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Spain

Kingdom of Spain

Capital: Madrid

Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Create a trip called “Trip to Spain” and plan it from there.

47,400,000 Population
Spanish Language
EUR Currency
C, F Plug Types

Before you go

Visa, plugs, customs and when to go

The essentials

  • Plugs: type C, F · 230 V / 50 Hz
  • Official languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, and Galician

Visa

Choose your passport to see whether you need a visa.

Part of Schengen Area. 90-day visa-free stays within 180-day period.

Reviewed on February 8, 2025. Always confirm with the official source before travelling. Official source
See all about before you go

The Spanish Schedule

culture

Spain operates on its own clock. Meals are late, nights are long, and the siesta still influences daily rhythms.

  • Lunch: 14:00-16:00 (main meal)
  • Dinner: 21:00-23:00 (or later)
  • Many shops close 14:00-17:00
  • Nightlife starts after midnight
Learn more

Spain's schedule exists because the country is in the wrong timezone—it should be GMT like Portugal but uses CET. Franco changed it to align with Nazi Germany. The result is that noon sun is actually at 13:30, making the late schedule feel natural. Embrace it: eat tapas at 22:00, enjoy paseo (evening stroll) at sunset.

Regional Diversity

culture

Spain is not one culture but many. Regions have distinct languages, traditions, and even independence movements.

  • Catalonia: Catalan language, Barcelona, modernist art
  • Basque Country: Euskara language, unique culture, culinary capital
  • Andalusia: Flamenco, Moorish heritage, classic "Spanish" image
  • Galicia: Celtic influences, green landscapes, seafood

Tapas & Social Eating

culture

Eating in Spain is social. Tapas are small plates meant for sharing, conversation, and bar-hopping.

  • Ir de tapas: hopping from bar to bar
  • Standing at the bar is common
  • Each bar has its specialty
  • Free tapas with drinks in some regions

Flamenco

culture

More than dance—flamenco is an art form expressing raw emotion, born from Andalusian gitano culture.

  • UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • Combines singing (cante), dance (baile), and guitar
  • Best seen in intimate tablaos, not tourist shows
  • Originated in Andalusia (Seville, Jerez, Cadiz)

Sobremesa

protocol

The art of lingering at the table after a meal. Conversation, coffee, and digestifs can last hours.

  • Rushing to leave is rude
  • Wait for others to finish eating
  • Coffee and copa (digestif) are common
  • This is where relationships deepen

Spain is a passionate country of regional diversity, late nights, and vibrant traditions. Life revolves around family, food, and fiestas. The Spanish embrace life with an intensity reflected in flamenco, bullfighting, and their love of celebration. Each region has its own identity—Catalonia, Basque Country, and Andalusia are almost like different countries.

Do

  • Embrace the late schedule moderate
  • Learn a few Spanish phrases minor
  • Try regional specialties, not just paella minor
  • Take time to enjoy meals moderate

Don’t

  • Rush meals or ask for the bill too quickly moderate
  • Assume everyone speaks English minor
  • Order sangria in fancy restaurants (tourist drink) minor
  • Discuss politics with strangers moderate
  • Call Catalan or Basque people "Spanish" without nuance moderate

Etiquette Tips

greeting

Two Cheek Kisses

Greet with two kisses on cheeks (right first). Handshakes for formal/business first meetings.

essential
gift

Wine or Dessert

When invited to someone's home, bring wine, cava, or pastries. Flowers are also appreciated.

recommended
social

The Paseo

Evening stroll is a tradition. Families walk, chat, and see neighbors before dinner.

nice to-know
dress

Look Good

Spaniards dress well, even casually. Avoid looking too touristy (shorts, flip-flops in cities).

recommended

When to go

March · April · May

Rating 5/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Perfect weather, festivals, flowers. Best time for most of Spain.

Events: Semana Santa (Holy Week) · Feria de Abril (Seville) · Patios de Cordoba (May)

September · October · November

Rating 4/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Warm and pleasant. Wine harvest season. Fewer tourists.

Events: La Merce (Barcelona, Sept) · Wine harvest festivals

June · July · August

Rating 3/5 Crowds: peak Prices: expensive

Extremely hot in central and southern Spain (40C+). Best for beaches and north.

Events: San Fermin (Pamplona, July) · La Tomatina (August) · Beach season

December · January · February

Rating 3/5 Crowds: low Prices: budget

Mild in south, cold in center/north. Good for cities and skiing.

Events: Christmas markets · Three Kings (Jan 6) · Carnival (February)

Climate: Central Spain has extreme temperatures. Northern Spain is wetter and cooler. Andalusia is hottest in summer.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Money

Currency and tipping

The essentials

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Tipping at restaurants — 5-10%
See all about money

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Symbol: €

Tipping Guide

Restaurants

5-10%

Tip is not expected but appreciated. Round up or leave small change.

Hotels

€1-2 per bag

For porters. Not expected for housekeeping.

Taxis

Round up

Not expected. Rounding to nearest euro is common.

Service is included. Excessive tipping is unusual and can seem strange.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Getting around

Airports, buses, driving and apps

The essentials

  • Traffic drives on the right
  • Main airport: MAD — Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas
See all about getting around

Spain has excellent high-speed trains (AVE) connecting major cities. Buses fill gaps. Cities have good metro/bus systems. Driving is best for rural areas and small towns.

Major Airports

MAD Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Hub 13 km to center
  • Metro Line 8 (Pink) 25-30 min €4.50-5
  • Express Aeropuerto 30-40 min €5
  • taxi 20-30 min €30 flat rate to center
BCN Barcelona-El Prat Hub 12 km to center
  • Aerobus 35 min €7.75
  • Metro L9 Sud 45 min €5.15
  • taxi 25-35 min €39 flat rate to center
AGP Malaga-Costa del Sol 8 km to center
  • Cercanias C1 12 min €1.80

Between cities

train

Renfe AVE (High-speed)

  • Madrid-Barcelona (2h30)
  • Madrid-Seville (2h30)
  • Madrid-Valencia (1h40)

Book early for best prices. Promo fares can be €25 for long routes.

Book with Renfe AVE (High-speed)
bus

ALSA / FlixBus

  • All major cities
  • Often cheaper than trains

Good for routes without AVE. Night buses save hotel costs.

Book with ALSA / FlixBus
flight

Vueling / Iberia Express

  • Madrid-Barcelona
  • Canary/Balearic Islands

Check budget airlines for island trips.

Driving

Traffic drives on the right

EU license or International Driving Permit

Useful for Andalusia road trips, small villages, wine regions. Not needed in cities.

Useful apps

  • Google Maps — Navigation and transit planning
  • Renfe Ticket — Train tickets and schedules
  • Cabify / Uber — Ride-hailing (Cabify often preferred)
  • TMB (Barcelona) — Barcelona public transport

Tips

  • AVE trains are faster than flying when you count airport time
  • Siesta hours (14:00-17:00) mean fewer buses and closed shops
  • Night buses (buho/nitbus) are reliable in major cities
  • Cercanias trains are great for day trips (Toledo, Segovia)
  • Book AVE tickets 60 days ahead for best prices

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Safety & health

Emergencies, official advice and health

The essentials

  • Emergencies: 112
  • Tourist police: 902 102 112
See all about safety & health

Emergency numbers

Embassies

Staying safe

Spain is generally safe. Main concerns are pickpocketing in tourist areas (Las Ramblas, Madrid metro) and petty theft. Violent crime is rare.

Areas to avoid

  • El Raval (Barcelona) late at night
  • Some areas around train stations

Common scams

  • Distraction theft (fake surveys, spilled drinks)
  • Bag snatching on Las Ramblas
  • Unofficial taxis at airports
  • Rose or bracelet sellers (distraction)
Women travellers
Generally safe. Some catcalling may occur but harassment is not common.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Very LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage legal since 2005. Madrid and Barcelona have vibrant scenes.
Solo travellers
Excellent for solo travel. Social culture makes it easy to meet people.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Food

What to eat and how to eat out

The essentials

  • Paella — Rice dish from Valencia. Traditional has rabbit and chicken, not seafood (that's modern).
  • Jamon Iberico — Cured ham from black Iberian pigs. Bellota grade (acorn-fed) is best. Life-changing.
  • Tortilla Espanola — Potato and egg omelette. Simple but debated: runny or firm center?
See all about food

Spanish cuisine is regional, seasonal, and social. From Basque pintxos to Andalusian gazpacho, each area has its specialties. Olive oil is king. Meals are long and meant for sharing.

Signature Dishes

Paella

Rice dish from Valencia. Traditional has rabbit and chicken, not seafood (that's modern).

moderate

Jamon Iberico

Cured ham from black Iberian pigs. Bellota grade (acorn-fed) is best. Life-changing.

expensive

Tortilla Espanola

Potato and egg omelette. Simple but debated: runny or firm center?

budget

Pintxos

Basque tapas. Small bites on bread, skewered with toothpick. Count sticks to pay.

budget

Gazpacho

Cold tomato soup. Perfect in summer. Andalusian classic.

budget

Churros con Chocolate

Fried dough sticks with thick hot chocolate for dipping.

budget

Etiquette Tips

  • Late Meals

    Lunch is 14:00-16:00, dinner after 21:00. Arriving "on time" to dinner may mean an empty restaurant.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Local slang

How people talk, and words worth knowing

The essentials

  • Hola — Hello
  • Buenos dias — Good morning
  • Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
  • Gracias — Thank you
See all about local slang

Physical Warmth

communication

Spaniards are physically expressive. Expect kisses, hugs, and close conversation.

  • Two cheek kisses for greeting (right first)
  • Close physical proximity in conversation
  • Touching arms/shoulders is normal
  • Personal space is smaller than in Northern Europe

Common Phrases

Essential words and phrases in Spanish

Hola

/OH-lah/

Hello

Universal greeting

Buenos dias

/BWEH-nos DEE-as/

Good morning

Until 14:00

Buenas tardes

/BWEH-nas TAR-des/

Good afternoon

14:00-21:00

Gracias

/GRAH-thias/

Thank you

Castilian lisp on "c"

Por favor

/por fah-VOR/

Please

Polite request

Perdon

/per-DON/

Excuse me

Getting attention

La cuenta, por favor

/la KWEN-ta por fah-VOR/

The bill, please

Restaurants

Una cana

/OO-na KAH-nya/

A small beer

Ordering at bars

Salud!

/sah-LOOD/

Cheers!

Toasting

Vale

/BAH-leh/

OK / Alright

Very common, means agreement

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Spain Tourism Board · Renfe · Lonely Planet Spain · Local tourism offices

Top Highlights

Must-see attractions and experiences

museum Photo: Carlos Delgado · CC BY-SA 3.0

Museo del Prado

Madrid

One of the world's greatest art museums. Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch.

3-4 hours € 15
  • Go in last 2 hours for free entry
  • Don't miss Las Meninas by Velazquez
landmark Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece. Surreal basilica under construction since 1882.

2-3 hours € 26
  • Book weeks in advance
  • Morning light is best for photos
landmark Photo: Jebulon · CC0

Alhambra

Granada

Stunning Moorish palace and fortress. Jewel of Islamic art in Europe.

4-5 hours € 14
  • Book 2+ months ahead
  • Nasrid Palaces require timed entry
landmark Photo: Isiwal · CC BY-SA 3.0

Park Guell

Barcelona

Gaudi's whimsical public park with mosaic terraces and city views.

2 hours € 10
  • Book timed entry online
  • Go early morning
neighborhood Photo: Carlos Delgado · CC BY-SA 3.0

Plaza Mayor & Old Madrid

Madrid

Historic heart of Madrid. Grand arcaded square surrounded by tapas bars.

2-3 hours
  • Explore La Latina for tapas
  • Visit Mercado de San Miguel nearby
landmark Photo: José Luis Filpo Cabana · CC BY 3.0

Real Alcazar of Seville

Seville

Royal palace with stunning Mudejar architecture. Still used by Spanish royalty.

2-3 hours € 14.5
  • Book online to skip queue
  • Used as filming location for Game of Thrones

More places

From the catalogue — open data plus the community

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