SpainTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Tap water is safe nationwide, though many locals prefer bottled water in island and coastal resort areas for taste.
• Book serious restaurants in Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, Seville, and Palma at least one week ahead.
• Lunch is the main meal; kitchens often close between lunch and dinner service.
• Markets are excellent for fruit, cheese, olives, pastries, and prepared vegetarian plates.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Pickpocketing is the main risk in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and train stations.
• Keep phones off outdoor tables; snatch theft is efficient in terrace zones.
• Use licensed taxis, ride apps, or official airport transport queues.
• Ignore petition, bracelet, street game, and distraction routines near monuments.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Greet shop staff before asking for anything; direct silence reads poorly.
• Dinner before 8:30 pm is mostly for visitors; prime local tables run later.
• Dress sharply for better hotels, dining rooms, and evening bars.
• Keep voices controlled in restaurants and residential streets late at night.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is optional, not performative.
• Round up small café bills or leave 5 to 10 percent for strong restaurant service.
• Hotel porters and private drivers appreciate small cash tips.
• Do not overtip in casual bars; it marks you as careless, not generous.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry passport identification or a clear digital copy; police may request ID.
• Some cities restrict swimwear away from beaches and hotel pools.
• Short-term rental buildings may have strict noise rules and fines.
• Validate regional train or metro tickets where required before boarding.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Use strong sun protection from May through September, especially inland and on islands.
• Pharmacies are competent first stops for minor issues; look for the green cross.
• Reserve private clinics through your hotel or insurer for faster English-speaking care.
• Heat in Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, and Granada can be severe in July and August.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.