18 Traveling to Spain Tips: Your Ultimate Guide for a Family Adventure in 2025

The land of flamenco, tapas, and stunning architecture awaits, but getting the right info before jetting off can make your adventure so much more amazing.

Being prepared with essential travel tips will help you navigate Spain safely while having the time of your life, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends.

We’ve gathered advice on everything from tourism to avoiding pickpockets in busy city centers to understanding Spanish dining customs (spoiler alert: dinner happens SUPER late).

So grab your passport and let’s make sure your Spanish adventure is as fabulous as those Instagram posts you’ve been dreaming about!

1) Rock those layers—Spain’s weather is as unpredictable as a toddler’s mood swings!

Spain’s weather can be super tricky! We learned this the hard way on our family trip last summer.

One minute you’re sweating buckets, and the next you’re hunting for a jacket!

This is why we always pack layers when visiting Spain.

The summers can be scorching, especially in cities like Seville and Madrid, but evenings might cool down fast.

Northern regions like San Sebastian can be totally different from the south. We got caught in a surprise rainfall in Barcelona while our friends in Valencia were basking in sunshine!

Our mom-hack?

Lightweight cardigans and scarves are your BFFs for Spanish adventures. They take up minimal suitcase space but save the day when temperatures decide to play games!

2) Don’t go broke—embrace cashless living!

Going cashless in Spain is a total game-changer for young travelers, especially if you have a valid passport! It’s also important to be aware of local laws regarding cash transactions.

Most Spanish cities are super tech-friendly now, with contactless payments accepted almost everywhere. Even tiny tapas bars often take cards!

Remember to get a travel-friendly debit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Some banks even offer special travel perks for students!

Going cashless also means less stress about pickpockets in crowded spots, but always know how to contact local police if needed .

Just keep a small amount of emergency cash tucked away, and you’re good to go!

3) Game plan your Madrid visit like it’s the Grand Finale of a reality show.

Madrid deserves your A-game planning skills, ladies! This vibrant Spanish capital has so much to offer, we don’t want you missing the good stuff.

First up, decide on your must-see spots. Visit zones like Goya/Salamanca, Gran Vía, Parque del Retiro, and Plaza Mayor to soak in the real Madrid vibe!

Don’t forget to schedule some teen-friendly fun if you’re traveling with the kiddos.

Madrid has ten amazing plans designed to get teenagers off their phones and into the adventure!

We suggest starting with a visit to Retiro Park in the morning when it’s peaceful, then hitting the busy spots mid-day. Foodie adventures are a must too!

4) On Spanish time? Dine like a night owl!

Get ready to throw out your usual dinner schedule when visiting Spain! Spanish meal times are way different than what most of us are used to.

Lunch in Spain happens between 2-4 PM, which is way later than our typical noon lunch break.

And dinner? Spaniards don’t even think about dinner until 9-10 PM!

During summer, dinner might push even later to 9-11 PM.

We know it sounds crazy late, but trust us – you’ll adjust!

Just plan for a mid-afternoon snack to keep hunger at bay.

Eating on Spanish time is part of the fun cultural experience. Plus, who doesn’t want to dine under the stars like a true night owl?

5) Keep that passport ready—it’s your golden ticket!

Your passport isn’t just another travel document—it’s literally your ticket to Spain’s amazing experiences!

In Spain, you must carry photo ID at all times, especially if you’re not a Spanish resident.

We recommend making copies of your passport (physical and digital) before you go.

Keep one in your hotel safe and another with a trusted friend back home.

Don’t panic about carrying your actual passport everywhere—many travelers use a secure crossbody bag or hidden pouch.

Just remember, this little booklet is your proof of identity in a foreign country!

6) Your Spanish digs? Book ’em, Danno!

Finding the perfect place to stay in Spain can be super exciting!

We recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially during busy seasons when the best spots get snatched up fast.

Hotels in Spain often offer better rates through booking sites than direct bookings – weird but true!

If you’re on a budget, free walking tours can help save money for nicer digs.

Don’t forget to check cancellation policies!

Spanish plans can change with siesta schedules and spontaneous tapas outings.

We always look for places near public transit or walking distance to attractions. Trust us, after a day of sangria sipping, you’ll appreciate the short stumble home!

7) Insurance is queen—always travel covered!

Let’s be real, friends—travel insurance is a MUST for your Spanish adventure! It ensures you can access emergency services without a hitch.

While it’s not required to visit Spain, we always recommend getting covered.

Why? Because insurance can protect you from those scary unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, lost luggage, or canceled flights.

Nobody wants to deal with that drama on vacation!

For cruisers, some companies like Cunard actually require insurance with specific coverage amounts. Smart move, honestly!

Travel insurance gives us peace of mind to enjoy those amazing tapas and breathtaking sights without worry. Trust us—it’s worth every penny!

8) Euros, baby! Don’t get stuck in a no-cash drama.

While Spain is pretty card-friendly these days, we still recommend having some cash on hand for your adventures!

Trust us, nothing ruins a tapas crawl faster than a “cash only” sign when you’re empty-handed.

Start with about 200 euros in small bills for your trip.

Those cute little family-run cafes and street vendors might not take cards, and you’ll be so glad you came prepared!

Avoid those sketchy currency exchange booths—they’re total money traps!

Instead, use ATMs at major banks when you need more cash. The exchange rates are way better, and your wallet will thank you.

9) Get chatty—learn some Spanish! Even ‘Hola’ can make pals.

Let’s be real – nothing wins hearts faster than trying to speak the local language!

Even if you’re just starting with “Hola” (hello) and “Gracias” (thank you), Spaniards really appreciate the effort.

We’ve found that learning some basic Spanish phrases before your trip can make a huge difference in how locals receive you.

No need to be fluent – just the basics!

Remember, many Spaniards speak English, especially in tourist areas, but making an effort in Spanish shows respect for their culture, and can help you connect with local authorities . It’s like bringing a little gift!

Our favorite icebreaker? Order tapas in Spanish. The smiles you’ll get are so worth the practice!

10) Dress game strong—smart and Modest is your new mantra.

When traveling to places like the canary islands in Spain, we’ve learned that dressing appropriately makes a huge difference!

Spaniards tend to dress more smartly than many Americans, and looking like a tourist can make you a target.

Leave those bright white sneakers and college sweatshirts at home, ladies!

Instead, pack versatile pieces that mix and match well. We love creating a capsule wardrobe that helps you pack light while staying stylish.

Remember that many churches and religious sites require covered shoulders and knees.

Throw a light scarf in your bag—it’s the perfect quick cover-up when needed and adds a touch of European flair!

11) Watch your stuff like a hawk—pickpockets love a distracted tourist.

Let’s be real – Spain is gorgeous, and it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of Barcelona’s architecture or Madrid’s vibrant streets. But honey, those distractions are exactly what pickpockets are counting on!

We learned the hard way that Madrid is much safer than Barcelona, but you should be careful everywhere.

Keep your valuables in front pockets, not backpacks. And that cute sling bag? Keep it in front of you with your hand on it!

Don’t put your phone on the table while eating.

Stay alert, especially in crowded places like metros and tourist spots. Trust us, being paranoid is better than being robbed!

12) Don’t flash cash unless you’re auditioning for a heist movie.

We’ve all seen those cool heist scenes in Money Heist where characters flash their money around. But trust us, doing this in real life while traveling in Spain is a big no-no!

Keep your money tucked away and be discreet when paying for things.

Nothing screams “rob me!” like counting a wad of cash in public or flashing a stack of euros while shopping.

Instead, we recommend keeping small amounts in an easily accessible pocket and stashing the rest safely in a money belt under your clothes.

Spain is generally safe, but like any tourist destination, pickpockets exist, especially in crowded areas.

Stay smart with your cash, and you’ll have a worry-free trip!

13) Safety first! Spain’s alert level is ‘high.’ Stay savvy and aware.

We need to chat about something serious for a sec!

Spain currently has a high alert level due to terrorism and civil unrest. Don’t panic – we’re just looking out for you!

Authorities warn that terrorist groups may be plotting attacks in Spain, which could happen anywhere, even in tourist spots, amidst civil unrest . Yikes! But don’t cancel your trip – just stay alert.

We recommend avoiding overnight street parking and definitely don’t pick up hitchhikers (duh!).

Common sense goes a long way, friends!

Keep an eye on new rules and regulations before you go. Spain is still amazing – we just want you to enjoy it safely!

14) Stay savvy about ATL’s—avoid those fees like a bad hair day.

ATMs in Spain can be total money vampires if you’re not careful and don’t know the rules governing their use ! We’ve learned this the hard way.

Foreign transaction fees can add up faster than our kids can say “I’m bored” on a long flight.

Before you go, call your bank to find out their international withdrawal fees.

Some banks have partner ATMs in Spain where you can withdraw cash with lower or zero fees.

Always choose to be charged in euros when the ATM asks. If you pick dollars, you’ll get hit with a conversion rate that’s about as friendly as a hangry toddler.

We recommend making fewer, larger withdrawals to minimize those pesky fees. Your wallet (and vacation budget) will thank you!

15) Sneak into discounts—tourist perks are everywhere!

Spain has sooo many discounts waiting for us savvy travelers from other european countries! In many spanish cities, we just need to know where to look.

Museums often offer free entry certain days of the month or specific hours. How awesome is that?! We can check their websites before visiting.

Student cards are pure gold in Spain! Even if we’re not students anymore, international student cards can still score us amazing deals on attractions and transportation.

Many cities offer tourist cards that bundle attractions with public transport. These can be major money-savers if we’re planning to hit multiple spots in one city!

Don’t be shy about asking for discounts wherever we go. Spanish locals are usually super helpful about pointing us toward the best deals!

16) Beep beep! Study up on Spain’s rides—trains, metros, and buses.

Getting around Spain is actually super easy with their amazing public transportation! We’ve been there, done that, and trust us – you don’t need a car to explore this gorgeous country.

Spain’s train system is fantastic for long distances. The high-speed trains (AVE) are our fave – they’re fast and comfy!

Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have awesome metro systems that are easy to figure out. Just grab a tourist ticket for unlimited rides!

Buses are everywhere and connect even the tiniest towns. Plus, they’re budget-friendly! We’ve found that public transport in Spain is reliable, affordable, and totally helps you feel like a local.

17) Tapas life is the best life—snack your way through Spain!

Tapas are the heart and soul of Spanish dining culture! These small bites of food can be anything from almonds and olives to potato pie slices. We’re totally obsessed with how fun this style of eating is.

In Spain, there’s even a verb for eating tapas—”tapear”—because it’s such a way of life for locals. How cool is that?

For the ultimate tapas experience, we recommend heading to Granada where tapas are actually free with your drink! León in northern Spain offers free tapas too.

Don’t miss San Sebastián in the Basque region where they call tapas “Pintxos“—same delicious concept, different name!

18) Late eating—embrace your inner night owl foodie

Spain isn’t mellow about meal times at all! Forget eating dinner at 6 PM like back home.

In Spain, late-night meals are totally normal, especially in Barcelona where the party never stops.

We found ourselves starving at 8 PM our first night, but most locals weren’t even thinking about dinner yet!

Many restaurants don’t fill up until 9 or 10 PM. It’s wild!

Don’t fight it—embrace your inner night owl instead! We promise your stomach will adjust after a few days.

Plus, there’s something magical about enjoying tapas while the city lights twinkle around you at midnight.

If you’re really struggling, grab some pintos (small snacks) to tide you over until proper dinner time. Trust us, the wait is totally worth it!

Embracing Spain’s Culture

Spain’s unique culture makes your trip way more fun!

When you visit, you’ll find that understanding local customs and learning a few Spanish phrases can transform your experience from tourist to temporary local.

Learning Local Customs

Spanish timing is so different from what we’re used to!

Lunch typically happens around 2-3 PM, and dinner doesn’t start until 9-10 PM. Don’t be surprised if shops close for siesta in the afternoon.

Spaniards are incredibly social people! They love gathering with family and friends, and staying out late is totally normal.

If you’re invited to a Spanish home, bring a small gift like wine or dessert.

We absolutely love the tapas culture in Spain!

These small, shareable plates are perfect for trying lots of different foods. In some places, you’ll even get free tapas when you order a drink – score!

Don’t forget about regional differences and local events ! Each area of Spain has its own traditions, foods, and sometimes even languages.

Mastering Basic Spanish Phrases

While many Spaniards in tourist areas speak English, learning a few key phrases shows respect and helps you connect with locals. We’ve found this makes such a difference!

Essential Spanish phrases to know:

• “Hola” – Hello

• “Por favor” – Please

• “Gracias” – Thank you

• “¿Dónde está…?” – Where is…?

• “La cuenta, por favor” – The bill, please

• “No hablo español” – I don’t speak Spanish

Pronunciation tip: Spanish is phonetic – each letter has a consistent sound. The letter ‘h’ is silent, and ‘j’ sounds like a strong ‘h’ in English.

Don’t be afraid to try your Spanish even if it’s not perfect!

Locals usually appreciate the effort and will often help you out. We’ve made plenty of mistakes and still had amazing conversations!

Travel Essentials for First-Timers

First-time Spain travelers need to know the transportation basics and what to pack. We’ve got your back with insider tips that’ll make your Spanish adventure a breeze!

Navigating Spain’s Transportation

Spain’s public transport is seriously amazing!

We’ve used it countless times and can confirm it’s reliable, extensive, and way cheaper than taxis.

The metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona are super easy to navigate with color-coded lines and clear signage.

For longer journeys, Spain’s high-speed AVE trains are life-changing – they’ll zip you between major cities in no time.

Pro tip: book these in advance for the best deals!

Don’t forget to grab a reloadable transport card if you’re staying in one city for a few days.

It’ll save you money and the hassle of buying single tickets every time.

Getting around smaller towns? Walking is often your best bet – plus you’ll discover hidden gems along the way!

Packing Boss-Level

Packing for Spain requires a bit of strategy, especially if you’re aiming to travel light. We’re all about that carry-on life!

Weather-appropriate clothing is key. Spain can be warm and sunny throughout most of the year, so pack accordingly:

• 2-3 pairs of shorts/skirts

• 1 light pair of pants

• 4-5 breathable tops

• Comfy walking shoes (Spanish cities have lots of cobblestones!)

• 1 light jacket or sweater for evenings

Also, don’t forget adapters for European outlets and a portable charger for long sightseeing days.

A reusable water bottle is also a must – Spanish tap water is generally safe to drink.

For safety, consider a cross-body bag that zips closed since pickpocketing can be an issue in tourist areas. Trust us, nothing ruins a vacay like losing your passport!