SPAIN
Spain is a wonderful country to visit but is very unique in much of its customs. Hopefully, the below observations will help you on your visit.
Eating in Spain, is a real experience. Spain runs on a completely different schedule to most of the world. Lunch is between 2pm and 4pm and is the main meal of the day. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm and 10pm is perfectly normal. If you show up to a restaurant at 6pm expecting dinner, you may find it closed or empty. Lean into the rhythm rather than fighting it and your body will adjust faster than you think. Eating on the go is considered a bit odd in Spain. Sitting down, taking your time, and enjoying food as a social experience is deeply ingrained in daily life. Don't rush a meal. Bread comes with most meals but is not free everywhere, you may be charged a small cover for it without being asked. Worth knowing before you're surprised by the bill.
Many smaller shops, businesses, and restaurants close between roughly 2pm and 5pm. This is less common in major cities now, but if you're travelling outside Madrid or Barcelona, plan around it. Scheduling errands or sightseeing in the early afternoon can lead to frustration when everything is shuttered.
Making even a small effort with Spanish goes a long way. You don't need to be fluent, a basic "hola," "por favor," and "gracias" will warm people up noticeably. In Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, regional languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician) are spoken alongside Spanish and are a source of real pride. Acknowledging this if it comes up in conversation shows a level of cultural awareness that locals genuinely appreciate.
Spain is generally relaxed about dress, but entering a church in beachwear or shorts will get you turned away or looked at disapprovingly. Carry a light layer or scarf if you're planning to visit religious sites. In cities, Spaniards tend to dress fairly well for going out in the evening, smart casual is a safe call if you're heading to a nice restaurant or bar.
Spain is loud. Bars are loud, families are loud, and nobody considers this rude. Don't mistake volume for aggression, animated conversation is just how things are done. On the flip side, complaining about noise levels, especially at night, will not win you any fans. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs, particularly in cities. We did this when staying in Sevilla as our room was above a very popular night spot.
Rushing people is probably the single fastest way to create friction. Whether it's a waiter, a shopkeeper, or someone giving you directions, Spaniards do not respond well to being hurried. Patience is not just polite here, it's expected.
Avoid scheduling anything important between late July and late August in smaller cities and towns. Much of Spain genuinely shuts down during this period as locals take their own holidays.
I always think the best thing you can do in any country is simply slow down and observe before you act. Spain rewards that approach more than most places. Watch how locals behave in a restaurant, at a bar, or on the street, and mirror it. You'll fit in far more naturally than someone who arrives with a rigid set of expectations about how things should work.
Spain Travel Guide
Do I need a visa? And how do I get one?
Depends on your nationality. Citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit Spain visa-free for short stays. From mid-2025, UK and other non-EU visitors will need to register under the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) — a quick online application, not a full visa. If you do need a Schengen visa, apply through the Spanish consulate in your home country well in advance.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
Most visitors can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen Area rules. This covers the whole Schengen Zone, not just Spain, so time spent in France, Italy, Germany etc. counts toward your 90 days.
What’s the local currency?
The Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but smaller towns, markets, and rural restaurants often prefer cash.
Should I exchange money before I go, or use ATMs?
ATMs are widely available and generally offer better rates than airport exchange desks. Use a travel-friendly card with no foreign transaction fees (Wise, Starling, or Charles Schwab are popular options) and withdraw from bank ATMs rather than independent machines to avoid extra fees. Avoid dynamic currency conversion if offered, always pay in Euros.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Spain. Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, flu etc.) should be up to date. If you're travelling from a country with yellow fever risk, proof of vaccination may be required. Always check with your doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water in Spain is safe to drink and meets EU standards. That said, many locals prefer bottled water, particularly in some southern regions where the taste can be heavily chlorinated. In rural areas it's worth checking locally.
Is the country safe to visit?
Spain is generally a very safe country for tourists. The main thing to watch for is petty theft and pickpocketing, particularly in Barcelona, Madrid, and busy tourist areas, keep an eye on bags in crowded places, on public transport, and at popular attractions. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
What’s the avg temp by month?
Winter (Dec to Feb) is cold but not extreme. Spring (Mar to May) starts cool and gradually warms up. Summer (Jun to Aug) is hot. Fall (Sep to Nov) cools down again, with a lot of gray skies.
How do I get around (transportation options)?
Spain has excellent transport options at every level:
Between cities: The AVE high-speed rail network is fast, comfortable, and connects Madrid to Barcelona (2.5hrs), Seville (2.5hrs), Valencia, and beyond. Book in advance on Renfe for the best prices. Budget flights (Vueling, Iberia Express) are useful for reaching the Canary or Balearic Islands. Long-distance buses (ALSA) are cheaper than trains and cover routes the rail network doesn't.
Within cities: Metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona are excellent and easy to navigate. Buses and trams fill the gaps in other cities. Taxis and Uber/Cabify are widely available.
Renting a car: Great for rural areas, the countryside, and regions like Andalusia or Galicia where public transport is patchier. Not recommended for city centres, parking is expensive and stressful.
What are the local customs and etiquette regarding tipping?
Tipping in Spain is appreciated but not expected the way it is in the USA. A rough guide: round up the bill or leave small change at a café, leave €1–2 per person at a sit-down restaurant if you're happy with the service, and up to 10% at a nicer restaurant. Tipping at bars is very informal, a few coins is plenty. Never feel obligated, and never tip on a card, always cash.
What’s the local food like? Can I find vegetarian/vegan options?
Vegetarian/vegan options? Spanish food is one of the great pleasures of visiting. Expect tapas culture (small shared dishes), outstanding seafood along the coasts, jamón (cured ham) everywhere, fresh produce, and enormous regional variation, food in the Basque Country feels completely different from Andalusia or Catalonia.
Vegetarian options have improved significantly in recent years, especially in cities. Most restaurants now offer vegetarian tapas, salads, tortilla española (potato omelette), patatas bravas, pimientos de padrón, and cheese boards. Be aware that some dishes that appear vegetarian, soups, stews, rice dishes, are often made with meat stock. Always ask.
Vegan options are growing fast in Madrid and Barcelona, with dedicated vegan restaurants increasingly common. Smaller towns and rural areas are trickier, you'll manage, but it takes more effort and communication. The phrase "soy vegano/a — sin carne, sin pescado, sin huevos, sin lácteos" (I'm vegan — no meat, no fish, no eggs, no dairy) will help enormously.
Please note rules and regulations change, so always best to double check before you go.
