Traveling to Spain: 20 Things You Need to Know

Are you traveling to Spain for the first time? Not sure about what to expect here?

Spain is one of those European countries that is full of life and colors and will easily steal your heart.

From the golden beaches to the medieval cities, to world-class art museums, this country has a lot to offer to the tourists.

However, if you are planning to travel to Spain for the first time, I have a few tips and advice for you.

Still unsure about what to expect when flying to Spain?

Then, keep reading my article on 20 Things You Need to Know When Traveling to Spain!

Traveling to Spain: 20 Things You Need to Know

Check On Your Country’s Visa Entry/Exit Requirements

Now, before we jump into any other details, I am sure you must be wondering, ‘Do I need a visa to go to Spain?’

Well, the visa requirements will differ based on which country’s passport you possess.

So, make sure to check your specific country’s requirements before planning your Spain vacation.

For Spain, travelers from the USA, Austria, Canada, and more do not need a visa.

But there will be an additional step added in 2026.

You will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before your trip.

This is not a VISA but a pre-travel authorization that you apply by paying a fee and get within a few minutes. It is valid for 3 years multiple entries or till your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Thankfully, the ETIAS hasn’t been launched yet so if you are traveling to Spain before its launch, you can enter Spain without any visa or additional documents.

Do note that you can stay a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period in Spain upon entry.

Book Here: Barcelona: Park Güell Admission Ticket

Book Here: Seville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater

Make Sure to Check Your Passport Before Traveling To Spain

To enter Spain, you must have a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 3 months from the departure date.

Also, make sure there is at least one fully blank page in the passport for the entry and exit stamps.

If your passport is full or expiring soon, apply for a new one before your Spain vacation.

Since it takes sometime to get your passport renewed in the USA, do plan the renewal in advance.

You can also pay a fee to get it expedited.

If you are an American citizen with a Global Entry membership, make sure to download the Global Entry Mobile App.

You can use this for your return to the USA and save time.

Tip: Always double-check that your passport name matches your flight booking exactly to avoid airport hassles!

Book Here: Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets

Purchase A Spain SIM Card/eSIM For Your Phone

When traveling to Spain, getting a local SIM for your phone is the first step.

This way, you can message your loved ones at home and let them know you are safe in an unfamiliar city.

There are two ways to go about this. One, you can buy a physical SIM and switch it out once you travel to Spain.

You can easily buy local SIMs at the airport or the local stores in the city.

However, do remember that you need an unlocked phone to be able to change the SIM cards.

After installing it, you will have a local number in Spain for data and calling.

Another option is to install an e-SIM, which is easier and convenient. e-SIMs are not compatible with all phones, so do check if your phone supports it or not.

Also, if you buy a data-only eSIM then you cannot make local calls normally but can use WhatsApp, Facetime, etc. to make the calls on data.

If you wish to keep using your number internationally, then check with your cell provider about their international roaming options.

I have T-Mobile and have generous international coverage, and that works for me.

Book Here: Barcelona Express Card: 2 Days of Transport & Discounts

Book Here: Valencia: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Valencia Tourist Card

Traveling To Spain: Cash or Credit Cards? What Is Best To Have?

Always carry cash is my top advice for a Spain trip.

Yes, credit cards are widely used, especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

But if you are visiting smaller towns or open-air markets, then you will need cash.

Spain’s official currency is Euro (€) which you can get from ATMs.

There are currency exchange booths as well but ATMs generally offer a better exchange rate.

You can also go to your local bank before you travel to exchange the money and get the best exchange rate.

Also, when you use the credit card, make sure to choose the option of local currency and allow your bank to do the conversion for the best rate.

Book Here: Seville: 1-Hour Guadalquivir River Sightseeing Eco Cruise

Notify Your Credit Card Company When Traveling to Spain

Do inform your credit card company when you are traveling to Spain.

Trust me, it is not fun to deal with declined or blocked cards when traveling in Spain.

Although the companies have become smarter with fraud detection, many credit card companies don’t need you to inform them of your travel.

However, make sure you check your card’s requirements so that you don’t get unexpectedly locked out.

Book Here: Madrid: Tour Bernabéu Entry Ticket

Traveling To Spain: The Best Time to Visit Is The Shoulder Season

One of the top travel advice for Spain is to always travel in the shoulder season.

You will not only get cheaper flights, stays, and activities, but can even attend many amazing festivals during this time.

The shoulder season in Spain is from April to June and September to October.

During these months, you get amazing discounts, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds

You’ll also catch seasonal highlights like Córdoba’s blooming patios, almond blossoms in Jerte Valley, Semana Santa processions, and wine harvest festivals.

Book Here: Barcelona Card: 25+ Museums and Free Public Transportation

Book Here: Palma: Cathedral of Mallorca Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Traveling to Spain: Bring a Travel Adapter

Spain uses Type C and Type F outlets (two round pins) and runs on 230V and 50Hz.

So, make sure you carry a travel adapter that works with these outlets and even carry a voltage converted if your devices don’t support both the voltages.

Phones, laptops, and cameras usually adapt automatically, but things like hairdryers or electric razors might not. So, better be prepared than sorry.

Book Here: Seville: Cathedral and La Giralda Entry Ticket

Afternoon Siesta Is Still A Thing In Spain

One of the most surprising things that I learned while traveling to Spain is that they still do afternoon siesta, especially in the smaller towns.

What is this all about?

Well, locals close their shops and businesses from 2 pm to 5 pm to relax, enjoy a long lunch, and explore parks.

This has reduced in the big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, but is still found in most of the smaller Spanish cities.

So, don’t expect shops and restaurants to be open during this time.

Also, stay prepared for a late dinner as dinner typically doesn’t happen until 9 pm or later.

Book Here: Caminito del Rey: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

Is Tap Water Safe To Drink In Spain?

Tap water in Spain is safe at most places for drinking.

Cities like Madrid have some of the best-quality drinking water in all of Europe.

So, you just need to carry a refillable water bottle with you.

This is both eco-friendly and a budget way to stock up on water.

Book Here: Guided E-Bike Tour Ibiza

Spain Has An Amazing Public Transportation System

Another thing I loved about Spain is its transport system.

They have a great transport network and a variety of modes for tourists to choose from.

There are efficient and affordable metros in Madric, Barcelona, and Valencia which connects most of the top attractions in the area.

With Renfe trains, you can easily do intercity travel and reach from Madrid to Seville in just 2.5 hours!

And there are buses to reach the remote villages in Spain where the trains don’t go.

Before you travel to Spain, download apps like Renfe and Moovit for real-time updates and schedules on the transport.

Also, if you are staying in a big city, then consider getting a transport card such as the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass.

It will save you both time and money.

Book Here: From Alicante: Roundtrip to Tabarca Island

Be Alert For Pickpockets In Spain

While Spain is safe, petty theft can happen everywhere, especially in crowded areas like train stations, Puerta del Sol, and so on.

So, I use a few tricks to stay alert when exploring the cities.

Firstly, make sure you keep your bags zipped and always in front of you.

Don’t flash your expensive gadgets casually and watch out for distractions in the areas you are exploring.

You can also carry a money belt or theft-proof backpack to make your life easier when exploring Spain.

Book Here: Seville: Setas de Sevilla Entry Ticket

Dress Modestly At Religious Sites In Spain

Another important thing to keep in mind when visiting Spain is that make sure to dress appropriately especially when visiting churches, cathedrals, or monasteries.

In the religious sites, shorts or sleeveless tops are not permitted, especially for women.

Also, men shouldn’t wear hats inside.

Many places in Spain can deny you entry if you are not properly dressed, so be careful.

I would suggest you carry a lightweight scarf to cover up whenever needed so that you don’t have to constantly worry about the dress.

Book Here: Jerez de la Frontera: How the Andalusian Horses Dance

Learn To Speak Some Basic Spanish

Now, English is spoken in most tourist areas, but you won’t find it being spoken everywhere.

In small towns or even at train stations, restaurants, and grocery stores, people generally speak Spanish only.

So, you can learn a few simple phrases to communicate with the locals.

• Hola (Hello)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where’s the bathroom?)
• Una cerveza, por favor (One beer, please)
• La cuenta, por favor (The check, please)

Also, download Google Translate and Spanish offline maps before your trip so you can easily talk to the locals and ask them for help if needed.

Book Here: Siam Park Entry Tickets

Book Here: Córdoba: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour

Save Money By Getting Snacks And Convenience Foods At Local Grocery Stores

I feel eating local food is very important to truly experience a place but, it is not possible to eat out every time, especially if you are on a budget.

Make sure to try the tapas, tortillas, patatas, and more in Spain at least once in a good eatery during your trip.

However, if you are on a budget, then you can buy food from local grocery and convenience stores.

You can easily find here local snacks and easy meals to prepare.

If you stay at an Airbnb or have access to a kitchen, you can pick up ingredients at the grocery store and cook your meals

Book Here: Alicante: Secret Flavors Food Tour

Book Here: Barcelona Wine Tasting: Catalan and Spanish Wines

Traveling To Spain: Tipping Culture

One of the best things about Europe including Spain is that tipping is not mandatory here, unlike the U.S.

Most of the times the service charge is already included in the bill so you don’t have to tip above that.

However, if you still wish to tip, then you can leave a 5-10% tip or round up the bill.

In bars, you can tip 1-2 Euros after drinks, but it is not expected.

Bring Good Walking Shoes For Spain

As is the case with most European cities, Spain’s cities are designed for walking.

There are cobbled streets, promenades, narrow alleys, and so much more to explore on foot.

Trust me, whether you’re wandering through Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras or Seville’s Santa Cruz neighborhood, you will need comfortable shoes for all that walking in Spain.

Book Here: Malaga: Catamaran Sailing Trip with Sunset Option

Spain Has Festivals Year-Round

To add on the the best time to visit Spain, there is no bad time.

Especially if you want to experience local culture and celebrations.

Spanish festivals are happening throughout the year.

La Tomatina festival (massive tomato fight) in August is of course the most famous one in Bunol that you can plan to attend.

Apart from that, there is La Fallas in March (fireworks and bonfires in Valencia), San Fermin in July (bulls running in Pamplona), and so on.

Each of these festivals have their own traditions, along with food and costumes, and lots of energy!

Tip: If you plan your visit during a festival, then book your accommodation months in advance.

Book Here: Torremolinos: Flamenco Show with Drinks

Book Here: Puy du Fou España “El Sueño de Toledo” Night Show

Book Your Attraction Tickets And Activities In Advance

This one is a no-brainer, especially if you are traveling in peak season.

One of my best tips to save time and money on your Spain vacation is to buy the attraction tickets in advance.

With online tickets, you can easily skip the line.

You can also take guided tours of these attractions to learn more about the Spanish history and culture.

In some cases, group transport might also be included, which is always a bonus.

Book Here: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Book Here: Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

Book Here: Barcelona: Casa Batlló Entry with Self-Audioguide Tour

Traveling To Spain: Research The Museums’ Free Entry Hours

Okay, a lot of people don’t know this, but many museums and attractions in Spain offer free access on certain days and times.

So, if you want to save some money, make sure to check the official website of the attraction to see if they offer free entry to tourists on a special day.

Many museums and cultural sites across Spain offer free entry on specific dates, including 18th May (International Museum Day), 12th October (Spanish National Day), and 6th December (Constitution Day).

Moreover, museums like Museo del Prado, the Royal Palace of Madrid, etc. offer free access during the last 2 closing hours of the museum.

There are many more museums with their free entry facility, so make sure to check that before you plan your travel to Spain.

Book Here: Barcelona: Skip-the-line Guided Tour of Picasso Museum

Book Here: Barcelona: Park Güell and Gaudí House Museum Entry Ticket

Book Here: Madrid: Prado Museum Guided Tour With Fast Access

Traveling To Spain: Essentials Packing List

If you will be traveling to Spain by plane or car, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.

And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the hotel pool.

These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.

Where To Stay In Spain

Barcelona

Yeah Barcelona Hostel: If you are a budget backpacker, then Yeah Barcelona Hostel is one of the best places to stay in the city.

The hostel features stylish interiors and offers both private rooms and dormitory.

Moreover, it is located near the elegant Passeig de Gracia and close to many of Barcelona’s main sights.

Hotel Rec Barcelona: For those traveling with friends or a partner, Hotel Rec Barcelona is a great choice.

This is an adult-only hotel with a rooftop pool and bar offering sunset views over the city.

The rooms are minimalist yet comfortable rooms and the property is close to the Gothic Quarter, so you get the best of everything.

Hotel Arts Barcelona: Looking for a luxurious experience in Barcelona? Then, check out Hotel Arts Barcelona, a beachfront property that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and a lavish experience.

Here, you will get exquisite rooms, world-class dining options, a spa, and a beautiful outdoor pool.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a self-indulgent vacation!

Madrid

The Hat Madrid: If you’re looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly option, The Hat Madrid is a fantastic choice.

This trendy hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories and is just a few steps from Plaza Mayor.

You also have a rooftop bar with stunning city views to enjoy at this property. If you want to stay in the central area on a budget, then this is the perfect choice for you.

Hotel Regina: Looking for a mid-range accommodation in Madrid?

Then do book your stay at the Hotel Regina. It is located near the lively Puerta del Sol and is close to the top attractions in Madrid.

As a result, it is a great choice for those who want to explore the city while not compromising on their stay experience.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid: If you want luxury with history, then Mandarin Oriental Ritz is one of Madrid’s most prestigious hotels.

It is housed in a restored Belle Époque building and features elegant rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and easy access to Madrid’s top attractions.