Things To Do
in Spain

Historic covered market near Plaza Mayor offering tapas, fresh seafood, ham, and gourmet stalls—great for sampling many items in one stop.

Famous food market on La Rambla with fresh produce, seafood, juices and snack stalls; try fresh fruit juices and jamón.

Large modernist market with local produce, rice, seafood and small tapas counters—ideal before a paella cooking class.

Churros con chocolate are sold at cafés and some street stalls, particularly popular for breakfast or late-night treats.

A light handshake is common in formal settings; friends often kiss once on each cheek (starting right cheek) in social contexts. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) when appropriate.

Meals are later than in many countries—lunch around 14:00 and dinner from 21:00 onward in many areas. Sharing tapas and small plates is social and informal.

Recognize distinct languages and cultures (Catalan, Basque, Galician) and be polite about regional sensitivities—avoiding political arguments is wise for casual travelers.

Dress smart-casual in cities and when dining out; more conservative dress is expected in churches. Loud public behavior and littering are frowned upon.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service is common in mid-range and upscale places. For taxis, rounding up or adding a euro or two is normal; tip small amounts for hotel porters and housekeeping. In tapas bars, leaving small change is fine—service is often included in the bill.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger establishments; contactless payments are common. Carry some cash for markets, small cafés and remote areas. ATMs are abundant, but choose bank-affiliated machines to avoid high fees.

Hot in inland cities (Madrid, Seville) often exceeding 35°C; coastal areas are cooler with sea breezes. Expect busy tourist crowds, high prices and many festivals; book accommodation early and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

Mild temperatures, fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for sightseeing and hiking; grape harvests and food festivals take place in many regions.

Cool to cold inland with occasional snow in mountain areas; southern coasts and the Canary Islands remain mild and are popular winter escapes. Ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada operate from late December to spring.

Blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures and vibrant local festivals (Semana Santa in some cities can be crowded). It's an excellent time for city visits and outdoor activities before peak summer heat.

Concentrated in large cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia, involved in services, tech and creative sectors; cosmopolitan and often multilingual.

Spain has an aging population trend, especially in rural areas where younger people have migrated to cities; this affects local demographics and services.

Significant communities from Latin America, North Africa and other EU countries, contributing to cultural diversity, particularly in urban and coastal areas.

Speakers of Catalan, Basque and Galician alongside Spanish, with strong regional identities and cultural traditions.

The national pastime with world-famous clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona; match days are major social events and stadium tours are popular with visitors.

Strong domestic leagues and national team with widespread interest and competitive clubs in many cities.

Prominent on the northern Atlantic coast and in parts of the Canary Islands, with schools and rental facilities for all levels.

Rapidly growing racket sport, recreational and social, commonly played across Spain.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cities; tapas like pimientos de padrón, tortilla española (confirm no animal fats), grilled vegetables and gazpacho are safe bets. Many restaurants will adapt dishes on request, but rural areas may have fewer choices—carry snacks.

Growing vegan scene in major cities with dedicated restaurants and vegan-friendly tapas. Ask about broths, cheeses and cured meats in mixed dishes.

Awareness of gluten-free diets is rising; many restaurants can accommodate but cross-contamination can occur in bakeries and tapas kitchens—carry gluten-free options if sensitive.

Spanish kitchens use nuts, seafood and dairy frequently. Learn allergy phrases in Spanish and consider carrying translated allergy cards to show to staff.