Do's and Dont's in Spain?

Question

I am traveling to Spain in April and I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I can speak and understand Spanish pretty well, but I'm not too sure about cultural do's and dont's. Also, is there anything I should absolutely bring other than the basics? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Sort of depends where you're going as to what to bring.  If you're going to be in low-lying areas, and in the South, it's really beginning to heat up in April.  Are you going to Semana Santa?  Feria in Sevilla?  

Where are you from?  

I can't think of any cultural do's and don'ts that aren't common sense anyway.  Don't get falling down drunk.  Don't walk around at night alone.  Make sure you don't wind up in nasty districts.  Carry more than one kind of money (cash, cards, more than one if possible) and carry them in different places, that way, if you should get pickpocketed - a definite problem in Barcelona, but, you know, be careful everywhere. You won't be stranded with nothing.   Leave your passport in the hotel safe, along with large quantities of money. Wear a money belt or something to keep money really close to your body.  Pickpocketing is a problem, especially in crowded areas, etc., but personal crimes are rare among tourists.

Cover yourself reasonably in churches.  My husband was asked in one church to cover his bare shoulders.  Can't remember for sure, I think it was the Mezquita in Cordoba.  Be nice to people, and smile.  The people there are wonderfully warm and welcoming.

Remember to plan around Siesta.  It really is observed in many places.  I used a good guide book (DK Eyewitness series) to know which museums and monuments were closed and plan my daily itineraries.  There is a lot of information on the internet as well.  Most cathedrals are open through siesta, but smaller museums often close.  Many stores close up, and some don't reopen, depending on the owner's mood...

Tapas are available at varying times according to the towns.  We were surprised to find that they didn't serve tapas in Granada until after about 8:00, but in Sevilla, you can get them for lunch.  Don't expect to find a real dinner crowd until about 9:00 or 10:00 pm, they eat much later there, but if you only like a light something, tapas work pretty well, and a bocadillo is available almost any time of the day.  (for about 3 - 7 Euros, depending on what you get).  

Basics should include a plug converter for any electronics, and a voltage converter for some things, unless you're British.

Have a good trip.  Spain is at its best in April.

*edit*  I haven't checked on Easter, yet.  Thought it was on the late side this year.  OOPS!  Still, Southern Spain is at its best in the Spring and Fall, and April will be beautiful!  I'm jealous!

Answer 2

I totally agree with Sue but for one small detail. This coming year Semana Santa is NOT in April, it´s in March. Easter is very early this year.

Answer 3

I agree with Sue. My husband and I go to Spain every other year. You will absolutely love it there.

In 2005, we went in July. It was incredibly hot in the interior and along the south. However, northern Spain was much cooler.  We have covered every area of Spain; travelling by car. Our favourite area was the southern coast. Malaga and Marbella just to name two areas. Mind you, we had a blast in Barcelona. Just remember to keep your money and passports safe. We found the people to be very warm and friendly and have made many friends on our trips. Spain to me, is another home.

I'm jealous, I won't be going until next year.  Remember to try as much of the Spanish cuisine as possible. My favourite is paella. Have a terrific trip.