I lived the dream: For an entire month, my 18-month-old daughter and I lived like locals in Spain. We had such an amazing experience, but, as with every trip, there are always things I wish I’d known beforehand. This was my second trip to Spain, but because we spent such a long time here this go-around, we learned a few extra facts that might be helpful. Here is everything you need to know before you visit Spain!
Siesta is Important (even if you’re not taking one)
Oh, siesta. A built-in naptime sounds great, right? And maybe it is the first day, when your jet lag is off the charts. But beyond that, it’s kind of annoying if you’re not used to it. Want a late lunch? Too bad. Early dinner? Too bad. A visit that unique museum? Too bad. Always check the hours of the businesses or restaurants you want to go to before you make plans. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting there only to find it closed for siesta!
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
They’re in the Eurozone
You’ll be using Euros while you’re here. That makes things a little easier if you’re coming from another Euro-using country, or visiting one after your trip to Spain. You won’t have to convert your money in each country you visit! ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you, though, especially if you’ll be visiting smaller cities during your trip. I always get Euros out of an ATM upon arrival, either inside security at the airport (if I need cash for a taxi) or inside a bank in the city I’m visiting. These are safer with less chance of fraud than a random ATM on the street.
Related: Money Saving Tips for Your Trip to Madrid, Spain
Cities are Farther Apart Than You Think
While staying in Granada for a month, I thought it would be easy to take a day trip to Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Toledo, maybe even Gibraltar! But, no. These cities are several hours apart, and trains are not always a fast, direct, or easy option. There are sometimes buses between cities, but I was traveling with a toddler and a dog, so everything seemed just a lot harder than I was prepared to deal with. We ended up taking zero day trips, but that was okay. We loved spending time and taking it easy in Granada!
(Coming soon) Also Helpful: What to Know Before You Visit Granada, Spain
Driving is Different Here
So, we could have rented a car during our trip, but I’ll be honest, Spain has different rules of the road, and I was not mentally willing to take on the challenge! Yes, you can drive with your American driver’s license; however, you will want to Google some of Spain’s road rules and requirements. Alternatively, as a pedestrian, you will want to obey all traffic lights yourself, and wait for the walking light at crosswalks. Or better yet, follow a local.
Read next: The Top 10 Things to Do in Madrid
Brush Up on Your Spanish
It’s always a good idea to learn some helpful words and phrases in the local language of wherever you’ll be traveling, but this is even more important in Spain. Yes, many people speak English, especially in touristy cities and at popular attractions, but you will meet a surprising number of people who speak little to no English in shops, restaurants, and more, even in major cities. Do yourself a favor and start some Spanish lessons on DuoLingo!
More here: What to Know Before You Visit Madrid
Tickets to the Top Two Most-Visited Sites
If you’re planning a trip to Spain, chances are good that one of these two sites is on your itinerary: The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and the Alhambra in Granada. These are the most visited sites in the country, trading off the number 1 and number 2 spots every so often. You will want to book your tickets to these sites in advance, especially in the high seasons.
Basilica Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Book tickets 6-8 weeks in advance for trips in spring and summer; 4-6 weeks in advance in fall and winter. You can choose from a self-guided tour of the church with an audio guide, guided tour of the church, guided tour of the church that includes one of the towers, or a self-guided tour of the church with one of the towers. We chose the guided tour of the church; children under six are not allowed in the towers, so I couldn’t have gone up with my 19-month-old daughter. Click here to book your tickets.
(Coming soon) Read on: Your Sneak Peek Inside the Sagrada Família in Barcelona
The Alhambra, Granada
Are you ready for this? You will want to book your Alhambra tickets 2-3 months in advance! This is especially true in spring and fall, but even in the winter and summer lower seasons, you will need to buy at least 2-3 weeks in advance. In mid-January, we were able to secure tickets with just a couple of days’ notice, but that is rare. Also, it’s very important to know that the vast majority of this experience is outdoors. Dress accordingly! Click here for the official Alhambra Website for tickets.
(Coming soon) More here: Your Best Tips for Visiting the Alhambra in Granada
Foods You Need to Try
What’s the best way to experience a culture? The food! Spain has some unique dishes that have become part of its national identity, and you really should try them all. This is the short list, just to give you a starting point. Come for the paella, stay for the rest!
Paella
This is, by far, one of the most famous Spanish dishes. If you’ve never had it before, it’s a rice-based meal, cooked in a large, thin pan with protein and/or vegetables. When ordered at a restaurant, it takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare, so plan for that. It’s most often a served with seafood, but other versions include pork, beef, chicken, or vegetarian. There is usually a two person minimum to order paella at restaurants, so definitely bring a friend!
Churros and Chocolate
Think fair food meets hot, chocolate syrup, but thicker. Long, cylindrical dough is fried, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or sometimes powdered sugar, and served with a mug of hot, thick, chocolate sauce for dipping. It’s absolutely indulgent, and you’ll find whole restaurants dedicated to it. They’re the perfect thing to grab and go, or sit and stay a while to enjoy some while you people watch. We tried them at a few restaurants while we were there, and by far the best were at Churrería Laietana in Barcelona!
Tapas
Tapas are small dishes made for sharing among friends. You get to sample a little of a lot of things, which is part of the appeal. However, many tapas restaurants don’t open until 8:00pm, so just be aware of that and check their hours before you go, if there’s a particular tapas restaurant you want to try. At some restaurants, if you order an alcoholic beverage, you’ll get a free tapa, which is something I just learned on my last night in Granada when I went out to eat with a friend!
Cafe Bombón
I know this section is about food, but coffee is important, too! This particular coffee is pretty, tasty, and comes with a jolt. It’s served in an espresso glass and consists of equal parts espresso and sweetened-condensed milk. I’m a huge fan! The cafe bombón originated in Valencia, and its layered look is begging to be photographed. My favorite spot for a bombón is definitely Mummo Cafe Bar in Granada.
More here: The Best Coffee Shops in Granada, Spain
Croquetas
All my life I thought croquettes were French, but the Spanish have their own version! They’re typically quite large, at least the ones we enjoyed throughout Granada were, and these savory appetizers can be filled with just about anything. The most typical filling includes ham, potatoes, and cheese, which is breaded and fried. How can you go wrong, right? My daughter loved these. We got them at nearly every restaurant!
The Local Sweet
Spaniards love their sweets, and I love that about Spaniards! In Granada, the city’s famous sweet is the pionono, which is a small, soft cake, filled with cream, and topped with toasted pastry cream. It’s then completely soaked in a sweet syrup. I was not a fan, but lots of people love them. They’re worth giving a try! Just about any city you visit will have their own famous sweet, so ask around and try the local sweet treat.
Keep eating: The Best Places to Eat in Madrid, Spain
Want more? Check out my dedicated Spain Page!
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