Spain
Madrid · EUR · Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Basque, Galician
Hub airports: MAD, BCN, AGP, PMI, VLC · Suggested stay: 8–14 days
Spain runs hot in every sense — late nights, sun-soaked plazas, and a tapas culture that turns dinner into a moving feast. Each region feels distinct: Catalan modernism in Barcelona, Andalusian Moorish heritage in Seville and Granada, the green Atlantic coast in San Sebastián and Galicia.
Tapas-crawl through a barrio with locals who eat at 22:00.
Where to go
Best time to visit
April–early June and mid-September–October. Andalusia hits 105°F+ July–August — even locals leave Seville. Northern Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastián) is mild and gorgeous all summer. December–February is ideal for cities and Christmas lights in Madrid.
Score combines weather, crowds, and price (1–5). See the full matrix across all countries.
US-citizen tips
Spain runs late: lunch 14:00, dinner 21:00–23:00. Book restaurants for 21:00 minimum or you'll dine alone. Tap water is safe in cities. Tipping: round up; 5% for great service. Citymapper works in Madrid and Barcelona.
Local etiquette
Two cheek-kisses (right then left) for friends; handshake in business. Use 'usted' with elders. Touristy paella displays out front = avoid. Real paella is lunch-only and made to order.
Getting around
Renfe AVE high-speed trains: Madrid–Seville 2:30, Madrid–Barcelona 2:50. Buy on renfe.com (US cards now work) or Trainline. Iryo and Ouigo offer cheaper alternatives on main routes.
Daily budget (USD)
Common pitfalls
- ⚠Pickpockets on La Rambla and Madrid metro line 1 — keep phone in front pocket.
- ⚠Sundays: most shops closed; restaurants packed for long family lunches.
- ⚠Don't tip 20% — it confuses servers and isn't expected.
🆘 Emergency reference
Works from any phone (locked, no SIM), free, multilingual operators, dispatches police/fire/medical.
Consulate in Barcelona handles Catalonia, Aragón, and the Balearics.
Lost passport, arrested, hospitalized, victim of a crime → contact embassy first, then home insurer. After hours: the main line routes you to a duty officer.
🗣️ Essential phrases
Spanish (Castilian)