10 Must-Know Tips for Traveling to Spain

10 Must-Know Tips for Traveling to Spain | Insider Guide by Travel Experts 1. "Zen" Timekeeping: Adjust Your Body Clock Spaniards follow a unique daily rhythm: ✅ Lunch 2:00-4:00 PM, Dinner 8:00-11:00 PM (restaurants may open as late as 7:30 PM); ✅ Siesta culture: Shops in small towns may close from 2:00-5:00 PM; ❗Pro tip: Schedule shopping outside siesta hours, and experience authentic Spanish "nightlife" after 9 PM. 2. Language: Unlock Warmth with "Hola" ✅ English works in tourist areas, but Spanish greetings create connections: "Hola" (Hello), "Gracias" (Thank you); ❗Advanced move: Saying "¡Qué rico!" (So delicious!) when ordering will earn chef's smiles. 3. Dining Etiquette: Beyond Paella and Tapas ✅ Tapas culture: Andalusian bars often serve free snacks with drinks; ✅ Authentic paella uses rabbit/chicken and is traditionally a lunch dish; ❗Taboo: Don't fill up on tapas before dinner - save appetite for proper meals. 4. Safety Essentials: Beware "Friendly Traps" ✅ Secure belongings near major attractions; ✅ Watch for "fake police" scams - always ask for official badge (Placa); ❗Emergency number: 112 (works EU-wide). 5. Transport Hacks: Trains Beat Flights ✅ Renfe AVE high-speed trains: Book online early for discounts (Madrid→Seville in 2.5h); ✅ City transport: Madrid's 10-ride metro card is shareable; Barcelona's multi-trip tickets recommended; ❗Driving note: Some rural highways collect cash tolls. 6. Attraction Bookings: Skip the Lines ✅ Gaudí sites: Save time with online combo tickets; ✅ Alhambra Palace: Book popular time slots early; ❗Hidden gem: Some sites offer night tours - check availability in advance. 7. Festival Alerts: Celebration Meets Chaos ✅ Semana Santa: Seville's processions are spectacular (book accommodation early); ✅ La Tomatina: Participants need tickets and protective gear; ❗Heads-up: Some services may close during August's Assumption holiday. 8. Tipping Culture: Casual but Kind ✅ Service charge usually included - €1-2 coins appreciated; ✅ Round up taxi fares as goodwill gesture. 9. Tech Essentials: Small Details Matter ✅ Type C two-round-pin plugs; ✅ Free WiFi often available in plazas and chain stores; ❗Insider tip: Local SIM cards (~€15) typically include 20GB data and EU roaming. 10. Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid Unintended Offense ✅ Avoid public debates about bullfighting; ✅ Some cities prohibit drinking in squares; ✅ Cheek-kissing greeting goes "left-right-left" (in some regions). Final Note Spain's magic lives in corner tapas bars and midnight flamenco improvisations. Mastering these local rules transforms your trip from sightseeing to cultural dialogue. Contact us for customized itinerary advice! ¡Buen viaje! (Happy travels!)