take cards these days, but carry some cash because Spanish people love their cash, especially for small purchases and tips.

Speaking of tipping – it’s not like the US where you tip 20% or you’re basically evil. In Spain, tipping is more casual. Round up for coffee, leave 5-10% at restaurants if the service was good, and don’t stress about it too much. The servers aren’t depending on tips to pay rent.

4. Getting Around Spain

Spanish public transport is honestly pretty fantastic. The train system (Renfe) is efficient and comfortable – the high-speed trains (AVE) will zip you from Madrid to Barcelona in under 3 hours. Book online ahead of time for better prices.

Budget airlines like Vueling and Ryanair connect cities cheaply, but watch out for those sneaky extra fees (yes, you have to pay for everything including breathing space, it feels like).

In cities, public transport rocks. Madrid’s metro is clean and efficient, Barcelona’s too. Get a multi-day transport pass and you’re set.

Thinking about renting a car? Great idea for exploring rural areas and those Instagram-worthy white villages, but maybe skip it for big cities. Madrid and Barcelona traffic is… let’s just say it’s an adventure you probably don’t need.

5. Spanish Food Culture

Okay, this one trips up everyone, so listen carefully: Spanish people eat LATE. Like, ridiculously late by most standards. Lunch happens around 2-3 PM, and dinner? We’re talking 9-10 PM or even later. I know, I know – it sounds crazy, but just roll with it.

Here’s how to eat like a local: start with tapas in the evening (around 7-8 PM), then have a proper dinner later. In some places, especially in the south, you’ll get free tapas with your drink – it’s like Christmas every time!

Must-try dishes: paella (but get the real stuff from Valencia, not that tourist trap version), jamón ibérico (seriously, this ham is life-changing), gazpacho in summer, and patatas bravas everywhere. Each region has its specialties, so ask locals what they recommend.

Pro tip: Make reservations for dinner, especially on weekends. And don’t be surprised if restaurants aren’t even open for dinner until 8 PM – they’re not being difficult, that’s just how it works!

6. The Sacred Siesta

So about that siesta thing – it’s not just a stereotype, it’s real life in many parts of Spain. Roughly from 2-5 PM, especially in smaller towns, things just… close. Shops, offices, sometimes even restaurants.

This used to catch me off guard every single time. You’re wandering around at 3 PM wondering why everything looks like a ghost town, and then BAM – siesta time! Don’t fight it, embrace it. Grab lunch, find a park, maybe take your own little nap. The Spanish have figured out something the rest of us haven’t.

Just plan your sightseeing around it. Morning activities, long lunch, afternoon break, then evening exploring when things open back up. It’s actually quite civilized when you think about it.

7. Language Basics

Look, I’m not saying you need to be fluent, but learning a few basic phrases will make your trip so much better. Spanish people really appreciate when you try, even if you butcher the pronunciation completely.

Essential phrases:

• “Hola” (OH-lah) – Hello
• “Por favor” (por fah-VOR) – Please
• “Gracias” (GRAH-see-ahs) – Thank you
• “¿Habla inglés?” (AH-blah in-GLEYS?) – Do you speak English?
• “No hablo español” (no AH-bloh es-pahn-YOHL) – I don’t speak Spanish
• “La cuenta, por favor” (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR) – The check, please

In tourist areas, you’ll find English speakers, but don’t count on it everywhere. Download Google Translate with the camera feature – it’s a lifesaver for menus and signs.

And remember, in places like Barcelona, locals might speak to you in Catalan first. Don’t panic – just smile and try Spanish or English!

8. Staying Safe and Healthy

Spain is generally super safe, but like any popular tourist destination, there are a few things to watch out for. Pickpocketing is the main issue, especially in crowded areas like Las Ramblas in Barcelona or the metro in Madrid.

Keep your valuables secure, don’t flash expensive electronics around, and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. The classic tricks are still around – distraction scams, fake police asking for your documents, people trying to “help” you with directions while their buddy goes through your pockets.

Healthcare in Spain is excellent. If you need medical attention, call 112 (their emergency number). EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card. Everyone else, get travel insurance – seriously, don’t skip this. Medical bills can get expensive fast if you’re not covered.

9. Cultural Etiquette

Spanish people are generally warm and welcoming, but there are a few cultural things that’ll help you blend in (or at least not stick out like a sore thumb).

Greeting: It’s two kisses on the cheeks (starting with the right cheek) between women, and between men and women. Men usually just shake hands with each other. Don’t stress about getting it perfect – just follow their lead.

Church visits: Dress respectfully – no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops in religious sites. Many churches are free, but some charge for touristy areas.

Loud Americans (or loud anyone, really): Spanish people can be pretty animated, but they’re not usually obnoxiously loud in restaurants or public transport. Try to match the energy of the room.

Festival respect: If you’re lucky enough to experience a local festival, remember you’re a guest. Follow local customs, don’t get crazy drunk, and show respect for traditions that have been around for centuries.

Time to Go Live Your Best Spanish Life!

Alright, there you have it – everything you need to know to not look like a complete tourist (even though, let’s be honest, you kind of are, and that’s totally fine!). Spain is one of those countries that just gets under your skin in the best way possible. The laid-back lifestyle, incredible food, rich history, and people who actually know how to enjoy life – what’s not to love?

You can read all the articles about Spain you want, but you’ll never know the wonder of Spain until you experience it for yourself. So while you should use plenty of planning tips above, you must embrace spontaneity. Some of my favorite memories in Spain came from spontaneous conversations with locals, randomly stumbling into neighborhood festivals, or finding that perfect little tapas bar at the end of a random back alley.

Bring your sense of adventure, pack your appetite (seriously, you are going to eat SO much good food), and prepare for a country that will likely forever alter your perception of work-life balance. ¡Buen viaje!

Are you ready to start planning? Book your flights, brush up on a couple of Spanish phrases, and get ready for one of the most epic adventures ever. Spain is waiting for you; trust me – you are going to love every minute of it!