¡Hola, Traveller! Your Ultimate Guide with the Best Spain Travel Tips For First-Timers
I remember the excitement of my first ever trip to Spain. I’d dreamt of sipping sangria in the sun and getting lost in winding, historic streets. But I also had questions. When is the best time to go? How does the whole tapas thing actually work? I’ve learned a lot since then, wasting hours and making mistakes so you don’t have to. This guide’s got all you need to make your first trip to Spain smooth, unforgettable, and just plain awesome. Trust me, you’re gonna fall in love! 🇪🇸
When to Go Spain: Timing is Everything ✈️
Okay, so figuring out when to actually book your Spain trip? This decision honestly matters way more than you might think. If you’re dreaming of those perfect beach Instagram shots, then yeah, you’ll want to aim for June through August. But here’s the thing, everyone else has the same idea. We’re talking crazy hot weather, tourists everywhere, and your wallet taking a serious hit.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own trips: the sweet spot is really during those in-between months. I’m biased toward spring (April through June) and fall (September to October). The weather’s just right for walking around all day, you’re not constantly fighting crowds for photos, and honestly, everything costs less, flights, hotels, the works.
Spring in Spain is something special. You’ve got all these incredible festivals happening, like Semana Santa where entire cities basically transform, and if you make it to Seville in April, their fair is absolutely wild in the best way possible. Then there’s fall, if you’re into wine at all, this is when all the harvest stuff is happening, and the whole country has this amazing energy around it. 🍇
Trust me, those shoulder seasons are where the magic really happens.
🔹Tinker’s Tip: August is the traditional holiday month for the Spanish themselves. This means that while coastal resorts are absolutely packed, many family-run shops and restaurants in the big inland cities (especially Madrid) actually close down for the entire month. The city can feel surprisingly quiet
🗺️ Guide to Spain: Discover the Magic of Spain: The Best Time to Visit
Flights from Trip.com (My go-to!)
Getting Around Spain: Navigating Like a Pro 🚆
Spain is surprisingly easy and affordable to explore. You’ve got plenty of options, so you don’t necessarily need to hire a car unless you’re deep-diving into a rural area.
Trains (RENFE): Spain’s national railway, RENFE, is my top choice. It’s clean, efficient, and comfortable. The high-speed AVE trains are a dream, zipping you between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona in just a couple of hours. Book tickets on Rail Europe. 💨
Buses: On a budget? Long-distance buses are your best friend. They are super affordable and often reach the smaller towns and villages that trains don’t.
Flights: For longer distances, like hopping over to the stunning Balearic or Canary Islands, a quick domestic flight is the way to go.
City Transport: Big cities like Barcelona and Madrid have fantastic public transport. A multi-day tourist pass can save you money and hassle if you plan on doing a lot of exploring.
Renting a Car 🚗: If you dream of discovering hidden beaches or cruising through the countryside and pueblos blancos (white villages), then renting a car in Spain offers amazing freedom. However, I have to be honest: I would strongly advise against having a car in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Parking is a genuine nightmare (and expensive!), and navigating the labyrinth of narrow, ancient streets can be incredibly stressful.
💡 Good to know: Don’t be afraid of the Metro! It’s often the fastest way to get around the big cities and dodge the traffic. Signs are usually in English too.
🗺️ Spain Related: Exploring the Best of Gaudí’s Architecture in Barcelona
Our Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Money Matters Spain: Let's Talk Euros 💶
Spain uses the Euro (€). The good news? It’s generally more affordable than many other Western European countries. Contactless is pretty much accepted everywhere these days! Maybe take a little cash for small towns and villages! Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend.
| Expense | Average Daily Cost (Mid-Range) |
| Accommodation | €70 – €150 |
| Food & Drink | €30 – €50 |
| Local Transport | €10 – €20 |
| Activities | €15 – €30 |
| Total (per person) | ~€125 – €250 |
🔹 Pro Tip: Always have some cash on you. While cards are widely accepted, especially in cities, you’ll find that small tapas bars, local markets, and some taxis prefer cash. It can also save you from awkward situations in more rural areas.
🗺️ More Guides to Spain: A Taste of the Balearics: Your Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Island Paradise
Tipping Etiquette in Spain: Clearing Up the Confusion
Here’s a topic that often causes confusion. Let’s simplify this because we don’t gatekeep around here. In Spain, tipping is not a big deal. Service staff are paid a full living wage, so tips aren’t relied upon. I recommend just tipping when you want!
Restaurants: A service charge is often included. If not, and you had amazing service, leaving a 5-10% tip is a lovely gesture but never expected. More commonly, people just round up the bill or leave the small change.
Bars & Cafés: Just grabbing a coffee or a beer? No tip is needed.
Taxis: Simply rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is plenty. The driver will appreciate it!
💡 Fact: Most Spaniards don’t tip in casual settings. It’s a custom that has been influenced by tourism, so don’t feel pressured!
🗺️ Recommended Read: Travel Cards vs Cash: Which One Should You Carry?
Finding Your Perfect Spanish Stay: Accommodation Tips 🏡
Spain offers a fantastic range of places to stay, so you’ll find something that fits your vibe and budget. You don’t need a big budget for this!
Paradores: For a truly unforgettable stay, look into booking a Parador. These are state-run luxury hotels in incredible historic buildings like castles, palaces, and monasteries. It’s like sleeping in a piece of history! 🏰
Casas Rurales: If you want to escape the city buzz, these rural houses or country manors offer a tranquil and authentic slice of Spanish life.
Hostales & Pensiones: Don’t confuse these with party hostels! Hostales in Spain are typically family-run, budget-friendly guesthouses offering simple, clean private rooms. They’re a fantastic value.
- Hostels: For Hostels in Spain we recommend Hostelworld for the cleanest and best!
- Hotels: Tripadvisors Best Hotels in Spain!
✋🏼 Good to know: Here’s a tip I wish I knew sooner for summer travel. Air conditioning isn’t always standard, especially in older, historic buildings or more budget-friendly spots. When booking, always double-check if your room has aire acondicionado. After a long day of sightseeing in the Spanish sun, you will be so thankful you did! 🥵➡️🥶
Use Booking.com to find your perfect Spanish stay!
Savouring Spain: A Foodie's Paradise 😋
Spanish food is so much more than paella and sangria! You’re going to love this one. Each region has its own proud culinary traditions just waiting to be discovered.
Meal Times are Different:
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there, showing up for dinner at 6 p.m. to find an empty, dark restaurant. The Spanish eat LATE!
Lunch (La Comida): The main event! Served between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Many restaurants offer a menú del día (menu of the day) which is a fantastic three-course bargain.
Dinner (La Cena): A much lighter meal, usually eaten around 9 p.m. or even 10 p.m., especially in the summer.
The Art of Tapas:
Tapas are life! These small plates are perfect for sharing and hopping from one bar to another (ir de tapas).
In some cities like Granada and León, you’ll get a free tapa with every drink you order. Yes, FREE! It’s amazing.
When a plate of food arrives at the table, it’s polite to wait for someone to say “¡Buen provecho!” (enjoy your meal) before diving in.
✋🏼 Good to know: While sangria is popular with tourists, locals are often sipping on Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon soda) or a cold caña (small beer). 🍻
Recommended Tours and Tickets in Spain
Our Google Maps Legend
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Speaking the Spanish Lingo: Your Secret Superpower 💬
You don’t need to be fluent, but honestly, learning just a few words of Spanish will open so many doors. Locals really appreciate the effort, and it makes the experience so much richer.
Here are a few phrases I wish I knew sooner, just screenshot this list! 📱
Hello
¡Hola! (OH-la)
Please
Por favor (por fa-VOR)
Thank you
Gracias (GRA-thee-as / GRA-see-as)
One beer, please 🍺
Una cerveza, por favor (OO-nah ser-VAY-sah, por fa-VOR)
The bill, please
La cuenta, por favor (la KWEN-ta, por fa-VOR)
Delicious! 😋
¡Qué rico! / ¡Delicioso! (kay REE-ko / day-lee-SYO-so)
💡 Fact: Spain has four official languages! Besides Castilian Spanish, they speak Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country. It’s a fascinating cultural mix.
Cultural Know-How: The Little Things ❤️
Understanding a few social customs will help you feel more at ease and connect with the culture.
Greetings: A kiss on each cheek (starting with the right) is a standard greeting between friends, men and women, and two women. Don’t be surprised by it!
Siesta: The famous afternoon nap is real! In many smaller towns and cities, you’ll find shops close down from around 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. so people can have lunch and rest. Plan your shopping around it!
Pace of Life: Things just move at a more relaxed pace. Embrace it. There’s no need to rush. Enjoy that coffee, take that stroll. You’re on Spanish time now! 😉
Beyond the Obvious: Discovering Spain's Hidden Gems ✨
While Barcelona and Madrid are incredible, there’s so much more to Spain. I always encourage people to get off the beaten path.
The North: Explore the dramatic coastline and world-class food scene of the Basque Country. San Sebastián is a foodie heaven!
Andalusia’s White Villages: Rent a car and explore the pueblos blancos (white villages) like Ronda and Zahara de la Sierra. They look like something out of a fairytale.
The Islands: Menorca in the Balearics offers stunning, quieter beaches than its neighbours. And the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, like Lanzarote, are out of this world. 🌋
Safety First: Stay Smart & Secure 🛡️
Spain is a very safe country, but it’s always wise to be travel-smart, especially in big cities where pickpockets can be an issue.
Keep your phone and wallet out of your back pocket. A crossbody bag zipped up is your best friend.
Be extra alert in crowded tourist spots and on public transport.
If you need help, the universal emergency number in Spain (and all of Europe) is 112.
🔹 Pro Tip: At restaurants and cafés, especially on outdoor terraces, never hang your bag on the back of your chair or leave your phone sitting on the table. It makes you a prime target for a swift snatch-and-grab. I always keep my bag in my lap or looped securely around my leg. It’s a simple habit that I promise is worth it
🚨 We like to help out at The Travel Tinker: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Well, that wraps up everything I wanted to share about planning your first Spanish adventure! I’ve tried to cover all the essentials, when to go, getting around without looking like a tourist, understanding the whole tipping situation, and of course, navigating the wonderful world of tapas. I’m excited for you because you’re going to have an amazing time with this knowledge in your back pocket. 🌍 ✨
Now, over to you…
What are you most excited about for your trip to Spain? Or if you’re a Spain veteran, what’s your number one tip for a first-timer? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- Mallorca’s Rich History: A Guide to the Island’s Most Important Landmarks
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Recommended Websites and Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spain
What's the best way to travel between cities in Spain?
I absolutely love the high-speed AVE train for connecting major cities quickly and comfortably. If you’re watching your pennies or heading to a smaller town, the bus network is extensive and super affordable.
Do I really need to speak Spanish?
You don’t need it, as you’ll find English speakers in hotels and tourist centres. But should you try? Yes! Even a simple ‘Hola’ and ‘Gracias’ will be met with a warm smile and can totally transform your interactions.
Is tipping a big deal in Spain?
Nope, not at all! Unlike in other countries, it’s not an obligation. A service charge is usually included, but feel free to leave a few extra coins or round up the bill for exceptional service. It’s a nice gesture, not a requirement.
What's the deal with Spanish meal times?
Get ready to adjust your body clock! Lunch is the main meal of the day, happening between 2 and 4 p.m. Dinner is much lighter and starts at 9 or 10 p.m. When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do!
Is Spain expensive?
Good news for your wallet! Spain is one of the more affordable destinations in Western Europe. From delicious €3 glasses of wine to budget-friendly tapas dinners and reasonably priced transport, you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Author
Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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