Explore Spain: Your Complete Travel Guide for Tourists

Hey There, Future Spain Explorer!

Can we talk about Spain for a hot minute? Because honestly, this country is absolutely incredible, and I’m probably a little obsessed. I mean, where else can you eat amazing tapas at midnight, take a siesta without judgment, and see some of the world’s most jaw-dropping art all in one trip?

Spain gets about 83 million visitors every year, and trust me, they’re all onto something. Whether you’re the type who gets excited about museums (hello, Prado!), loves chasing the perfect sunset on a beach, or just wants to eat your weight in jamón ibérico, Spain’s got you covered.

I’ve put together everything you need to know for your Spanish adventure – from the must-see spots to those little insider tips that’ll make you feel like a local. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for Spain

It’s Like a History Buff’s Dream Come True

Seriously, Spain’s history is wild. You’ve got Roman ruins hanging out next to Moorish palaces, which are down the street from Gothic cathedrals. It’s like someone took 2,000 years of history and just scattered it around for you to discover. Each region has its own vibe too – Catalonia feels totally different from Andalusia, and don’t even get me started on the Basque Country (they have their own language and everything!).

The Food Scene is Absolutely Bonkers (In the Best Way)

I’m not even exaggerating when I say Spanish food will ruin you for everywhere else. The Basque Country has more Michelin stars per square foot than should be legal, Valencia invented paella (and they’re pretty particular about how you make it), and don’t even think about leaving without trying real jamón ibérico. Plus, the wine? Chef’s kiss. Rioja, Ribera del Duero – it’s all ridiculously good.

They Know How to Party (And I Mean REALLY Know)

Spanish festivals are next level. We’re talking about people literally throwing tomatoes at each other for fun (La Tomatina), giant paper sculptures that get set on fire (Las Fallas), and running with actual bulls (which, maybe skip that one unless you’re feeling particularly brave). The energy is infectious.

The Weather Doesn’t Suck

Spain is basically sunshine’s favorite hangout spot—seriously, it’s sunny like 300 days a year. Beaches? Check. Mountains? Yep. Cute little towns in between? Absolutely. Even when it’s “winter,” southern Spain is like, “Nah, I’m still gonna be nice out.”

So, When’s the Best Time to Go?

Summer (June-August): The Good, the Bad, and the Sweaty

let’s be real—summer in Spain is no joke. Down south it can climb up to 40°C (104°F), which feels less like a vacation and more like you’re being slow-roasted. On the bright side, it’s prime beach time. Just expect a lot of company, higher prices, and maybe a fleeting thought of, “Hmm… spring might’ve been smarter.”

Spring & Fall (April-May, Sept-Oct): The Sweet Spot

This is when Spain really shines. Perfect weather, fewer tourists fighting you for that Instagram shot, and everything’s open and running normally. Trust me, this is when you want to go.

Winter (Nov-March): Budget Traveler’s Paradise

So it might be a bit chilly up north and rainy, but southern Spain is still totally doable. Plus, everything’s cheaper, and you’ll feel like you have the whole country to yourself. Just pack a jacket.

Festival Calendar (AKA When to Plan Around)

• March: Las Fallas in Valencia (think Burning Man meets Disney parade)
• April: Easter processions (surprisingly beautiful, even if you’re not religious)
• July: Running of the Bulls in Pamplona (again, maybe just watch from a safe distance)
• August: La Tomatina (bring clothes you don’t mind destroying)

The Places You Absolutely Cannot Miss

Madrid: The Sophisticated Big Sister

Madrid’s got that elegant, cosmopolitan vibe going on. It’s where you’ll find some of the world’s best art (Prado Museum will blow your mind), beautiful parks perfect for people-watching, and a nightlife scene that literally doesn’t start until midnight.

Don’t miss:

• Prado Museum: Velázquez, Goya, all the heavy hitters. Get the audio guide, trust me
• Royal Palace: So over-the-top fancy it’s almost ridiculous (3,418 rooms – who needs that many rooms?!)
• Retiro Park: Perfect for a picnic and the Crystal Palace is pure Instagram gold

Pro tips: Museums are free certain hours (check online), the Malasaña neighborhood is where the cool kids hang out, and dinner before 9 PM marks you as a tourist.

Barcelona: The Creative Rebel

Barcelona is like that friend who’s effortlessly cool and artistic. Gaudí basically went wild here, the beaches are right in the city, and the whole place has this creative energy that’s hard to describe.

Don’t miss:

• Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece that looks like a fairy tale castle had a baby with a forest. Book tickets online or you’ll be standing in line forever
• Gothic Quarter: Medieval streets that feel like a movie set, perfect for getting lost in
• Beaches: Because where else can you go from museum hopping to swimming in the Mediterranean?

Pro tips: El Born is way cooler than the touristy Las Ramblas, and rooftop bars at sunset are mandatory.

Seville: Pure Spanish Romance

If you’ve ever imagined “romantic Spain,” you’re probably thinking of Seville. Orange trees everywhere, flamenco music drifting from bars, and architecture that’ll make you question why everywhere else is so boring.

Don’t miss:

• Real flamenco shows: Skip the touristy dinner shows and find an authentic tablao
• Alcázar Palace: Seriously gorgeous Moorish architecture with gardens that are basically paradise
• The Cathedral: Massive doesn’t even begin to cover it, plus Columbus is buried here

Pro tips: Visit in spring when the orange blossoms smell incredible, and the Triana neighborhood is where locals actually hang out.

Granada: Where Moorish Dreams Come True

Granada is tucked up against the mountains and feels almost mystical. The Alhambra alone is worth the trip, but the whole city has this dreamy, almost magical quality.

Don’t miss:

• The Alhambra: Book this months in advance, seriously. It’s the most beautiful thing you’ll ever see
• Albaicín neighborhood: Narrow streets, tea houses, and the best sunset views in Spain

Pro tips: Free tapas with every drink is still a thing here (unlike most of Spain), and the sunset view from Mirador San Nicolás will ruin all other sunsets for you.

Valencia: The Underrated Gem

Valencia’s like Spain’s best-kept secret. It’s got this amazing mix of old and futuristic, claims to have invented paella (and gets pretty feisty about it), and is way more chill than Barcelona or Madrid.

Don’t miss:

• City of Arts and Sciences: Looks like aliens landed and decided to stay
• Las Fallas Festival: March madness involving giant sculptures and fire
• Real paella: Not the tourist version, the actual Valencian kind with rabbit and beans

Pro tips: The old riverbed is now a massive park perfect for biking, and the Ruzafa neighborhood is super trendy.

Basque Country: A Country Within a Country

The Basque region is basically like visiting a different country altogether. They have their own language, their own culture, and oh my god, the food scene is absolutely insane.

San Sebastián highlights:

• Pintxos crawling: Like tapas but somehow even better
• La Concha beach: Arguably the prettiest city beach in Europe
• Michelin star restaurants: More per capita than anywhere except major capitals

Bilbao highlights:

• Guggenheim Museum: The building itself is art, never mind what’s inside

Pro tips: Learn to say “kaixo” (hello in Basque) and prepare to eat the best meal of your life.

The Islands: Sun, Sand, and Good Times

Balearic Islands:

• Ibiza: Yes, it’s a party island, but the beaches are actually stunning
• Mallorca: Way more than just package tourism – gorgeous villages and coastline
• Menorca: The quiet, unspoiled one with incredible hidden coves

Canary Islands:

• Tenerife: Has Spain’s highest mountain (Mount Teide)
• Lanzarote: Volcanic landscapes that look like Mars
• Gran Canaria: Basically has every climate imaginable on one island

Spanish Culture: The Real Deal

Languages (It’s Complicated)

So here’s the deal—Spain isn’t just about Spanish. In Barcelona, people speak Catalan, up north there’s Basque (which honestly sounds like it came from another planet), and in Galicia, they’ve got Galician. But don’t stress, everyone also speaks Spanish. If you can toss out a “hola” and a “gracias,” you’ll be just fine—and locals always appreciate the effort.

Flamenco: More Than Just Dancing

Real flamenco is serious business – it’s passionate, emotional, and tells stories. The touristy dinner shows are fine, but try to catch an authentic performance in Seville or Granada. It’s pretty mesmerizing.

The Siesta Situation

Yep, the siesta is totally a thing—but it’s not just everyone snoozing in hammocks. From around 2 to 5 PM, a lot of shops shut down. At first it feels kind of annoying, but honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to have a long, lazy lunch and just chill. The real curveball? Dinner doesn’t even start until 9 or 10 PM (sometimes later!), so you’ll definitely want to shift your eating schedule unless you enjoy starving.

About Bullfighting…

Look, this one’s controversial. A lot of Spaniards, especially younger ones, aren’t into it anymore. Some regions have even banned it. You can learn about the cultural history without actually attending an event if it’s not your thing.

Food Adventures You Can’t Skip

Tapas: It’s a Lifestyle, Not Just Small Plates

Tapas isn’t just about the food – it’s about the social experience. You bar hop, you share, you talk, you drink. Some places still give you free tapas with drinks (Granada, I’m looking at you), others have turned it into an art form.

The Greatest Hits You Have to Try

Paella: Get the real deal in Valencia. They’re pretty particular about it – no chorizo, no seafood mixed with meat. Just go with it.

Tortilla Española: It’s everywhere for a reason. Simple, perfect, and somehow different at every place.

Jamón Ibérico: The good stuff is expensive, but oh my god, it’s worth it. It literally melts in your mouth.

Drinks That’ll Make You Happy

Sangria: Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s also delicious and perfect for hot afternoons.

Cava: Spanish sparkling wine that’s way cheaper than champagne and often just as good.

Rioja: Spanish wine that’ll make you wonder why you ever drank anything else.

Where to Eat Like a Local

• San Sebastián: Pintxos bars and Michelin stars – it’s food heaven
• Barcelona: Everything from traditional Catalonian to crazy innovative stuff
• Madrid: Traditional Spanish food done right, plus international options
• Valencia: Paella central, obviously, but the seafood scene is amazing too

Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind

Trains Are Your Friend

Spain’s high-speed trains are awesome. You can zip from Madrid to Barcelona in about 2.5 hours—or Madrid to Seville in the same time. They’re comfy, on time (a miracle compared to planes), and way less of a headache than flying. Pro tip: book early and you’ll snag much cheaper tickets.

City Transportation

Madrid and Barcelona have great metro systems. Buy a multi-day pass and you’re set. Buses are reliable too, and most cities are pretty walkable.

Should You Rent a Car?

Driving in Spain? Depends where you’re headed. In the big cities—forget it. Parking will drain your wallet and your sanity. But if you’re exploring little villages, cruising along the coast, or road-tripping through Andalusia, then yes, 100% worth it. Just a heads-up: Spanish drivers can be, let’s say… passionate, and tolls pile up faster than you think.

Flying Domestic

For the islands or really long distances, domestic flights make sense. Budget airlines like Vueling are pretty cheap, just watch out for baggage fees.

Practical Stuff (The Boring But Important Bits)

Visa Stuff

If you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or the EU, you’re good for 90 days as a tourist. Just need a valid passport. Easy peasy.

Money Matters

It’s euros, obviously. Credit cards work most places, but carry some cash for small bars, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are everywhere in cities.

Tipping isn’t mandatory but 5-10% is nice if you had good service. Just round up taxi fares.

Safety and Health

Spain’s super safe. Just watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas and on public transport. Keep your stuff close and you’ll be fine.

The water’s safe to drink, the healthcare is great, and 112 is the emergency number for everything.

Apps You’ll Actually Use

• Citymapper: For getting around Madrid and Barcelona
• Google Translate: The camera function is a lifesaver for menus
• Renfe: For booking trains
• Maps.me: Works offline when your data runs out

Spanish 101: Survival Edition

You don’t need to be fluent, but these’ll help:

• Hola – Hello (everyone knows this one)
• Gracias – Thank you
• Por favor – Please
• ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?
• La cuenta, por favor – Check, please
• ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?
• Perdón – Sorry/Excuse me

Sample Itineraries (Because Planning is Hard)

One Week: The Greatest Hits

Madrid (3 days):

• Day 1: Prado, Royal Palace, get lost in Malasaña at night
• Day 2: Retiro Park, some shopping, maybe a flamenco show
• Day 3: Day trip to Toledo (seriously gorgeous medieval city)

Barcelona (4 days):

• Day 4: Travel day, explore Gothic Quarter
• Day 5: Sagrada Familia (book ahead!), Park Güell, Las Ramblas
• Day 6: Beach day, Picasso Museum, El Born neighborhood
• Day 7: Day trip to Montserrat or just chill

Two Weeks: The Full Experience

Week 1: Central Spain Madrid, Toledo, maybe Salamanca if you’re into university towns and stunning architecture.

Week 2: Andalusia Seville, Granada, Córdoba. This is the Spain of your dreams – Moorish palaces, flamenco, amazing food, and those Instagram-worthy white villages.

Three Weeks: The Works

Add the Basque Country for incredible food, Valencia for paella and modern architecture, maybe even squeeze in some beach time. You’ll basically see every side of Spain.

Time to Start Planning!

Look, I could keep going forever about Spain (seriously, ask my friends – they’re tired of hearing about it), but the bottom line is this: Spain is absolutely magical. Whether you’re into art, food, history, beaches, or just want to eat great food and drink good wine while beautiful people speak passionate languages around you, Spain delivers.

The hardest part is choosing where to go first, but honestly? You can’t really go wrong. Just book that ticket, pack some comfortable shoes, and prepare to fall in love.

Pro tip: Start learning how to say “Una cerveza, por favor” (One beer, please) – you’ll use it a lot.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to save room in your suitcase for all the jamón you’ll want to bring home!

¡Buen viaje! (That’s “have a good trip” – see, you’re learning Spanish already!)