How can i NOT look like a tourist in spain??

Question

I'll be in spain for two weeks this june traveling to all of the main cities and the beach. i keep reading that its very hot in june but not to wear shorts or else it's evident that you're a tourist and you'll be "a target" :). so what can i pack that will allow me to blend in and keep cool while also keeping my suitcase light??

side note:: what are some must see places in spain? museums? shopping areas? thanks!!

Answer 1

Ok.  First question:  If you can stand to run around the kind of miles you may be putting on your feet, wear dress flats...ballet flats.  You won't stand out as much.  No one in Spain wears tennis shoes when running about the cities.  Their shoes are different, but you probably won't want to mess around with buying any there, as, first of all, you would have to break them in, and secondly, you will probably never wear them here, and they run aroung $100.  

If you want to stay cool, try capris.  It seems to me, that they NEVER go out of style in Spain.  Also, skirts.  

Here's a page I found, the main department store, to give you a few ideas.  There's plenty that looks like things you can buy here.

http://www.elcorteingles.es/multitienda/...

Click Jóvenes if you want junior designs.

Nice t-shirts should do for tops.

Second question:

In Madrid, you must go to the Prado, the Retiro Park, walk the Gran Vía (go shopping - there's a big Corte Inglés on the street, but I couldn't tell you where).  Palacio Real.  If you are interested in art, go to the Reina Sofía, for modern art, and the Thyssen Bournemaszo (sp?) for an eclectic private collection of art from many periods.  The Rastro flea market is a must on Sunday mornings, and if you are interested in stamps and coins, go uphill from there to the Plaza Mayor and check that market out, as well.  Tons of secondary ideas...a zoo, botanical garden, Templo de Dobod (pyramid that was removed from Egypt when they flooded Lake Nassar - at least I believe that was the history).  Also on Sundays during the summer:  Real Madrid Fútbol (check for tickets and schedule at realmadrid.com) and bullfights.  Flamenco is at its best in Madrid, but you can get to a show in almost any city...and each one has a different flavor.  

Best side trips from Madrid include: Segovia, Toledo, Rioja country, Salamanca (about 3 hours away, may take you two days...your choice) Avila,  Quixote country, La Granja de San Idelfonso, El Escorial (and the Valle de los Caídos).

In Sevilla, you must go to the Cathedral and climb the Giralda, tour the Alcázar, and stroll through the park, several secondary ideas include the Casa de Pilatos and the Palacio de las Dueñas, Torre de Oro, Archivo de las Indias.  I could go on.  Be sure to stroll down Calle Sierpes (pedestrian shopping street) and have coffee and sweets at La Campana at the far end from the Centro.  The bullring there is one of the most beautiful in Spain, and they have tours, even if you are not interested in the fights, you can tour and see it.

Córdoba, if you are going there, is mostly known for its Mezquita, the grand mosque that has been conserved and turned into a Cathedral...most of the mosques were torn down, leaving only the minarets, which were turned into belltowers, as churches were built on their land.

Granada is an absolute must-see, with the Alhambra being the most important monument...plan to spend one to two hours in line to get in.  I don't know if there is any way to avoid the line, but you might be able to buy tickets online, saving you tons of time.

Barcelona is probably on your itinerary, too.  Don't miss the Templo de la Sagrada Familia, the Ramblas, and the Eixample, and the Barrí Gotic.   If you have time, check out or go to a concert at the Palau Musica, and try to get to the Museu de Xocolat...chocolate museum...mostly sculptures made of chocolate.  Reallly different and fun, with a chocolate shop at the end.  Tons of artists were housed in various parts of the city, including Picasso, who made his home there for about 30 years (though he moved around a bit, this was his home base most of the time) and Miró.  Dalí's home was not far away in Figueres, and there's an outstanding museum in his house...way cool if you're into him!

And, if you are going for long enough, send your souvenirs home by post or UPS.  saves you schlepping through the airports.