16 Insider Spain Travel Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

Ohhhhh, Spain. A truly magical country unlike any other in the world, with life bursting out of every corner – from packed terrazas erupting with laughter and convivial conversation on a Sunday afternoon, tapas bars overflowing at dinner time with jovial groups of friends clinking their cañas, and late-night Flamenco tavernas leaking sounds of passionate singing and guitar onto the cobblestone moonlit streets. Needless to say, after living in Spain for three years, I left a huge chunk of my corazón there.

Now! Enough of the sappy stuff, before I get all mushy on you guys. Let’s get down to business. I might not live in Spain anymore (tear), but I still get emails all the time asking for Spain travel tips. So, I decided to make one nice, neat little post answering all of your questions. Notepads ready? Let the Spain travel planning begin!

Transportation:

1. Trains in Spain are amazingly efficient and fast

Blink for too long on a bullet train and you’ll miss your destination! Renfe is the name of the train line, and you can book it in advance or in person once you arrive. NOTE: The train system is great for getting to major cities, but in the south of Spain and in smaller cities there aren’t always connections. No train connection? Then…

2.  Take a bus to the smaller cities and villages.

Buses are the way to go if you’re going to more off-the-beaten-path destinations. Also, it’s generally much cheaper than the train. Buy your tix at the bus station that day, sin problema. 

3.  Make your life easy and use GoEuro

GoEuro is an amazing resource for booking transportation around Spain. Just tell GoEuro where and when you wanna go, and voila! It’ll plan out your itinerary, telling you the best and the cheapest way to get to your destination.

*Updated!* GoEuro, recently changed their name to Omio. It’s now an expanded search and booking platform with tickets for trains, buses, and flights all over Europe. 

4.  Travel like a local with Bla Bla Car

Tired of public transportation? I don’t blame ya’! Travel around the country with locals using Bla Bla Car, a carpooling app that connects you with drivers going to your destination. I got everywhere in Spain using this baby. It’s generally cheaper than public transportation, more comfy, and you get to meet locals and practice your Spanish along the way!

Food:

5. Know the eating schedule

If you leave this post remembering anything, REMEMBER THIS.  Lunch hours are from 2 pm – 3:30 pm and dinner hours are from 9 pm – 10:30 pm. Hungry before or after those times? Sorry mi amigo, but you’re outta’ luck. Plan your stomach accordingly!

6. Tipping isn’t required (but always appreciated!)

It’s not standard procedure, and certainly not expected. But when it’s done, you’ll make the waiter’s day that much better. Outstanding service should always be rewarded!

7. Share yo’ food

Don’t be that ugly tourist… that plate is not meant for one person. The Spanish style of eating is meant for SHARING! Spain is all about sharing food, sharing experiences, sharing company and sharing a good time. That means, ordering your own plate of anything is a big NO NO and you’ll automatically lose street cred’. So, order a few raciones (big portions) and tapear like the locals.

8. Do a tapas tour

There are just sooo many mouthwatering tapas to try in such little time, so the best way to get the lay of the land is by doing a tapas tour. Go with the only fellow foodies I trust, Devour Tours. They’ve got tours in the following cities: Granada, Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and San Sebastian. Tip: Book it beforehand so you’re guaranteed a spot!

9. Eat as much jamón as your body can handle

Jamón (cured ham) is basically like edible gold. Take advantage of it while you’re in jamónland and EAT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. I miss it every day, so eat an extra plate for me while you’re at it.

Money Saving Tips:

10. Budget accordingly

As you might’ve guessed, expect to spend more €€€ in Madrid and Barcelona than the smaller cities. Also, keep in mind that the south of Spain is generally cheaper than the north, and Granada is the cheapest city of them all – tapas are FREE with your drink!

11. Sightseers beware

The big sights can cost you about 15€ give or take, and that can add up pretty quickly. If you’re a big sightseer and wanna see it all, check out some of these discount card options. And if you’re in Madrid, try visiting the museums during free museum hours!

12. Skip the train

Okay, so I know I said the train is extremely efficient and fast. But there’s a catch; efficiency comes with a price! The train is the most expensive method of transportation, so take the bus, Bla Bla Car or search on GoeEuro for cheaper routes.

13. Don’t fall for the flashy paella signs

Big, bold, colorful paella and sangria signs displayed in the front of a restaurant means it’s a tourist trap! STAND CLEAR. Walk a few blocks out of the heart of the city center and food prices will drop. Here’s how to find the best, budget-friendly local eats anywhere. 

14. Ditch the stuffy old hotels.

Try staying in an Airbnb or hostel. They are generally much cheaper!

Travel Itinerary:

15. Don’t Just stay in the big cities.

Give the smaller cities love too! I can’t advocate for this one enough. If you know anything about me, you know how in love I am with Spanish villages (especially the one I lived in! Shout out to Fregenal de la Sierra). The true authenticity and heart of Spain sits in the quaint, untouched towns in the countryside.

16. Do less.

Don’t try and rush around from city to city – experience more, and “see” less. Allow yourself to really get immersed in a couple of places, rather than trying to do it all. The Spanish culture is about relaxing, taking your time, and enjoying the people and scenery around you. So, when in Spain, do as the Spanish do.

Any more Spain travel tips to share? If you’re traveling to Spain and have a question, comment below!