COUNTRY GUIDE

Spain Travel Guide

Gaudí, flamenco, tapas and midnight dinners.

Madrid's museums, Barcelona's modernista architecture, and the Andalusian soul of Seville.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

CITIES

Cities in Spain

Hour-by-hour plans, daily budgets and practical info ready for each.

SpainMadridThe capital that eats dinner at midnight. SpainBarselonaGaudí's playground on the Mediterranean. SpainSevillaOrange blossom, flamenco and Moorish splendour.
PRACTICAL INFO

Before you go

When to go

April–June and September–October; the south (Andalusia) in spring/autumn.

Visa

In the Schengen area.

Money

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are common; small tapas bars prefer cash.

Transport

High-speed rail (AVE) links the cities; excellent city metros; cheap domestic flights.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Spain: frequently asked questions

When should I visit Spain?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best periods. Andalusia (Seville, Granada) exceeds 40°C in summer, so spring/autumn is essential for the south. In August locals go on holiday and some small businesses close.
Is Spain expensive?
It's at the affordable end of Western Europe. The mid-range daily budget is around $80-120 per person. The 'menú del día' (set lunch) and tapas culture lower food costs.
Why is dinner so late?
Spain's rhythm is shifted: lunch is 2-4pm, dinner doesn't start before 9pm. If you look for a restaurant at 7pm most kitchens are closed; that hour is for tapas and drinks.
Madrid or Barcelona?
Madrid for art and authentic Spanish spirit; Barcelona for architecture, beach and an international feel. The two are ~2.5 hours apart by fast train; ideally, see both.
Is pickpocketing a problem in Spain?
Barcelona (La Rambla, metro L3) and Madrid (Sol, Gran Vía) require pickpocket awareness. Violence is low, but it's important not to keep your phone and wallet in plain sight.