What To Do If You Travel to Spain

Hi everyone!

My name is Valeria, I’m from Valencia, Spain, and currently I’m doing a volunteering project in Pilsen, in the Czech Republic, since September 2025.

Today I’m going to talk about what to do if you travel to Spain. Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world, and I think there are many reasons and for that: the weather, the food, the culture, the beaches, and the people. So in this blog, I want to share some recommendations and tips based on my experience as a Spanish person.

1. Be Ready for the Spanish Lifestyle

The first thing you should know is that Spain has a different lifestyle compared to many other countries.

For example, Spanish people usually eat lunch quite late, around 2 or 3 p.m., and dinner can be at 9 or even 10 p.m. At the beginning, this can feel strange for tourists, but after a few days, many people love it.

Spanish life is also very social. People spend a lot of time outside, in cafés, bars, parks, and terraces. Especially in summer, cities are full of life at night. So my first advice is: don’t rush, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.

2. Try Traditional Spanish Food

One of the best things about Spain is definitely the food. Every region has its own traditional dishes, so there is a lot to try. Of course, everyone knows paella, especially because I’m from Valencia, where paella originally comes from. But Spanish food is much more than paella.

You should also try:

● tortilla española
● croquetas
● jamón serrano
● gazpacho
● patatas bravas
● churros with chocolate

And something very important in Spain is tapas culture. Instead of eating one big dish, many people share small plates together. It’s a very social way of eating and spending time with friends.

3. Visit Different Parts of Spain

Many tourists only visit Barcelona or Madrid, but Spain is very diverse. Every region feels different.

For example:

● In the south, cities like Seville or Granada are famous for flamenco and Arabic history.
● In the north, you can find green landscapes, mountains, and amazing food.
● On the Mediterranean coast, there are beautiful beaches and sunny weather.
● And islands like Mallorca or Tenerife are perfect for holidays.

4. Experience Spanish Festivals

If possible, try to visit Spain during a festival. Spanish festivals are famous because they are very lively and unique.

● Las Fallas in Valencia
● La Tomatina
● Semana Santa
● San Fermín

Festivals are a big part of Spanish culture. People celebrate in the streets with music, food, fireworks, and traditional clothes.

5. Walk Around and Enjoy Daily Life

Sometimes the best thing to do in Spain is simply to walk around. Sit on a terrace, drink a coffee, watch people, and enjoy the atmosphere.Spanish cities are usually very walkable and full of life. You can discover:

● small local cafés
● markets
● old streets
● plazas full of people
● live music

Many tourists try to see too many things in one day. But I think it’s better to slow down and enjoy the experience.

6. Learn Some Basic Spanish

Another recommendation is to learn a few Spanish words before traveling.Even simple expressions like:

● “Hola”
● “Gracias”
● “Por favor”
● “Buenos días”

can make a difference. In tourist areas many people speak English, but in smaller cities or local places, not everyone does. And Spanish people usually appreciate when foreigners try to speak the language.

7. Be Prepared for the Weather

Spain is famous for sunny weather, especially in summer. Sometimes it can be extremely hot, especially in cities like Seville or Valencia. So:

● drink a lot of water
● wear sunscreen
● avoid walking too much during the hottest hours

Spanish people often stay inside during the afternoon in summer and go out later in the evening when it’s cooler.

8. My Personal Advice

As a Spanish person, my biggest advice is: try to experience Spain like a local, not only like a tourist. Eat local food, talk to people, visit smaller cities, and enjoy the culture slowly. Spain is not only about monuments and beaches — it’s also about the atmosphere, the
conversations, the music, and the way people enjoy life.

So, if you ever have the chance to visit Spain, I really recommend it. There is something for everyone: history, nature, beaches, festivals, food, and amazing people. Thank you so much for reading my blog, and see you next time. Bye!