★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
Royal Palace
Grand palace with impressive interiors and ceremonial halls in the heart of Madrid.
⏱ 1.5 hours✦ Spring, Autumn
Palace
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ES
Spain
A vibrant tapestry of flamenco, fiestas, stunning beaches, and world-class art and architecture
RomanticCulturalFamily
Capital
Madrid
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
CET (UTC+1)
Plug
Type F, 230V
Best time
May-June, September-October
Editor's note
Spain captivates with its passionate culture, from the architectural wonders of Barcelona to Madrid's world-class museums, from Seville's flamenco heritage to the pristine beaches of Costa del Sol. Experience tapas culture, historic palaces, and endless sunshine.
Cities
Where to start in Spain
Madrid
Lively capital with museums and nightlife.
Culturenightlife
Valencia
Coastal city with modern architecture.
Foodbeaches
Barcelona
Creative city with beaches and architecture.
Culturecity breaks
Seville
Andalusian city with flamenco spirit.
Culturehistory
Attractions
Must-see in Spain
Madrid
Valencia
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€
City of Arts and Sciences
Futuristic architectural complex with aquarium, science museum and open spaces.
⏱ 3 hours✦ Spring, Summer
Architecture
Barcelona
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€€€
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona’s most iconic landmark with intricate facades and colorful stained glass interior.
⏱ 1.5 hours✦ Spring
Cathedral
Seville
★
★ 4.6Kid-friendly
€
Plaza de España
Large open square with canal bridges and ornate architecture. Popular photo spot.
⏱ 1 hour✦ Spring
Square
Culture & local tips
Travel like you've been before.
Meals
Spanish hours are late
Lunch is 14:00–16:00, dinner rarely before 21:00. Many kitchens shut between 16:00 and 20:00.
Tipping
Tipping is light
Locals leave coins or round up. 5–10 % at sit-down restaurants is generous; nothing expected at tapas bars.
Etiquette
Greet with two kisses
Social greetings between women, or women and men, are two cheek kisses (right cheek first). Men shake hands.
Siesta
Afternoon closures
Small shops, pharmacies and family restaurants outside big cities still close 14:00–17:00. Plan errands around it.
Safety
Pickpockets in Barcelona
Las Ramblas, the metro green line and beach areas are hotspots. Use a front pocket or crossbody bag.
Water
Tap water is safe
Drinkable across mainland Spain. Locals often prefer bottled by taste; you can confidently ask for “agua del grifo”.
Filmed here
You've seen Spain on screen.
Real filming locations in Spain from films you know — walk where the cameras rolled.
Culinary journey
Discover the authentic flavors of Spain
Snack
Jamón Ibérico
Cured ham sliced thin and served as tapas.
Vegan
Dessert
Churros
Fried dough sticks served with thick hot chocolate.
Main course
Paella
Rice dish cooked with seafood, chicken or vegetables.
Vegan
Snack
Patatas Bravas
Fried potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce.
Speak the language
A little Spanish goes a long way.
Plan the trip. Learn Spanish basics in 10 minutes/day.
Start a free lesson →Phrase starter
- HolaHello
- GraciasThank you
- Por favorPlease
- PerdónExcuse me / Sorry
- ¿Habla inglés?Do you speak English?
- La cuenta, por favorThe bill, please
Practical info
Before you go.
Visa & entry
Schengen visa required for some nationalities
Connectivity
Strong 4G/5G in cities; widely available WiFi
Keep exploring
