Wear acceptable clothing when visiting religious sites © Massimo Borchi / Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images 13. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. Tipping is not expectedĮuropean countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. A caña is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml). Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano, a concoction of red wine and lemon soda.Īsk for a caña like a local instead of a cerveza. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a touristĪ popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country, you can savor pintxos, or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat.ĭinner isn't usually available before 8pm © JackF / Getty Images 4. Think twice about visiting Madrid in August. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. Being cashless is commonĬard is king in Spain. Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo”, which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. It's not always sunny and warm in Spain so bring a coat © F.J. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.Ĭultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost. Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system. It ticks a lot of boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine, spectacular landscapes, architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.įrom day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country.
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