Traveling in Spain Tips

Traveling in Spain Tips for the First Time: What You Need to Know Before You Go

I love visiting Spain from the lush and green areas of the Northern areas of Spain, to the exciting Capital city at Madrid and historic treasures to be found. The western areas of Spain at Catalonia, Valencia ooze with so much history, culture and architecture and the southern parts around Andalusia serve up the best of traditions, foods and culture combined.

What Should you know before you visit any of these regions of Spain?

I researched and put together this simple guide of practical tips, planning ideas, transportation, typical foods to eat and even adapting to local culture and timeframes to enjoy and experience Spanish travel and culture at its best.

Practical and Helpful Tips to Visiting Spain for the First Time

Plan Your Itinerary by Region

1. Plan Your Itinerary by Region

When visiting Spain, planning your itinerary by region helps make the most of your time without feeling rushed. Each part of the country has its own personality, traditions, and landscapes—Andalusia offers flamenco, Moorish architecture, and white hill towns; Catalonia blends beach life with bold modernism in cities like Barcelona; the Basque Country is known for pintxos, green hills, and edgy art scenes. Rather than crisscrossing the entire country, focus on one or two areas to explore more deeply. Distances can be longer than expected, and regional pride runs strong—so staying put allows you to really get a feel for local culture, food, and daily rhythms.

Spain is large and diverse—focus on one or two regions (e.g., Andalusia, Catalonia, Basque Country).
Avoid trying to see everything in one trip.

Adjust to the Local Schedule

2. Adjust to the Local Schedule

Adjusting to the local schedule in Spain can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable. The daily rhythm here is different from what many travelers are used to—mornings start slow, lunch happens late (usually around 2 to 4 PM), and dinner often doesn’t begin until 9 PM or later. In many towns and smaller cities, shops and businesses still close for a midday break, known as siesta, typically from 2 to 5 PM. This pause in the day is not just about rest but also about enjoying a proper meal and social time with family or friends. Embracing this slower pace lets you align better with local customs and avoid the frustration of finding everything shut during peak tourist hours.

Lunch is usually 2–4 PM, dinner 9–11 PM.
Many shops close in the afternoon (siesta hours), especially outside big cities.

3. Learn a Few Spanish Phrases

Learning a few Spanish phrases before your trip can make a big difference in how locals interact with you, especially in smaller towns where English isn’t widely spoken. Simple expressions like hola (hello), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), la cuenta, por favor (the bill, please), or ¿dónde está el baño? (where is the bathroom?) show effort and respect for the culture. While most people in major cities or tourist areas speak some English, using even basic Spanish can open doors, lead to friendlier service, and make your overall experience feel more personal and connected. Locals usually appreciate the effort, even if your accent isn’t perfect.

English is spoken in tourist areas, but basic Spanish helps in local spots.
A simple “gracias” or “la cuenta, por favor” goes a long way.

Embracing the tapas culture in Spain

4. Embrace the Tapas Culture

Embracing the tapas culture in Spain is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the local food scene. Instead of ordering a full meal in one place, tapas let you try small portions of different dishes across several bars or cafés. It’s a social experience where food is shared, drinks are slowly sipped, and conversations stretch into the night. In some cities like Granada, you’ll even get a free tapa with your drink. Each region has its own twist—pintxos are common in the Basque Country, while Andalusia offers cold dishes like salmorejo and fried seafood. It’s a casual and flavorful way to explore Spanish cuisine, one bite at a time.

Try small plates in different bars instead of sitting for one full meal.
Each region has its own take on tapas (pintxos in the Basque Country, for example).

Using public transportation in Spain

5. Use Public Transportation

Using public transportation in Spain is an easy and cost-effective way to get around, especially between cities and within urban areas. The country has a well-connected train system, including high-speed AVE trains that link major destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia in just a few hours. Local commuter trains and buses also serve smaller towns and suburbs reliably. In cities, the metro systems—particularly in Madrid and Barcelona—are clean, affordable, and simple to navigate with apps or signage in English. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available, but public transport is often faster and much cheaper. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to avoid driving or parking in busy city centers.

Trains (Renfe) are efficient between major cities.
Metro systems in cities like Madrid and Barcelona are easy to navigate.

Watch for Pickpockets in crowded venues

6. Watch for Pickpockets

While Spain is generally safe for travelers, it’s important to watch for pickpockets, especially in busy areas like public transport, markets, tourist hotspots, and city centers—Barcelona and Madrid are particularly known for this. Thieves often work in teams and use distractions like bumping into you, asking for directions, or creating small commotions to divert your attention. To avoid issues, keep your valuables in a secure bag with zippers, ideally worn across your body, and avoid placing wallets or phones in back pockets. Be extra mindful in crowded metro stations or when watching street performers. Staying alert and taking basic precautions can go a long way in keeping your trip worry-free.

Especially in crowded areas and public transport—Barcelona is notorious.
Use a money belt or anti-theft bag for peace of mind.

Attend a Festive Event: in Spain

7. Time Your Visit for the Weather and Festivals

Timing your visit to Spain around the weather and local festivals can make a big difference in your experience. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful seasonal scenery—ideal for sightseeing and exploring both cities and countryside. Summer can be extremely hot, especially inland in places like Seville or Madrid, and beach destinations get crowded with both locals and tourists. If you’re interested in cultural events, plan ahead for festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week), Feria de Abril in Seville, or La Tomatina and San Fermín for something more wild and energetic. These events offer a unique glimpse into Spanish culture but also draw large crowds, so booking accommodations early is key.

Spring and fall are ideal for good weather and fewer crowds.
Consider planning around major festivals (La Tomatina, Feria de Abril, San Fermín).

Booking attractions ahead in Spain

8. Book Attractions Ahead

Booking attractions ahead in Spain is often essential, especially for popular landmarks that limit daily visitors or use timed entry. Sites like the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and the Royal Palace in Madrid regularly sell out days or even weeks in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. Buying tickets online not only guarantees your entry but often lets you skip long lines, saving time and frustration. Many museums and historical sites also offer guided tours or audio guides that can be added when you book. Planning ahead ensures you get to see the highlights without missing out due to last-minute crowds or closures.

Places like the Alhambra or Sagrada Família can sell out.
Buy timed tickets online in advance.

Stay in Smaller Hotels or Paradores

9. Stay in Smaller Hotels or Paradores

Staying in smaller hotels or paradores in Spain offers a more authentic and memorable experience compared to large chain hotels. Paradores are often historic buildings like castles, monasteries, or palaces that have been converted into accommodations, allowing you to connect with Spain’s rich history while enjoying comfortable, unique surroundings. Smaller hotels or boutique properties tend to have more personalized service, local charm, and often a central location that makes exploring easier. They also support local businesses and provide a quieter atmosphere away from the tourist crowds, giving you a deeper sense of place during your stay.

Paradores (historic buildings turned hotels) offer a unique local stay.
Boutique hotels or apartments often provide better value and charm than big chains.

Respect Local Customs and Dress Codes

10. Respect Local Customs and Dress Codes

Respecting local customs and dress codes in Spain shows cultural awareness and helps you blend in more comfortably. When visiting churches or religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly—covering shoulders and avoiding shorts or revealing clothing—as a sign of respect. In general, Spaniards tend to dress smartly, especially when dining out or going to events, so casual doesn’t mean sloppy. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated, usually around 5 to 10 percent in restaurants. Being polite, greeting with a simple hola or buenos días, and following social norms like keeping noise levels down in residential areas can go a long way toward positive interactions with locals.

Modest clothing is expected in churches.
Tipping isn’t required but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.

11. Eating out in Spain, some do’s and don’ts

Eating out in Spain

11. Eating out in Spain

Here are some useful tips about eating out in Spain, trying local specialty dishes, visiting markets and tipping requirements.

Timing Matters
- Lunch typically between 2–4 PM
- Dinner often starts around 9 PM or later
Try Tapas or Pintxos
- Order small plates to share and sample a variety of flavors
- Tapas are popular throughout Spain; pintxos are typical in the Basque Country
Look for Menú del Día
- Many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu with multiple courses at good value
Reserve Ahead for Popular Spots
- Especially in cities or tourist areas, reservations can save waiting time
Don’t Expect Fast Service
- Dining is a relaxed, social experience—meals can last hours
Ask for Recommendations
- Locals or staff often know the best dishes or daily specials
Mind the Drink Culture
- Try local wines, vermouth, or cava instead of always sticking to beer or soft drinks
Know the Tipping Norms
- Tipping isn’t obligatory but leaving some change or 5–10% is appreciated
Look for Busy Places
- A busy restaurant usually means fresh food and good quality
Be Open to Regional Specialties
- Every region has unique dishes—embrace the local flavors and ingredients

When to visit Spain

I’ve been to visit many different parts of Spain throughout the year and found that the best times to travel without the massive crowds tend to be the fall season from September, October and November and the spring season from Mark, April and May.

The weather tends to be more comfortable with temperatures not too high or too cold and pleasant to explore and travel around the country with weather patterns that avoid extreme cold, rain or hot temperatures in the winter and summer season.

My recent trips to Spain were in September, October, and November, the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Winter time is exteme cold in most of Spain, but if you are used to dressing in layers and rain, you definitely can enjoy visiting most of the country without crowds and tourist visiting even the most popular cities in the country.