You enter a cozy bar on a narrow street, order a glass of red wine, but you also get a plate of aromatic tapas... for free! You stroll through the streets of Seville in the middle of the day – and there's almost no one around. And when you go to buy a bus ticket, the driver just waves his hand and says, "Pay later!" Spain is a country where its own rules, traditions, and little secrets make your trip unforgettable. And if you want to truly experience it, it's important to know a few tricks.

 

Time Works Differently – Live at Spain's Pace

❌ If you're used to a tight schedule and fast-paced life, forget about it! In Spain, everything moves slowly. Shops and restaurants close for siesta (approximately from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM), and dinner doesn't start before 8:00-9:00 PM. Plan your day accordingly so you don't end up in front of a closed café.

✅ Tip: Want to feel like a local? Wake up later, enjoy a long breakfast, take a walk before lunch, and don’t rush dinner. Otherwise, your urge to eat at 6:00 PM will immediately mark you as a tourist!

 
Food: Free Bonuses and Unexpected Pauses

🥘 In Andalusia, bars often serve free tapas with each drink. The more you order, the more generous the tapas.

🥖 In Catalonia, you might be offered "pan con tomate" – bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil. Don't be surprised if it's placed on the table without being ordered – it’s part of the local culture.

⏳ But be prepared: Finding an open restaurant in Madrid or Barcelona at 4:00 PM is nearly impossible. Plan your lunch before 3:00 PM, or you'll be stuck with fast food.

 
Money and Payments: Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Cards

💳 In big cities, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but in small villages and markets, cash is often the only option. This is especially true for family-run restaurants that may not even know what a POS terminal is.

💶 Tip: Always carry some cash, especially in small towns, islands, and villages. Otherwise, you might find yourself unable to pay.

💰 Tipping in Spain is more of a gesture of gratitude rather than a rule. Leaving 5-10% in a restaurant or rounding up the bill in a café is enough.

 
How to Travel in Spain Without Overspending?

🚆 The best way to travel between cities is by Renfe trains. They are faster than buses, and if booked in advance, tickets can be cheaper than a flight.

🎫 Secret: There is a Spain Pass for tourists that helps save money on trips across the country.

🚌 Public transport is a budget-friendly option in cities, but bus tickets often cannot be purchased from the driver – only from machines at stops.

🚖 Be careful with taxis: Uber is not available everywhere, and local taxi drivers may not accept cards.

 
Language: Can You Get by Without Spanish?

🇪🇸 In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, but if you travel to rural areas, learning a few basic phrases is a good idea.

📌 Important: Spain has four official languages: Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Basque. In Barcelona, for example, menus and signs are often in Catalan, and "Barcelona" is written as "Barçalona."

🤝 A phrase that will break the ice: "Hola, ¿qué tal?" (Hello, how are you?) – it always helps start a conversation. And a smile is valued more than words!

 
Spanish Personality: What to Expect?

🔥 Spaniards are loud, emotional, and love to talk. Whether in line, at a bar, or just on the street – be ready for friendly chats.

⏳ Punctuality is a myth. If you have a meeting at 7:00 PM, no one will be surprised if you arrive at 7:30. In Spain, "15 minutes late" is almost on time.

👋 Personal space is smaller than in other countries. Spaniards may hug, pat on the shoulder, or even kiss on the cheek when greeting. Don’t be surprised – it’s just part of their culture!

 
When to Visit Spain?

☀️ Summer is great for beaches but also brings crowds of tourists. The best months to visit are May, September, and October.

🎭 If you want a unique experience, visit during festivals:

La Tomatina (August, Buñol) – the famous tomato-throwing battle.
Las Fallas (March, Valencia) – fire shows and parades.
San Fermín (July, Pamplona) – the famous running of the bulls.

 
Ready to Discover Spain for Real?

At Panda Tur, we offer tailor-made tours that let you not just see Spain but feel it: from strolling through Seville’s narrow streets to wine tasting in Rioja.

Time to pack your bags! Book your dream trip today! 🌍✈️