So, you’ve booked your flight to Spain. ¡Olé! You’re dreaming of tapas, flamenco, Mediterranean beaches and that perfect Instagram of you holding a wine glass in front of a cathedral you can’t name. But before you pack your flip-flops and attempt your best “gracias”, let’s talk travel hacks.
Spain is glorious, but it’s also full of little quirks, unexpected rhythms and cultural traps that can catch the unsuspecting traveller off guard (like trying to order lunch at 11:30am — rookie move). So, grab a notepad, a glass of Rioja and let’s dive into 10 top tips to conquer Spain like a true savvy explorer and not a sweaty, confused tourist.
1. Embrace the Spanish Clock — Time Runs Differently Here
🕒 Early birds? Not in Spain. Night owls? Bienvenidos.
In Spain, lunch is at 2pm, dinner is often 9pm or later and the party doesn’t even think about starting until midnight. Want to blend in? Adjust your stomach, social calendar and expectations accordingly.
💡 Hack: Have a proper late breakfast and stock up on snacks so you don’t get hangry before the kitchen even opens.
2. Don’t Expect Tapas to Be Free (Unless You’re in Granada)
🍤 Yes, they’re small plates. No, they’re not all complimentary.
While some regions bless you with free tapas when you order a drink, in most of Spain you’ll be charged, especially in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. And no, three olives and a toothpick don’t count as a meal.
💸 Hack: Ask what’s included before you order and don’t assume tapas = cheap. That plate of jamón ibérico has a black belt in wallet attacks.
3. Learn the Magic Words and Use Them Liberally
🗣️ A little Spanish goes a long way (and sounds adorable with your accent).
Spaniards appreciate effort, so don’t be shy! Memorise some basics like:
• Hola (hello)
• Por favor (please)
• Gracias (thank you)
• Una cerveza, por favor (a beer, please — arguably the most important)
📢 Hack: Saying “grath-iass” in Madrid and “gras-siass” in Barcelona is completely fine. They’ll love you for trying, even if you sound like a GCSE oral exam.
4. Don’t Rely on Your Card in Smaller Towns
💳 Yes, it’s 2025. No, not everyone takes your shiny contactless card.
In big cities, cards are king. But step into a small town, a local café or a village market and suddenly cash is your best friend, especially for under €10 purchases.
💶 Hack: Always carry a bit of cash and coins. You never want to be that tourist trying to buy churros with Apple Pay in a cash only stand.
5. Sundays Are Sacred (and Mostly Shut)
🛑 You may rest. But shops? They rest harder.
In many parts of Spain, Sundays are dead quiet. Big stores shut, small ones disappear and your grand plan for a shopping spree turns into a long walk past “cerrado” signs.
🛍️ Hack: Get your errands and souvenirs sorted by Saturday. On Sunday, go full Spanish: relax, eat, nap, repeat.
6. Don’t Just Stick to the Big Three (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville)
🚂 Spain’s like a tapas menu — the best stuff is often the least obvious.
Sure, the main cities are amazing, but Spain is bursting with hidden gems. Think Ronda’s cliffside views, San Sebastián’s pintxos heaven or Cáceres’ medieval magic.
🎒 Hack: Use the Renfe rail system or budget buses to explore smaller towns, they’re often cheaper, friendlier and far less touristy.
7. Siesta Is Real — Respect the Nap
😴 No, they’re not lazy. They just value the art of doing nothing really, really well.
In smaller towns, you’ll notice that everything shuts down between 2pm and 5pm. Locals retreat indoors, blinds go down, shops close and the streets go silent. This is siesta time and it’s not a myth.
🕶️ Hack: Use it as your recharge time too. Or do as the locals do — long lunch, quick nap, back out at 6pm like a fresh butterfly.
8. Avoid the Tourist Menus Like You’d Avoid a Lukewarm Sangria
🍽️ If it has photos of food, a menu in 8 languages and the word “authentic”… run.
Tourist traps are everywhere, especially near major attractions. These menus are usually overpriced and underwhelming. You deserve better than microwave paella and sad sangria.
🍤 Hack: Look for menus in Spanish, a crowd of locals or simply ask your hotel or host for recommendations. Trust the people who actually live there.
9. Watch Your Belongings Like You Watch That Final Slice of Jamón
👜 Spain is beautiful — but so are the pickpockets.
In crowded places (Las Ramblas, train stations, tourist hotspots), keep an eye on your bags, zip up your backpack and never leave your phone on the table at a café.
🕵️ Hack: Invest in an anti-theft bag or a money belt. And don’t flash your valuables unless you want to contribute to someone else’s shopping fund.
10. Flamenco Isn’t Everywhere and That’s OK
💃 Flamenco is fierce. But it’s not a universal Spanish experience.
Flamenco is mainly from Andalusia, not Barcelona or Bilbao. So, if you’re in Madrid and the show has neon lights and three dancers doing jazz hands, you’re in the wrong place.
🎭 Hack: Save flamenco shows for cities like Seville, Granada or Córdoba and make sure it’s live, traditional and preferably in a small venue with clapping locals.
✨ Final Fiesta Thoughts:
Spain is dazzling, dramatic and just a little unpredictable in the best way possible. But with these hacks up your sleeve (and a good fan in your bag), you’ll navigate it all like a savvy local… or at least a tourist who isn’t totally clueless.
So, whether you’re sipping vermouth in Valencia or dancing till sunrise in Ibiza, remember to stay flexible, stay curious and never say no to a second round of tapas.
