Spain Travel Guide, What You Need To Know
Planning a trip to Spain? Start in Barcelona for Gaudí architecture, Gothic streets, beaches, and Catalan cuisine; explore Madrid for world-class museums, grand plazas, royal history, and tapas; or travel south through Andalusia to experience Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Ronda, and the whitewashed villages of southern Spain.
Spain is one of Europe’s most diverse travel destinations. Historic cities, Mediterranean beaches, mountain landscapes, medieval towns, Moorish architecture, wine regions, islands, lively festivals, and dramatically different regional cuisines make it possible to plan completely different trips within the same country.
This Spain travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about entry requirements, currency, high-speed trains, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, festivals, and Spanish traditions.
Visiting Spain for the first time? Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Córdoba, and Granada provide an excellent introduction to the country’s cities, history, architecture, and food. Add Toledo as an easy day trip from Madrid or Málaga, Ronda, and the Costa del Sol if you’re exploring Andalusia.
With more time, look beyond the classic Madrid–Barcelona–Andalusia itinerary. Northern Spain, the Basque Country, Galicia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands offer completely different landscapes, cuisines, cultures, and travel experiences.
If you are planning a trip to Spain, do not miss this Best of Spain Travel Itinerary for First-Timers
Spain Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Spain? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Madrid
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language Nationwide: Spanish (Castilian); several other languages are co-official in particular autonomous communities
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Spaniards drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are excellent for city sightseeing; summer is popular for beaches, islands, and festivals
Popular First-Time Destinations: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Toledo, and Málaga
Getting Around: High-speed trains, conventional trains, buses, metros, local public transportation, rental cars, and domestic flights
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists can visit Spain and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
UNESCO World Heritage Properties: 50
Best Known For: Gaudí architecture, Moorish palaces, tapas, flamenco, beaches, art museums, historic cities, festivals, wine, and regional cuisine
Don’t Miss: Madrid or Barcelona, an Andalusian city, Spanish food, a high-speed train journey, and at least one destination beyond the largest cities
First-time Spain travel tip: Spain is much more regionally diverse than many first-time visitors expect. Food, architecture, languages, landscapes, weather, and traditions can change dramatically as you travel around the country.
Best Places to Visit in Spain
Barcelona: Best for Gaudí Architecture, Culture and Mediterranean City Life
Barcelona Spain is known for Gaudi’s modernist architecture but there is much more to this cosmopolitan city. You will find a Gothic Quarter, Picasso’s art, tapas, a magic fountain, and a man-made beach.
READ 100 Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
Madrid: Best for Art Museums, Royal History and Nightlife
Madrid is the Capital of Spain, the seat of government, and full of history. You will find a palace, gardens, plazas, fountains, tapas, and the best churros and chocolate in Spain.
READ 48 Hours in Madrid Spain
READ 100 Things to Do in Madrid Spain
Toledo: Best for Medieval History and an Easy Madrid Day Trip
Toledo Spain is a city of three cultures (Christian, Muslim, and Jewish) resulting in a medieval mix of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian architecture, food, and people. Toledo is like stepping into a museum. The city is full of tiny cobblestoned streets, stone buildings, small hidden squares, medieval gates, city walls, incredible bridges, and is famous for sword making.
Seville: Best for Flamenco and Andalusian Culture
Seville Spain is the birthplace of flamenco. You will find the Alcazar, cathedral, plazas, flamenco shows, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, palaces, panoramic views, orange wine, and traditional tapas.
READ 48 Hours in Seville Spain
Córdoba: Best for the Mezquita and Historic Architecture
Cordoba Spain is full of gorgeous flower patios. But that’s not all, there is also a candy cane-striped Great Mosque, Alcazar garden, dancing horses, and whitewashed alleyways to explore.
READ Day Trip to Cordoba Spain from Seville
Granada: Best for the Alhambra and Moorish History
Granada Spain is a medieval town at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You will find Spanish balconies, Moroccan lamps, shisha pipes, dog flutes, tapas, flamenco guitar, winding alleyways, cave homes, arched footbridges, and the famous Alhambra Palace and Gardens.
READ 48 Hours in Granada Spain, Two Day Itinerary
Ronda: Best for Dramatic Views and a Classic Andalusian Hill Town
Ronda Spain is ‘the dream city’ known for its iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge and El Tajo Gorge. You will find deep gorges, panoramic views, alleyways, cobblestone streets, city walls, whitewashed homes, iron balconies with large wooden doors, bougainvillea, and fountains.
READ Top Things to Do in Ronda Spain
Málaga: Best for Museums, Food and the Costa del Sol
Málaga Spain is the Capital of Costa del Sol and the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. This Andalusian town averages 300 days of sunshine and has 16 beaches to explore. Málaga has something for everyone: a Gothic cathedral, a Moorish palace, tapas, street art, amazing museums, flamenco, churros and chocolate, rooftop bars, and Andalusian architecture.
READ Top Things to Do in Malaga Spain
Spain’s Costa Del Sol is a popular Southern Spain travel destination. The area is known for its sunshine and a Mediterranean coastline full of rocky cliffs, crystal clear water, and beaches of fine golden sand. The area is full of must-see cities including Spain’s famous Pueblos Blancos. You will find whitewashed cliffside villages, winding cobblestone streets, stepped alleys, wrought-iron balconies, hanging flower pots, red-tiled roofs, bougainvillea, geraniums, little azure doors, fountains, olive trees, vineyards, sweet wine, and tapas.
READ Must-See Cities In and Around Spain’s Costa Del Sol
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Spain
Where is Spain?
Spain is in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It shares land borders with Portugal, France and Andorra and has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean Sea. Spain also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands in the Atlantic, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa.Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Malaga are the largest cities in Spain. Madrid is Spain’s capital.
What Languages Are Spoken in Spain?
The official language of Spain is Spanish (Castilian). Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, Aragonese, and Aranese are also spoken. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Spain?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Spain and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day limit.
What Currency Does Spain Use?
The currency in Spain is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Spain?
ATMs are widely available in Spain. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Spain and Google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Spain, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How Much Does a Trip to Spain Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Spain is $136. Expect to pay $1,868 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?
The high season is July and August. It will be hot, prices will be at their highest, and there will be many festivals and large crowds. The shoulder season is mid-March through April and mid-September through October. The weather is moderate, prices decrease and there will be fewer crowds. November is the rainiest season in Spain and it is chilly from January and February into March.
How Do You Travel Around Spain?
Iberia is a discount airline in Spain and RENFE is the high-speed train system. Major cities in Spain have good public transportation. Car rental is the easiest way to explore Southern Spain, the roads are well-maintained and safe.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Spain?
The plugs in Spain are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You may need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You Pack for Spain?
Clothing styles are conservative in muted colors. Sweatsuits and yoga pants are not common, sandals and sneakers are. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Is Spain Safe for Solo Travelers?
The current U.S. advisory is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, specifically citing terrorism and unrest. While there is a low crime rate, you’ll need to be aware of pickpockets in the metros and in crowded areas that are popular with tourists. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Spanish Food Should You Try?
Valencia: paella
Madrid: bocadillo de calamares, cocido madrileño, churros con chocolate
Andalusia: gazpacho, salmorejo, pescaíto frito
Basque Country: pintxos
Galicia: pulpo a feira, seafood
Catalonia: pa amb tomàquet
Asturias: fabada
Nationwide: tortilla española, croquetas, jamón ibérico, cheeses. Eat lots of churos and chocolate and drink lots of sangria!
What are the main holidays and festivals in Spain?
- Carnival is celebrated in February and March.
- Seville’s Feria de Abril is held in April.
- Los Patios de Córdoba occurs at the beginning of May.
- The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is at the beginning of July.
- Tomatina Festival in Buñol occurs at the end of August.
- Barcelona’s La Mercè is at the end of September.
Check the Spain Office of Tourismice of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
What are some important Spanish traditions?
- Flamenco is an important musical style with dance.
- Going for tapas is a common social outing.
- Although controversial, bullfighting still occurs in many cities.
- Siestas remain common from 2-4 in the afternoon.
- Soccer and jai alai are popular sports.
Tips for Traveling in Spain
- Lunch begins at 1:30 pm, tapas at 9 pm, sit down dinner around 10 pm
- Tipping is not expected; servers earn living wages and benefits in Spain.
- Nightlife begins well after 10 pm
Top Things to See and Do in Spain
- See Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona
- Explore Madrid’s Prado
- Royal Palace and historic center
- Tour the Alhambra in Granada
- Experience flamenco in Andalusia
- Visit the Mezquita-Catedral in Córdoba
- Explore Seville’s Alcázar and Cathedral
- Eat pintxos in the Basque Country
- Take a day trip to Toledo
- Explore Spain’s pueblos blancos
- Experience a Spanish beach or island destination
Interesting Facts About Spain
- Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world.
- Spain is the European Union’s EU’s second-largest country and has the second-highest unemployment rate.
- Spain is home to over 5,000 miles (8,000km) of beaches and nudity is legal.
- Spain has 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Spain is said to have more bars than any other country in the EU.
- The world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botín, is in Madrid.
- The first novel, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, was written in Spanish.
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