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67 Essential Spanish Travel Phrases Every Traveller Needs To Know

Spain. Mexico. Argentina. Peru. Colombia.

If you're learning Spanish , the mere the mention of these countries can leave you daydreaming about your next trip abroad.

And although there are many incredible things to do and see in Spanish-speaking countries, what really makes these places special are the local people.

So before you pack your bags and jump on a plane, why not learn a little Spanish to help you make the most of your trip?

In this post, you’ll learn 67 Spanish phrases for travel that can help you survive in the language during your trip abroad. And who knows, they might even help you make a few new friends too!

To make it easier for you, I’ve divided the phrases up into different categories:

Table of Contents

Take the time to learn a few of these key Spanish travel phrases and you’ll be able to mix with the locals, get by in various situations and have a much more enjoyable and authentic experience during your trip.

By the way, if you want to learn Spanish in time for your trip, my top recommendation for language learners is my Uncovered courses, which teach you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

Press play on the video below to learn Spanish travel phrases thanks to a story. Otherwise, keep scrolling to discover all 67 Spanish travel words and expressions.

First Things First: Greetings To Use On Arrival

Knowing how to greet people is the most basic thing you can learn in a foreign language. And yet its importance shouldn't be underestimated.

Even if you aren’t fluent enough to hold a long conversation, a simple ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?  (Hello, how are you?) can make all the difference.

You'll be able to use these expressions as soon as you arrive at your destination, whether it's at the airport, the train or bus station, or the hotel.

People appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language when you visit their country, even if it’s only a few words.

Spanish-speaking countries are especially polite and greeting people correctly will go a long way towards endearing you to the locals, be they friends, people you meet in shops or on the street.

• ( BWAY-nos DEE-as)
• (BWAY-nas TAR-des)
• (BWAY-nas NOH-chays)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
• (KOH-moh eh-STAHS)
• (bee-EN  GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])
• (KOH-moh te YA-mas?)
• (May YA-moh… )
• (MOO-choh GOO-stoh)

And of course, let’s not forget common courtesy!

• (por fa-BOR)
• (GRA-thee-as [Spain] / GRA-see-as [Latin America])

If you get stuck in your Spanish conversation, you can always fall back on these next two phrases to get you out of trouble.

• (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
• (Ab-la in-GLAYS)

Get What You Want On Your Trip With The Verb Querer 

Once you’ve finished greeting someone, you’ll need to be able to move on to the crux of your conversation and to do that you’ll need to learn a couple of common verbs.

There are hundreds of Spanish verbs to learn and, to make your life more difficult, these verbs conjugate (change form).

This means learning a verb is never as simple as learning one word; you have to learn multiple different forms.

Having said that, you might be surprised by how far you can get only knowing one simple verb: I want .

It may not make you the most sophisticated Spanish speaker but 9 times out of 10 it will get you what you, well, want .

The verb in question is querer (to want) and in the first person form, it becomes quiero (I want).

Let’s take a look at how you can use it:

• (yo kee-EH-ro oon me-NOO)
• (YO kee-EH-ro oon taxi)
• (yo kee-EH-ro OO-na ser-BAY-za)

If you’d like to be a bit more polite (which is usually a good idea), you can also use:

• (kee-see-EH-ra…)

Asking For & Understanding Directions On Your Trip

Whether you’re looking for the toilet in a restaurant or trying to find a hotel to stay at, you’ll inevitably need to ask for directions at some point during your trip.

The simplest way to ask where something is, is to use ¿Dónde está? followed by the noun you are looking for:

• (DON-day es-TAH el BAH-nyo?)
• (DON-day es-TAH el BAN-koh?)
• (DON-day es-TAH la KA-yay de al-cal-AH?)

When travelling in a foreign country, if you're asking someone on the street for directions, don’t forget your manners! To get someone’s attention, start by saying:

• (Dis-KUL-pay)
• (Con per-MEE-soh / Per-DOH-nah-may)
• (eh- stoy per-DEE-doh)

Asking for directions is one thing but it’s pretty pointless if you don’t know how to understand the directions that are given to you!

Memorise these phrases to help you understand what the friendly locals are trying to tell you when you ask for their help:

• (A la de-RE-cha)
• (A la iz-kee-ER-da)
• (De-RE-cho)
• (En la es-KEE-nah)
• (a OO-na KWAD-rah)

Getting Around Spanish-Speaking Countries

If you’re not keen on walking everywhere, you'll need to be able to find out about local transport options to find your way around wherever you are.

Here are a few simple phrases you can use to locate a bus, train or taxi and get to wherever you need to go:

• (DON-day PWAY-doh en-kon-TRAR oon taxi?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la pa-RAH-dah de ow-to-BOOS mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (DON-day eh-STAH la es-tah-see-ON de ferro-carr-EEL mas ser-KA-nah?)
• (KWAN-to KWES-ta oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra …)
• (oon bee-YET-ay PA-ra … por fa-BOR)

At A Restaurant On Your Travels

Each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique flavours and cuisine for you to try when you travel!

Food is definitely one of the big attractions to cities like San Sebastian in Spain and Buenos Aires in Argentina , so you'll need to make sure you have a basic grasp of food vocabulary ahead of your journey!

To start with, you need to be prepared to hear and understand certain questions in restaurants, such as:

• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra koh-MER?)
• (kee-EH-res AL-go PA-ra beh-BER?)
• (KAY kee-EH-res koh-MER?)

When you read the menu, you'll see the available food grouped into different categories, just like in an English menu:

• (oo-na en-TRA-da)
• (oon PLA-toh prin-si-PAL)
• (oon POS-tray)
• (OO-na beh-BEE-da)

When you're ready to order, use either  quiero (I want) or  quisiera (I would like) with the items on the menu to tell the waiter what you'd like. For example,  quiero…

• (OO-na SOH-pah)
• (OO-na en-sa-LA-da)
• (el POY-oh)
• (la CAR-nay)
• (oon AG-wa)
• (oon BEE-noh TIN-toh / BLAN-koh)
• (OO-na ser-BAY-sa)
• (oon ka-FAY)

So, for example, to order that ice-cold beer you're looking forward to at the end of a long day, you'd say  quiero una cerveza.

If you're not sure what to try, you can always ask your waiter for a recommendation:

• (kay may re-kom-ee-EN-dah?)

In most restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, the staff will be more than happy to suggest a particularly tasty local dish for you to try.

If you're a vegetarian or you have dietary complications, these next two phrases are essential:

• (soy be-he-tah-ree-AH-noh/nah)
• (TEN-go al-ER-hee-ah a las noo-EH-ses)

Finally, let's learn a couple of quick phrases you can use to ask about prices and pay the bill.

• (KWAN-to KWES-ta? )
• (la KWEN-ta por fa-BOR)

Key Spanish Question Words For Your Trip

Over the course of your journey, you'll almost certainly find yourself asking lots and lots of questions.

You might not have a huge Spanish vocabulary to draw on, but if you know the basic question words, you'll be able to get by in almost any common situation you might find yourself in.

Here are some key Spanish question words you need to know:

• (KWAN-doh?)
• (A kay AW-ra?)
• (KWAN-toh?)
• (KWAN-tohs)
• (kah-dah KWAN-toh?)
• (por KWAN-toh tee-EM-poh)

Once you’ve got these question words in your memory bank you’ll start noticing the patterns in Spanish grammar which will help you to move away from the basic Spanish phrases every tourist is using.

As you learn new words on your trip, you'll be able to combine them with these question words to start forming your own sentences and questions!

Get Ready For Adventure With These Spanish Travel Phrases!

Take the time to memorise these key Spanish travel phrases and you'll have everything you need to get the most out of your journey.

With just a few words of Spanish, I'm sure you'll meet lots of amazing people and have plenty of life-changing experiences along the way.

Who knows, perhaps spending some time visiting a Spanish-speaking country will motivate you to strive for fluency?

If this article has inspired you to both travel and to learn Spanish, then I've got something to get you started on your Spanish learning journey. 

I'm a big believer in the power of story to enable you to learn a language. That's why I've created an entire beginner course dedicated to learning Spanish by immersing yourself in an engaging story.

It's my Spanish Uncovered course, and it's designed to take you from beginner to B1 Intermediate level.

Click here for more information on the course, test it out for free and to find out how it'll help you.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Spain - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Spain due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel in Spain.

If you decide to travel to Spain:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Spain.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

6 months recommended, 3 months beyond your date of departure is required

1 page per stamp

None required for less than 90 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Madrid Calle Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, Spain Telephone: (34) 91-587-2200 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 91-587-2303 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Barcelona Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona, Spain Telephone: (34) 93-280-2227 Emergency after-hours telephone: (34) 91-587-2200  Fax: (34) 93-280-6175 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Fuengirola (Málaga) Avenida Juan Gómez "Juanito", 8 Edificio Lucía 1º-C 29640 Fuengirola (Málaga), Spain Telephone: (34) 95-247-4891 Fax: (34) 95-246-5189 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Las Palmas Edificio Arca Calle Los Martinez de Escobar 3, Oficina 7 35007 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Telephone: (34) 92-827-1259 Fax: (34) 92-822-5863 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Palma de Mallorca Edificio Reina Constanza Porto Pi, 8, 9-D 07015 Palma, Islas Baleares, Spain Telephone: (34) 97-140-3707  Fax: (34) 97-140-3971 E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Seville Plaza Nueva 8-8 duplicado 2nd Floor, Office E-2 No.4 41101 Sevilla, Spain Telephone: (34) 95-421-8751 Fax: (34) 95-422-0791 E-mail:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agency Valencia Doctor Romagosa 1, 2-J 46002 Valencia, Spain Telephone: (34) 96-351-6973 Fax: (34) 96-352-9565 E-mail:   [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Spain for information on U.S.-Spain relations.  

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are not subject to any COVID-19 entry restrictions.

Spain is a party to the  Schengen Agreement . This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. Visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit, transit and/or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Students and athletes:  Students, prospective students, and athletes should visit the  Embassy of Spain  website for additional information on entry requirements. You should not travel to Spain as a student or for an athletic/study program without the appropriate Spanish visa. U.S. citizen students and athletes have been denied entry and held in immigration detention at Spanish airports awaiting return flights to the United States because they lacked the appropriate visa. If your coach or sponsoring program says that you do not require a visa to study, play for a sports team, or participate in a sports training program in Spain, you should confirm this information with the nearest Spanish consulate in the United States before you travel.

U.S. citizen minors living in Spain:  Spanish law mandates that all Spanish minors traveling internationally without their parents or legal guardians must have written notarized permission from a parent or guardian. The law also applies to foreign, minor residents if their country of nationality also requires parental permission. While U.S. law does not require minors traveling without a parent/guardian to have the parents’/guardians’ written permission, Spanish authorities and airlines have occasionally misinterpreted the law and stopped U.S. citizens minors from departing the country. Therefore, parents/legal guardians should consider preparing a notarized, written permission for their U.S. citizen minor children to travel abroad unaccompanied or with a third party.

HIV/AIDS restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Spain.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on encouraging or conducting attacks worldwide, including within Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds more effectively. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

Spain’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility for terrorists to enter and exit the country anonymously. Additionally, Spain’s enclaves in Melilla and Ceuta on the North African coast allow for entry into Spain from the African continent. Spain has taken robust actions to guard against terrorist attacks, including arrests of suspected extremists allegedly involved in terrorist plots. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks in Europe, including Spain.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime:  Pickpocketing and other minor crimes, such as theft, are very common in Spain including instances where the victim is purposefully distracted to facilitate the theft. Street crimes against U.S. citizens usually occur in  tourist areas, including airports, train stations, and both urban and beach destinations .

Violent crimes, including robberies, have also been reported. Some instances have required the victim to seek medical attention. Car break-ins are also frequent in Spain.

Use common sense, awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.

Keep track of your passport at all times, including on flights and other modes of transportation. There have been reports of passports being stolen on planes en route to Spain. Do not leave bags unattended. Keep them in sight and avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses on tables or floors, grounds in public places. Do not leave bags slung over the backs of chairs, on hotel or store counters, on top of your suitcase or travel bag, or out of your physical control in hotel lobbies, car rental locations, train stations, restaurants, and other public places. Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a photocopy or photo of your passport’s biographical information page and consider leaving your passport in a secure location, such as a hotel safe. Your passport will be required to check in into any hotel in Spain and may be required for trains or tourist sites.

Sexual Assault:  The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers.

Navigating the Spanish criminal justice system after surviving a sexual assault has been difficult for many U.S. citizen victims, who report feeling judged and re-victimized throughout the very lengthy process.

Although it is not required, many U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault in Spain have found it helpful to hire a local attorney to be their advocate and defend their rights during any judicial process or use the help of the local Office of Victim’s Assistance. Information about the local victim’s assistance program is given out at the police station when the report is filed.

There have been numerous reports alleging sexual assaults against U.S. citizen students by Manuel Blanco Vela, a representative of a tour operator based in Seville, Spain. Conduct research online to determine who owns and operates tour companies to make informed choices.

Many sexual assaults occur at night or during the early morning hours. In most cases, assailants take advantage of alcohol or drugs to make victims more vulnerable.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should call the toll-free emergency number in Spain, 016, for assistance, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid at (34) 91-587-2200 or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona at (+34) 93-280-2227. Note that the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent crimes are encouraged to report crimes to the local emergency services at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or consular agency for assistance . Note that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests  and demonstrations .  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Financial scams are prevalent in Spain. Beware of anyone asking for money, particularly people who establish a “romantic” relationship online or anyone who claims the Spanish authorities are asking them for money. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits/Job offers 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business. 

Furthermore, some violations of laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Spain are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Most cities in Spain have banned the consumption of alcohol in the street, other than in registered street cafes and bars. You could be arrested or fined if you break the law.

Local police, sometimes dressed in plain clothes, can require you to produce identification to establish your identity upon request and detain you for further questioning. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you as proof of your identity. If you are stopped by someone who claims to be a plainclothes police officer, ask to see their law enforcement identification.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy Madrid or U.S. Consulate General Barcelona immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Spain. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Spain prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. In general, public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure are accessible. Taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs are available, but usually must be booked in advance.

In historic areas and older areas, sidewalks can be narrow and have uneven surfaces. Take this into account when planning your visit.  There may be differences in small towns and villages, where accessibility may be more limited.

Rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants are widely available in Spain.

Students:  Follow the tips below and exercise caution and good judgment to make your study-abroad experience a positive and safe one. If you are coming to Spain to participate in a sports program, please check with the  Embassy of Spain  that you have the correct visa.

Do your research before contracting a tour operator or other service provider, including coaches and organizers of sports camps, schools, and training centers.

Exercise caution when agreeing to an internship or to serve as a recruiter for a specific organization or company. Most arrests, accidents, and violent crimes U.S. citizens suffer in Spain involve excessive alcohol. Drink in moderation and stay in a group of friends when in clubs, bars, or traveling.

See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : The U.S. Mission in Spain has received numerous reports of sexual assaults affecting U.S. citizens, especially younger travelers, students, and exchange teachers. Please see more information under Safety and Security.  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Good medical care is available in Spain. However, regulations regarding medications vary from those in the United States. Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication . Do not ship medication from the United States to Spain . Spanish customs authorities will reject and return to the shipper medication mailed from the United States. This may cause a significant delay in receiving your medications. The U.S. Embassy cannot help you retrieve medications stopped by Spanish customs.

Medications requiring prescriptions in the United States also require a local doctor’s prescription in Spain. In some instances, a medicine prescribed in the United States will not have a local equivalent. It is important that travelers research this on the  European Agency for Medication  website prior to travel.

For emergency services in Spain, dial 112. You may ask for an English-speaking attendant.

Ambulance services are widely available. 

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. Lack of payment may bar future travel to Spain.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the embassy to ensure the medication is legal in Spain. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains  a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance or funds before admitting a patient.  Medical staff may speak little or no English. Patients may be asked to bear costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Patients have to pay their medical treatment in public hospitals.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Spain to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 

Surrogacy is illegal in Spain and subject to complex local regulation. 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Road conditions in Spain can differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise increased caution as traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is often faster-paced than in the United States and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs and traffic lights and different driving habits, including motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

Obey the traffic light located at your stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection. Be alert when driving at night in urban areas; you may encounter drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.

Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.

Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws: You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain. The permits are only valid for one year.

It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit. Your rental car may be impounded, and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped by the police.

It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving. There is a €300 fine for violating this regulation, and you may also lose your license.

All drivers and passengers are required to buckle up (even in taxis and in the backseat) and wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.

You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.

If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment. This ensures that foreigners pay their fines while still in Spain.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter (except for fixed-fare trips originating to and from the Madrid airport), and ask for a receipt.

Private transportation companies (such as Uberor Cabify) are often used in Madrid and Barcelona but check private transportation websites for operating status before arrival.

Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate.  Official taxis to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise ship terminal charge a €39 flat rate.

Rail service is comfortable and reliable but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Spain should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the   U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Spain . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Spanish for travel: A beginner’s guide for your trip to Spain

Spanish for Travel

A beginner’s guide for your trip to spain, (or other spanish speaking countries).

So you’re traveling to Spain but you don’t speak Spanish (or you only remember a little from your high school days). Chances are, if you speak English you may be able to get by.  But why not pick up a little bit of the language before you go.  Even if it’s just a word or two, it will ingratiate you with the people in your host country and may even help you out of some sticky situations 🙂

Here’s our list of the most useful phrases if you’re going to travel to Spain.  For more practice sign up for our Survival Spanish course which you’ll find these words and more spoken by a native speaker in video format:

Por favor please

Gracias thank you

De nada you’re welcome

Perdona excuse me

Derecho right

Izquierda left

Todo recto straight

Atrás back (behind)

*Note derecho can also mean ‘go straight’, so just in case you can confirm with todo recto

Buenos Dias good day

¿Como estás? how are you? (informal)

¿Como está Usted? how are you? (formal)

Adios goodbye

Hasta luego see you later

Hasta pronto see you soon

Buenas noches good evening

¿Dónde? where?

¿Cuándo? when?

¿Como? how?

¿Qué? what?

* if want to say ‘what’? as in ‘what did you say?’, use ¿ como ? instead of  ¿ que ? .

zero(0) uno(1) dos(2) tres(3) cuatro(4) cinco(5) seis(6) siete(7) ocho(8) nueve(9) diez(10)

once(11) doce(12) trece(13) catorce(14) quince(15) dieciséis(16) diecisiete(17) dieciocho(18) diecinueve(19) vente (20)

vente(20) veintiuno(21) veintidós(22) veintitres(23) veinticuatro(24) veinticinco(25) veintiseis(26) veintisiete(27) veintiocho(28) veintinueve(29)

vente(20) trenta(30) cuarenta(40) cincuenta(50) sesenta(60) setenta(70) ochenta(80) noventa(90) cien(100)

Easy phrases

¡Salud! Cheers!

Lo siento I’m sorry

Bien ¿Y tú? Good.  And you?

No pasa nada No problem

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• , April 13, 2022

Spanish Key Phrases For Tourists: #1 Best Essential Guide!

I know you are buzzin’ about that booked holiday to Spain, but I think you almost forgot to pack your essential Spanish phrases and words! But I got you covered. This massive list of Spanish key phrases for tourists is everything you need to feel assured during your trip to Málaga or Alicante. Be confident to talk with the locals and embark on the best holiday of your life.

This ultimate guide of basic Spanish phrases, made by a native speaker, is specifically for tourists that want to have the best vacation in Spain.

Why Should You Learn Spanish Before Traveling To Spain?

If you are wondering why you should have at least some basic knowledge of the Spanish language, read this; if not, jump on to the list! 

Spain was the  first country destination  chosen by British tourists in 2022, and it will continue to increase! It is also the favorite country to visit for many other tourists from France and Germany. This means that many people need to learn the language for their vacations.

People may say you don’t have to learn Spanish, or any other language, to travel since you can communicate with signs and perhaps locals understand a little English. But there is nothing like speaking to a local in their mother tongue. 

During one of my trips, someone offered me a valuable advice that drove my motivation to language learning. They told me: ‘Don’t expect people to talk to you in English or Spanish in their country; you are the one visiting and so, you should be the one stepping out of your comfort zone to convey your thoughts, not them.’ 

I already knew that, but listening to someone else say it made me realize that I did have a slight hope that a local might talk to me in English when they don’t have to. And I understood all the  benefits of learning the country’s language  of the country I’m visiting. 

Besides, traveling is about those special and meaningful moments when you connect with native speakers while talking with them in their mother tongue. Everyone who has experienced that will agree with me that speaking with locals in their language is one of the perks of traveling! Those timeless and meaningful bonds with native speakers are memories you can hold forever in your heart.

If you get lost, confused about culture, or seek help, more speaking, listening, and writing Spanish knowledge in speaking will enhance your overall travel experience. Why? It’s because you will adapt easily to an unfamiliar environment.

So, I advise you to be well-prepared with the Spanish travel vocabulary that people often use and need abroad. You will find your way around your new destination like a fish in the water. Trust me! These Spanish phrases are here to save the holiday!

Hack Your Holiday With This Massive List Of Spanish Key Phrases For Tourists!

Table Of Contents

• Greetings and introduction.
• Essential survival Spanish vocab every tourist should know.
• Getting around in Spain: Directions, places, shopping, and sightseeing.
• How to order food and drinks?
• Vocabulary for Emergency Situations.

1. Greet The Locals And Introduce Yourself Upon Arrival!

To speak Spanish with the locals, you first have to learn the basic phrases to greet and introduce yourself. Plus, grab some slang while you are here!

Basic Spanish Greetings

Checking In

How to introduce yourself, do you want to express courtesy.

Don’t forget to ask how the other person is doing to show courtesy. And if they ask you the same thing, remember to thank them after answering.

2. Fail-Proof Essential Daily Vocabulary You Need Now!

Learn the following basic Spanish words and phrases for travelers that you can use not only in Spain but also in other Spanish-speaking countries.

Yes & No?

Other essential answers.

• Tal vez. – Maybe.
• Después. – Later.
• No sé – I don’t know.
• No lo creo. – I don’t think so.
• Por supuesto. – Of course.
• ¡Claro que sí. – Of course!
• ¡Sí como no! – Yes, of course!/Indeed.

The ‘Magic Words’

• Gracias. – Thank you.
• Muchas gracias. – Thank you so much.
• Por favor. – Please.
• De nada. – You are welcome.
• Disculpe. – Excuse me. (Formal)
• Disculpa. – Excuse me. (Informal)
• Discúlpeme/Perdóneme. – I’m sorry.

Trouble Communicating In Spanish?

Hopefully, you don’t have to use these Spanish phrases! But here they are to make you feel safer.

• No hablo español muy bien. – I don’t speak Spanish very well. (Neutral)
• ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English? (Formal)
• ¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English? (Informal)
• No entiendo. – I don’t understand.
• Lo siento, no entiendo – Sorry, I don’t understand
• Yo no entiendo. – I don’t understand. (Neutral)
• No entiendo Español. – I don’t understand Spanish.
• ¿Puede hablar despacio por favor? – Can you speak slowly, please? (Formal)
• Por favor, hable más despacio. – Please, speak slower. (Formal)
• ¿Puede repetir, por favor? – Can you please repeat?

Learn Phrases With ‘Want’ And ‘Need’

If you learn the verb ‘ querer ‘ (to want), you are all set to survive in Spain or any other Spanish-speaking country. If you know how to use this, you can communicate all your needs! 

• Quiero pasear en… – I want to take a walk in… 
• Necesito más efectivo. – I need more cash. 
• Yo quiero comer… – I want to eat… 
• ¡Necesito un chapuzón en el mar! – I need a dip in the sea!
• (Yo) Quiero una cerveza. – I want a beer. 

Tip!  You can drop the ‘yo’ (I) to sound more natural. We don’t always use it while talking fast.

• Quisiera … – I would like … (The literal translation is ‘I would want….’)
• Necesito un taxi. – I need a taxi.
• Quiero dormir. – I want to sleep.
• Yo necesito ir a descansar. – I need to go to rest.
• Quiero conocer más lugares. – I want to see more places.

Time (Hora)

• ¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?
• ¿A qué hora empieza esa película? – At what time does that movie start?
• ¿A qué hora sale el vuelo? – What time does the flight leave?

3. Important Vocabulary To Know While Getting Around In Spain

Common words for places.

Before traveling, learn some basic vocabulary for places that may come in handy to get around.

• Museo/ El museo – Museum/The museum 
• Restaurante – Restaurant
• El Hotel – The Hotel 
• El Hospital – The hospital
• Farmacia  – Pharmacy 
• Libería – Bookstore
• Biblioteca – Library
• Cine – Movie theatre
• Iglesia – Church
• Catedral – Cathedral
• Parque – Park
• Parque de atracciones – Amusement park
• Circo – Circus
• Atracciones turísticas – Tourist attractions
• Bosque – Forest
• Reserva natural – Natural reserve
• Plaza – Square
• Palacio – Palace
• Muralla – Wall
• Estación de policía –  Police station 
• El Banco/Banco – Bank
• El correo/Oficina de correos – Post Office
• Centro comercial – Mall
• Gimnasio – Gym
• Aeropuerto –Airport

• Supermercado – Grocery store
• Mercado – Market
• La carnicería – The butcher
• El Bar/Bar – Bar
• Café/Cafetería – Cafe/Coffee Shop
• Panadería – Bakery
• Tienda – Convenience store
• Feria – Street market
• La playa – The beach
• Parada de taxi – Taxi stand
• Parada de buses/autobús – Bus stop
• Estación de autobús – Bus station
• Estación de trenes – Train station

How To Ask For Directions In Spain?

If you get lost or need to find any of the places listed above, try using the following phrases with the locals.

• Estoy perdido. – I’m lost.
• Me he perdido. – I got lost.
• Me perdí en … – I got lost at…
• ¿Cómo puedo llegar a …? – How can I get to …?
• ¿Dónde está el hospital local? – Where is the local hospital?
• ¿Dónde está el banco? – Where is the bank?

• ¿Dónde se encuentra la tienda de comida local? – Where is the local food shop? 
• ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una farmacia? – Where can I find a pharmacy?
• ¿Dónde se encuentra esta (atracción)? – Where is this (attraction) located?  
• ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? – How to find the train/bus station?
• ¿Dónde está la estación de ferrocarril? – Where is the railway station?
• ¿Dónde hay un baño? – Where is there a bathroom?
• ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is there a bathroom?
• ¿Cómo vuelvo a mi hotel? – How do I get back to my hotel?
• ¿Cómo puedo llegar a esta zona de la ciudad? – How can I get to this area of the city?
• ¿Dónde está la embajada de …? – Where is the … embassy?
• ¿Dónde puedo conseguir una buena Paella por aquí? Where can I get a good  Paella  around here?

Directions In Spanish

These are a few essential words that will get you by when asking for directions.

• Derecha – Right
• Izquierda – Left
• Siga recto – Go straight ahead (formal)
• Adelante – Up ahead
• Aquí – Here
• Gire – Turn (formal)

Spanish Vocabulary For Shopping

• Comprar – To buy
• Gastar – To spend
• Devolver – Return
• Probarse – To try on
• Billete – Bill
• Moneda – Coin/Currency
• Dinero – Money
• Euros – Euros
• Dólares – Dollars
• Dinero en Efectivo – Cash
• Tarjeta de crédito – Credit card
• Tarjeta de débito – Debit card
• Cheque – Check
• Precio – Price
• Descuento – Discount
• Oferta – Sale
• Bazar – Bazaar

• Ir de compras. – Go shopping.
• ¡No gasteis demasiado! – Don’t spend too much money!
• Estoy buscando… – I’m looking for…
• ¿Tiene…? – Do you have…?
• ¡Está muy Caro! – It’s expensive!
• ¡Qué Barato! – It’s very cheap!
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?
• ¿Cuál es el valor? – How much is it?
• ¿Cuál es el precio de …? – How much does the … cost?
• ¿Hay descuentos? – Do you offer any discounts?
• ¿Lo puedo ver? – Can I see it?
• ¿Hay otra talla? – Is there another size?
• Quiero comprar esto. – I want to buy this.
• Sólo estoy mirando, gracias – I’m just looking, thank you.
• Me podría pasar aquella camisa, por favor? – Could you please lend me that shirt? (Formal)

Sightseeing And Other Activities

• ¿Quereís ir a la playa conmigo? – Do you want to go to the beach with me?
• Visitemos La Sagrada Familia. – Let’s visit  La Sagrada Familia .
• Vamos al show de flamenco. – Let’s go to a  Flamenco  show.
• ¡Tenemos que ir en crucero en Alicante! – We have to go on a cruise in Alicante!
• Me encanta caminar por las calles de Villajoyosa. – I love walking through the streets of Villajoyosa.
• Contratemos un tour por un viñedo. – Let’s hire a vineyard tour.
• Voy a asistir a una clase de cocina Española. – I will attend a Spanish cooking class.

4. Are You A Foodie? Don’t Skip These Phrases To Order Food And Drinks In Spain!

Imagine you are enjoying the front-row view of the ocean in a restaurant in Málaga. How would you order food without having to use English? And how will you be able to understand your waiter/waitress if they don’t speak English?  Learning these phrases will do the trick: 

• Una mesa para cuatro, por favor. – I table for four, please.
• ¿Les puedo tomar la orden? – Can I take your order?
• ¿Qué van a tomar? – What would you like to drink?
• Vamos a comer el desayuno en este restaurante. – Let’s go to have dessert at this restaurant.
• Una jarra de sangría, por favor. – A bottle of  sangria , please.
• ¿Me puede traer un vaso de té helado, por favor? – Can I have a glass of iced tea, please?
• Me gustaría un vaso de jugo frío. – I would like a glass of cold juice.
• Un vino tinto, por favor – A red wine, please 
• ¿Desea algo más? – Would you like (to order) something else?
• No, muchas gracias. – No, thank you very much.
• ¿Desean algo de postre? – Would you like to have a dessert?
• ¿Podría ver el menú de los postres, por favor? – Could I see the dessert menu, please?
• ¿Cuál platillo nos recomienda? – What dish can you recommend us?
• La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please

5. Vocabulary for Emergency Situations

While traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, it’s advised to have at least some basic vocabulary knowledge for emergencies.

• ¡Auxilio! Help!
• ¡Ayuda! – Help!
• Ayúdeme. – Help me.
• Necesito ayuda. – I need help (Neutral)
• Me puede ayudar, por favor? – Can you help me, please?
• Me siento mal. – I don’t feel well
• No me siento bien. – I don’t feel well.
• Me duele. – It hurts.
• Me duele aquí. – I have a pain here
• Soy alérgico a… – I’m allergic to…
• Si, tengo seguro médico. – Yes, I have a health insurance.
• Tengo seguro de viaje. – I have travel insurance.
• ¡Un Ladrón! – A thief!
• Necesito denunciar un robo. – I need to report a robbery.
• ¡Me han robado mi dinero! – My money has been stolen!
• Perdí mi billetera. – I lost my wallet.
• Quiero/Necesito reportar un accidente. – I want/I need to report an accident.
• Estoy en …– I’m at …
• Estoy ubicada/o en … – I’m located at …
• Necesito una ambulancia ahora. – I need an ambulance now.
• Necesito ir al hospital. – I need to go to the hospital.

Now You Are All Set To Fly To Spain!

Did you enjoy this guide on Spanish travel phrases and words? You will be grateful to have this knowledge once you are in Spain. Now you can speak Spanish with your native friends and meet new people abroad! Let this vacation be your golden opportunity to improve your Spanish skills.

Having conversations with Spanish-speaking people is a great way to sharpen your ear, remember vocabulary easily, and improve your pronunciation. Enjoy the landscapes and the food, but also those conversations that will allow you to further your goal of speaking fluent Spanish.

I know this might be a lot for you, but don’t feel overwhelmed! The purpose of this post is to guide you towards an understanding of the phrases that tourists most need to know abroad. You don’t need to learn them all right now; you can always save this article to review whenever you need. However, before your trip, start practicing what you have learned in this article. It doesn’t matter if you do it even in front of a mirror. Everything counts!

The secret to getting better without feeling overwhelmed is to practice at least 15 minutes a day. With Ling App , you can learn Spanish anytime, anywhere! With fun lessons that will make you feel like playing a game, this app will be your best friend on your journey through Spain or any other Spanish-speaking country.

Best holidays and happy learning!

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Be prepared to visit Spain with these 16 things to know before you go

Jun 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know to get ready for a trip to Spain © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.

From day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country . It ticks a lot of  boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine , spectacular landscapes , architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. 

Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system . And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost.

Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings; in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.

Cultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips.

1. Pack warm clothes. Really.

There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo” , which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. 

2. Being cashless is common

Card is king in Spain. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona , San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card.

If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins.

3. Choose your time to visit Madrid wisely

Think twice about visiting Madrid in August . Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat . 

4. Expect to eat late

Prepare for late Spanish dining times. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country , you can savor pintxos , or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick.

5. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a tourist

A popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano , a concoction of red wine and lemon soda. 

Ask for a caña  like a local instead of a cerveza . A caña  is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml).

6. Tipping is not expected

European countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. 

7. Don't eat food while you’re on the move

Eating is an age-old pleasure that must be savored unhurriedly, so it’s uncommon to see Spaniards biting sandwiches or munching on fries while walking down the street or riding public transportation. 

8. Look for fixed-price lunches

Order the menú del día (daily menu) for lunch on weekdays. Take your cue from the locals and ask for the fixed-price menu (ranging from €8 to €17) that includes a three-course meal with dessert, drinks, bread and coffee.

9. Eat late, stay late

Make time for sobremesa  – lingering long after a meal for a post-dining conversation. This is a hallmark of sociable Spanish culture, to extend conversations well beyond mealtimes to be able to enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible, usually over drinks.

10. Keep an eye on your belongings

Be vigilant of pickpockets and keep your belongings close. Pickpockets are unfortunately rampant in high tourist traffic areas. If you’re sitting at an outdoor table, watch out for vendors that get suspiciously close and distract you with their items for sale, such as flowers or lottery tickets, while they surreptitiously steal your wallet or mobile phone on the table (this is a modus operandi I’ve witnessed more than once!). 

11. You can drink tap water in Spain

Go ahead and drink the tap water. Spanish tap water or “agua de grifo” is safe to drink, though the taste varies across regions. 

12. There's one number for an emergency

Call 112 for any emergency. You can contact this number for any kind of emergency in Spain, even without a Spanish SIM card on your mobile phone. You’ll be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators. To contact the Spanish National Police, dial 091. 

 13. Dress appropriately when away from the beach

Opt for smart casual attire and avoid overly casual outfits like athleisure wear, beachwear, or excessively revealing clothing in the city. If you’re visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for these places.

14. Brush up on basic Spanish

Like any destination, it helps a lot if you know basic local phrases. While you can get by speaking English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. 

Don't say “no problemo”, which is incorrect. The correct phrase is “no hay problema” or more colloquially, say “no pasa nada” . 

15. Know what is considered polite

Greet people, even strangers. It’s commonplace to greet people in elevators, shops and along hallways. Compliment good service by saying “muy amable” . Meaning “very kind”, this is a commonly used polite phrase to express gratitude for someone’s helpfulness. It can be said in different situations – if a person has gone out of their way to assist you, like giving you directions, holding a door or giving up their seat for you. You can also say this to show your appreciation for customer service that goes above and beyond.

16. Don’t leave a social gathering without saying goodbye

It is generally frowned upon to leave an occasion without letting your host know. However, be prepared for a long, drawn out goodbye – the Spanish are highly sociable people who like extending conversations, leading to lengthy, and often multiple stages of farewells. 

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Useful Travel Phrases in Spanish: Listen and Practice!

Sí, por favor, or no, gracias are two of the most famous Spanish travel phrases in the world, because they are so simple. 

When eating tacos in Mexico , hiking in Costa Rica , exploring Cuba , tasting coffee in Colombia , visiting the Maya ruins in Guatemala , admiring the Iguazu falls in Argentina , traveling through Spain , or stopping by Equatorial Guinea , it would be very wise to keep a few more Spanish travel phrases available in your head.

If you feel like learning a little bit more than some basic greetings and farewells in Spanish and adding an arsenal of phrases to your travel Spanish, lay back and get ready to start learning some travel Spanish by listening and reading some more Spanish phrases to become more fluent and sound more natural.

Why Is Listening Beneficial?

Before we start feeding your travel Spanish, it is important to understand why listening is beneficial when learning Spanish. 

As someone who has taught English mainly to Spanish-speaking students for a couple of years, I’ve noticed that those who limit themselves to only reading and solving grammar exercises tend to have a harder time with the language. 

On the other hand, those who take the listening exercises seriously and try to repeat as they listen tend to achieve fluency more quickly than their peers. While our level of mastery is directly linked to our specific set of abilities and how much we practice, listening to a native speaker in their language and trying to imitate them is one of the best pathways towards fluency.

Travel Spanish Conjugation

The first thing we need to know is our verb, the Spanish translation for “to travel” is viajar. In this section you’ll learn how to conjugate this verb in:

• Simple present – Presente del indicativo
• Simple past – Pretérito del indicativo
• Simple future – Futuro del indicativo 

Keep in mind that, ustedes and vosotros are both the second person of the plural form—however, Latin Americans use ustedes and Spaniards use vosotros . 

Presente del indicativo

Pretérito de indicativo, futuro del indicativo.

To keep this part simple practice one sentence with each tense:

Tú viajas hoy. You travel today.

Mis padres viajarán el sábado. My parents are going to travel on Saturday.

Mi vecina viajó el año pasado a Colombia. My neighbor traveled to Colombia last year.

PRO TIP: In Spanish, we use el presente del indicativo to talk about habits, but also to talk about something that is happening today.

Simple Spanish Travel Phrases

We’ll start off with some basic travel vocabulary in Spanish. 

In this section, I include 4 basic phrases to show where you’re from, what you will do on your travels when you’re going back, and how long you are staying in a country.

 Check out these useful Spanish travel phrases.

Where You’re From

Vengo de Inglaterra.  I come from England.

Soy jamaiquino(a). I am Jamaican .

Soy estadounidense; vengo de Pittsburgh. I am American, I come from Pittsburgh.

Talking About Your Plans

Haré un tour por Guatemala, El Salvador, Belice y Honduras durante dos semanas. I will make a tour through Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and Honduras for two weeks.

No iré a Nicaragua porque no es parte de mi plan. I won’t go to Nicaragua because it isn’t part of my plan.

Regresaré a Jamaica el 3 de Diciembre. I will go back to Jamaica on December 3rd.

Estaré tres días y dos noches en Guatemala. I’ll be in Guatemala for three days and two nights.

PRO TIP: Some South Americans use the verb devolverse instead of regresar when talking about going back to your country. In the sentence above, you can substitute the word regresaré for me devolveré too.

Travel Spanish To Use at the Airport:

For most of us, the airport is the first thing we see in a foreign country. Latin America has some awesome airports , where they probably speak English—but why take any chances, when you can learn some useful Spanish travel phrases.

Looking For a Place

¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom?

¿De qué terminal sale mi avión? From which terminal does my plane leave?

¿Cómo llego a la puerta 40F? How do I get to gate 40F?

Stating Your Business

Vengo a este país de visita. I’m visiting this country.

Venimos por motivos de negocios. We are coming for business.

Mi hermano viene a estudiar; yo solo vengo a dejarlo. My brother is coming here to study; I am just dropping him off.

Stating the Duration of Your Visit

Nos quedaremos aquí por dos semanas. We’ll be staying here for two weeks.

Regreso el 25 de Noviembre. I’m going back on November 25th.

Mi hermano se quedará hasta el próximo año; yo hasta la próxima semana. My brother will be staying until next year; I will (be staying) until next week.

Declaring Your Belongings

No traigo más de diez mil dólares en efectivo. I do not bring more than ten thousand dollars in cash.

Llevo cinco cajas de medicinas en mi maleta. I carry five boxes of medicine in my suitcase.

No tengo nada que declarar. I have nothing to declare.

Travel Spanish To Ask for Directions

One of the most important things when traveling is asking for directions, knowing where to go and where not to go and. If you’re in Latin America. 

Remember to use the usted when talking to people you don’t know and are (or seem to be) older than you, and tú or vos when talking to someone your age or younger.

Formal Ways To Ask for Directions:

Disculpe, caballero, ¿dónde se encuentra La Mano? Excuse me, Sir, where is La Mano ?

Perdone, señorita, ¿cómo podría llegar al Museo del Oro? Excuse me, Miss, how can I get to the Gold Museum ?

Señora, ¿me puede indicar cómo llego al Palacio de Bellas Artes? Madam, could you tell me how to get to Palacio de Bellas Artes ? 

Informal Ways To Ask for Directions:

¿Dónde está el volcán El Arenal? Where is El Arenal volcano?

¿Me decís cómo llegar a la Fortaleza del Cerro? Can you tell me how to get to Hill Fortress ?

Dime por dónde sigo para llegar al hotel. Tell me where to go to get to the hotel.

Following Directions in Spanish

After asking, most locals will try to help you and they will most likely combine the following verbs:

With some of these directions:

Practice Sentences

Siga derecho y al llegar a la esquina cruce a la derecha. Keep going straight and turn right when you get to the corner.

Regrese por donde vino y al terminar la cuadra camine 50 metros al oeste. Go back, all the way down the block, and walk 50 meters to the west.

Gire en la próxima avenida y llegue hasta el mercado; allí estará enfrente. Turn in the next avenue, reach the market; it’ll be there right in front.

Spanish Travel Phrases To Use at the Hotel

After finally arriving at your hotel and being about to reach some peace of mind, you’ll need to talk to the staff . Since they are people you do not know, I would recommend using formal Spanish in order to be more respectful.

Phrases To Use When Arriving

Reservé una habitación sencilla a nombre de… I booked a simple room under the name…

Es posible que me quede dos noches más en el hotel. It is possible that I will stay two more nights at the hotel.

¿En qué piso (o planta) se encuentra mi habitación? Which floor is my room?

Asking About Additional Services in the Hotel

¿El wi-fi está incluído en la tarifa? Is Wi-Fi included in the fee?

¿Hasta qué hora sirven el desayuno buffet? What time is the breakfast buffet served until?

¿Tengo acceso al spa y al jacuzzi con la habitación que renté? Do I have access to the spa and jacuzzi with the room I booked?

Asking About the City

¿Qué es lo mejor para ver en esta ciudad si solo tengo un día para visitarla? What’s the best thing to see in this city if I only have a day to visit it?

¿Se puede llamar a un taxi que me lleve, me espere y me traiga de vuelta al hotel? Is it possible to get a cab that takes me where I’m going, waits for me, and brings me back to the hotel?

¿Qué tan seguro es visitar ese barrio por la noche? How safe is it to visit that neighborhood at night?

FUN FACT: Many Spanish speakers don’t mind when a foreigner uses tú (the informal way) to talk to us, since some of us adopt a “forgiving” attitude towards this.

Talking About Currency

While the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted in many big cities, the deeper you adventure yourself into a country, the more difficult it gets to trade with a foreigner currency.

Solo tengo un billete de cien dólares, ¿me puede dar cambio? I only have a one-hundred-dollar bill, can you give me change?

¿Puedo pagar con dólares? Todavía no tengo la moneda local . Can I pay in dollars? I don’t have the local currency.

¿Cuánto es/son…en dólares? How much is… in dollars?

Getting Cash

¿Dónde hay un cajero automático por aquí cerca? Where can I find an ATM close by?

¿Cuánto me va a cobrar de comisión por hacer un retiro? What is the additional commission it will charge me to make a withdrawal?

Necesito que me dé el vuelto en billetes de a cincuenta quetzales, por favor. I need my change in fifty-quetzales bills, please.

Moving Around on Your Own

If you visit places out of walking range you are going to need to get a cab, a bus, a tram, or a metro, and it is useful to ask around for metro lines, times, and being safe on your trip.

¿Qué línea de metro debo tomar para llegar a Insurgentes? Which metro line do I have to take to get to Insurgentes?

¿Cuántas paradas faltan para llegar a…? How many stops to get to…?

¿A qué horas pasa el siguiente bus y a dónde va? What time does the next bus pass and where does it go?

¿Hay un tranvía en esta ciudad? Is there a tram in this city?

Quotes About Travelling in Spanish

For this last little section, I compiled four great quotes about travelling in Spanish to motivate you to travel, get to know magical places outside your country and see how beautiful Spanish can be.

“El mundo es un libro y quienes no viajan leen sólo una página”. “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.” —St. Agustine.

“Viajar es fatal para los prejuicios, la intolerancia, y la estrechez de miras”. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” —Mark Twain.

“Viajar es la única cosa que compras que te hace más rico”. “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” —Anonymous.

“Nadie se da cuenta de lo hermoso que es viajar hasta que llega a casa y descansa su cabeza sobre su vieja y conocida almohada”. “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow”. —Lin Yutang.

Unlock a Continent by Speaking Spanish

These Spanish travel phrases are great, and you should practice them before visiting Latin America, Spain, or Equatorial Guinea, but remember that they can only take you so far. If you want to up your Spanish game, master true fluency, and make any Spanish-speaking country feel like a second home try a free Spanish class today!

Homeschool Spanish Academy can help you in your listening, speaking, and reading abilities, not to mention the flexible scheduling in our classes, earned high school credit, live instruction and different payment options !

If you still need a reason on why to learn Spanish besides being able to talk to more than 53 million people solely in the U.S. you might earn extra money at the end of the month by speaking Spanish. Sign up today!

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

“It’s a great way to learn Spanish, from native Spanish speakers in a 1-on-1 environment. It’s been fairly easy to schedule classes around my daughter’s other classes. The best value for us has been ordering multiple classes at a time. All the instructors have been great!”

– Cindy D, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

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A Useful Guide to Spanish Travel Phrases

Written by Diana Luciana

August 25, 2022.

Are you planning a long-awaited trip to a Spanish-speaking country? 🌎

Your trip can be so much more fun and meaningful if you know how to say travel in Spanish, and communicate with the locals—how many times have you missed out on a secret spot because you didn’t speak the language?—and find your way around with this guide to Spanish travel phrases and words. From getting to the airport to ordering food in Spanish at the restaurant, we got you covered.

How do you say travel in Spanish?

We put together a list of essential Spanish travel phrases, need-to-know vocabulary, and tips for traveling in Spanish. Keep in mind that you don’t need to speak Spanish fluently to get the most out of your trip and have meaningful interactions. A basic travel Spanish vocabulary will get you a long way, and the locals would definitely appreciate the effort. And when you don’t understand or aren’t sure of what’s being said, simply ask ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?)

Key phrases in Spanish for travelers

Here are some key Spanish phrases and greetings you should know. You can use them in any situation (asking for directions in Spanish, asking questions in Spanish, meeting new people in Spanish, and so on.) It’s a mini Spanish 101 lesson:

Spanish greetings

• Buenos días   — Good morning
• Buenas tardes   — Good afternoon
• Buenas noches   — Good evening
• ¿Cómo te llamas?  — What’s your name?
• Me llamo…   — My name is…
• Mucho gusto. Encantado — It’s a pleasure to meet you.
• ¿Cómo te va? / ¿Qué tal? / ¿Qué hay?  — How’s it going?
• ¿Cómo estás?   — How are you?
• Bien, gracias / Muy bien, gracia s — Good, thank you / Very well, thank you
• Por favor   — Please
• Perdón / Lo siento — Sorry
• ¿Habla inglés?   — Do you speak English?
• No hablo español.  — I don’t speak Spanish.
• No entiendo bien el español. — I don’t understand Spanish well. 
• ¿Tiene…?  — Do you have…?
• ¿Entiende?  — Do you understand?
• Yo entiendo / yo no entiendo  — I understand / I don’t understand
• Hágame el favor de hablar más despacio. — Speak more slowly, please. 
• Escríbalo, por favor. — Write it down, please.

Essential Spanish

• ¿Dónde está…? ¿Dónde están…? — Where is…? Where are…?
• ¿Por dónde se va a…? / ¿Cómo puedo llegar a…? — How do you go to…? 
• ¿Dónde estamos aquí en el mapa? — Where are we on the map?
• ¿Está lejos? ¿Está por aquí? — Is it far away? Is it near here?
• Busco… — I’m looking for…
• ¿Me podría ayudar?  — Can you help me?
• Estoy perdido  (for men) / perdida  (for women) . — I’m lost.
• ¿Hay alguien que hable inglés? — Is there anyone who speaks English? 
• Disculpe / Con permiso / Perdóname — Excuse me
• ¿Quién?   — Who?
• ¿Qué?   — What?
• ¿Cuándo?   — When?
• ¿Cómo?   — How?
• ¿Cuánto?   — How much?
• ¿Cuántos?   — How many?
• ¿Por qué?   — Why?
• ¿A qué hora?   — What time?
• ¿Por cuánto tiempo?   — How long?
• ¿Cada cuánto?   — How often?
• Yo quiero / yo no quiero  — I want / I don’t want
• Yo tengo / yo no tengo  — I have / I don’t have

How to say airport in Spanish

Imagine yourself getting off the plane ( el avión )—new place, new language, new everything—ready to start your vacation. Even though English is widely spoken, knowing the basic Spanish travel vocabulary for airports and planes will make your trip easier. And you will start your vacation on the right foot, confident that you can find your way in any situation.

Essential travel vocabulary in Spanish for when you are at the airport ( el aeropuerto ):

Spanish travel vocabulary

Airport-specific vocabulary in Spanish

• la aduana  — customs
• la aerolínea  / la linea aerea   — airline
• el asiento  — seat
• el auxiliar de vuelo, la azafata  — flight attendant
• el baño  — bathroom
• el boleto  — ticket
• confirmar una reservación   — to confirm a reservation
• el destino  —  destination
• el equipaje  — luggage
• el horario, el itinerario   — schedule
• la maleta  — suitcase
• el pasajero, la pasajera  —  passenger
• el pasaporte  —  passport
• el regreso  —  return
• la salida  —  departure, exit
• la tarifa  —  price
• la tienda libre de impuestos   — duty-free shop
• el viaje  — journey, trip
• el vuelo  —  flight, wing

Spanish travel phrases

Useful phrases at the airport in Spanish

• ¿Cuándo sale el avión?  — When does the plane leave?
• Mi vuelo es a las … en punto. — My flight is at … o’clock.
• ¿A qué hora es el embarque?  — What time is boarding?
• ¿Cuándo llega el avión?  — When does the plane arrive?
• Quisiera cambiar mi reserva / asiento.   — I would like to change my reservation / seat.
• Querría anular mi reserva.   — I would like to cancel my reservation.
• Necesitamos ayuda para subir al avión.   — We need help to get on the plane.
• ¿Podría elegir mi asiento?  — Could I choose my seat?
• Este es mi equipaje de mano . — This is my carry-on luggage.
• ¿Se ha cancelado el vuelo?   — Has the flight been canceled?
• ¿Dónde está la terminal internacional / a puerta de embarque ?  — Where is the international terminal / boarding gate?
• ¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero? — Where is there a currency exchange desk?
• ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom?

How to ask for directions in Spanish

You are finally in the city, ready to explore! Next on the list is learning how to ask for directions in Spanish. In this section, we’ll also cover the topic of transportation and finding a hotel in Spanish, and show you the most common travel phrases. Let’s delve into it:

• ¿Dónde está la estación de ferrocarril?  — Where is the railway station?
• ¿A qué hora sale el tren?   — What time does the train leave?
• ¿A qué hora sale el próximo tren?  — What time does the next train leave?
• ¿De qué plataforma sale?  — Which platform does it leave from?
• ¿Dónde puedo tomar un taxi / un autobús? (Latin America) /  ¿Dónde puedo coger un taxi / un autobús? (Spain) — Where can I catch a taxi / a bus?
• ¿Tiene un pase de un día?  — Do you have a one-day pass?
• ¿Cuánto cuesta un billete al aeropuerto?   — How much is a ticket to the airport?
• ¿Cómo llego a…?   — How do I get to … ?
• Gira a la izquierda/derecha.   — Turn left/right.
• ¿Dónde hay un supermercado?   — ¿Where is there a supermarket?
• ¿Dónde hay una casa de cambio?   — Where is the currency exchange?
• ¿Dónde está el banco?  — Where is the bank?
• ¡Disculpe! Soy turista y estoy perdido/a.  — Excuse me! I am a tourist and I am lost.
• ¿Dónde hay un restaurante?  — Where is a restaurant?
• Me podrías recomendar un restaurante?   — Do you have any restaurant recommendations?

12 Spanish travel phrases for the hotel

• Busco un hotel . — I’m looking for a hotel.
• Yo necesito un hotel / un cuarto / un cuarto con baño.  — I need a hotel / a room / a room with a bathroom.
• Una habitación para dos personas . — A room for two people.
• Yo tengo una reserva a nombre de…  — I have a reservation under the name of…
• He reservado una habitación.  — I have booked a room.
• ¿Puedes darme la llave de mi habitación?  — Can you give me the key to my room?
• ¿Cuándo es la hora límite de salida?   — When is check-out time?
• ¿Puedo solicitar una salida tardía?  — Can I request for late check-out?
• ¿Cuál es la contraseña de Wifi?  — What is the Wifi password?
• ¿Tiene servicio de habitaciones?  — Do you have room service?
• ¿A qué hora es el desayuno?  — What time is breakfast?
• Esta habitación es demasiado ruidosa.   — This room is too noisy.

How to order food in Spanish

After a long day of walking and exploring, it’s time to take a break and have a bite. Maybe try out the local Spanish cuisine. Whether you are ordering food or drinks, these phrases will come in handy. And if you want to learn more about how to say food in Spanish, check out this post . (You also have an entire section about ordering food in Spanish.) Start with these phrases:

• Una mesa para… dos, tres, cuatro . — A table for… two, three, four.
• ¿Cuál es el menú de hoy? — What is today’s menu?
• Me gustaría probar la especialidad del cocinero.  — I would like to try the chef’s specialty.
• ¿Qué me recomienda? — What do you recommend?
• Me gustaría algo de postre.   — I would like some dessert.
• La cuenta, por favor. – The check, please.
• ¿Acepta tarjeta de crédito? — Do you accept credit card?
• Tengo alergia a … — I am allergic to…
• Soy alérgico. — I’m allergic.
• Soy vegetariano/a. — I’m a vegetarian.

Now you’re all set for your Spanish travels! I hope this guide will enhance your travel experience, and that you will enjoy speaking Spanish—from asking for directions to ordering breakfast at the local cafe. If you want more free Spanish lessons , check out my YouTube channel and blog .

What’s your favorite travel destination? ✈️🧳 Drop your answer in the comments.

P.S. Do you know how to say safe travels in Spanish? Learn 3 ways you can say safe travels in Spanish: Te deseo que tengas un buen viaje (I wish you safe travels), Ojalá que tengas un buen viaje (I hope you have a good trip) and the formal option of Le deseo que tenga un buen viaje (I hope you have a good trip.) Now you know how to say safe travels in Spanish.

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50 Phrases You Need to Know for Traveling in Spain

50 useful spanish phrases for traveling.

Learning some basic phrases in Spanish is incredibly useful when you are planning a trip to Spain. It is a good idea to learn Spanish phrases that can help you in different situations as you travel. Learning even just a few phrases before your trip can not only make your trip more enjoyable, but it can increase your confidence when talking to native Spanish-speakers. Even if you can only say a few words, the Spanish will appreciate your efforts to communicate in Spanish.

Spanish Phrases for Traveling

Here are some useful Spanish phrases to have at hand for your upcoming trip to Spain. You can memorize them, print them out, or save them on your phone to take with you!

👋 Basic Spanish Phrases

These are the basic phrases that you need to know in Spain. They are important for interacting with people and being polite. Good manners can take you a long way!

🗺 Arriving in Spain

These Spanish phrases are helpful to have at hand when you first arrive in Spain and are looking to make your way around as smoothly as possible.

These Spanish phrases are good to know for getting yourself situated and arranging your stay in Spain. They can also help you make last minute arrangements if you need to.

🚏 Transportation

Whether you plan to get around Spain by bus, train, or taxi, here are some Spanish phrases that will make it easier to navigate.

📸 Sightseeing

Here are some Spanish phrases that will help you talk to people when strolling through the streets of Spain and exploring what it has to offer.  

🗣Be Understood

Sometimes when you are trying to talk in a foreign language, it can be difficult to get your point across. It can also be hard to catch every word that a native Spanish-speaker is saying when you are not used to the language. Here are some Spanish phrases that can help you understand others and be understood yourself.  

🍽 Eating Out

Whether you choose to try a restaurant in Madrid, a café in Barcelona, or enjoy some Spanish street food, these phrases can help you when grabbing a bite to eat.

🛍Going Shopping

These Spanish phrases can help you when you go shopping in Spain and are looking to buy gifts for your friends back home, or if you want to splurge a bit on yourself.

🛫 Departure

When your trip to Spain finally comes to an end, here are some phrases to help you conclude your visit.  

Finally, with these 50 Spanish phrases, it will be easier for you to make the most of your trip to Spain and all that the country has to offer. Enjoy your visit!

🇪🇸 Learn to Speak Spanish Better and Faster

If you are up for more challenges, train with Glossika before you leave for your trip. And have no problem holding conversations with the locals during your stay.

Sign up now and get your free training started:

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How to Plan a Trip to Spain: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Spain » How to Plan a Trip to Spain: Step-by-Step Guide

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Dreaming of your first trip to Spain? Let me show you exactly how to plan a trip to Spain like a pro!

This post about how to plan a trip to spain for the first time was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Ready to put your High School Spanish to the test and learn how to plan a trip to Spain?

It’s a fantastic choice! Spain is the home of tapas, flamenco dancing, wine regions, colorful architecture by Gaudí or the Moors, and some of the best beaches in the world.

But if you’re planning your very first trip to Spain, you need to make a lot of decisions before you can sip sangria in the sun.

Where are you going to go? When is the best time to go? And what are all the top things to do in Spain that you simply cannot miss but don’t know what they are yet?!

This is an easy Spain trip planner that you can follow as you navigate your way through the Spain travel planning process. It’s super simple to follow and includes all the essential info and insider tips you need to have a fantastic Spanish vacation!

14-Step Guide on How to Plan a Trip to Spain

Step 1: check your passport and visa requirements for spain.

If you’re visiting Spain for the first time, you might not be aware of your visa and passport requirements. 

Most US passport holders will need at least six months left on their passport. Spain is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Area, so most Americans can apply online for an ETIAS visa waiver to travel there as a tourist.

This will allow you to spend 90 days within a 180-day period in any of these 27 countries in the European Union.

Note that you won’t be able to apply for a visa waiver without knowing the address of your first accommodation in Spain . It’s just good practice to check your passport information first in case you have to apply for a new one.

Step 2: Figure out the Length of Your Trip to Spain

Your next task when going through the steps of how to plan a Spain trip is to decide how much time you want (or are able) to spend in Spain.

Most people have to consider vacation allowances with their jobs, family commitments, budget constraints, and school breaks. This is an easy step because it’s often decided for you!

Long-haul vacations should be five days at the minimum, but 10 days or two weeks in Spain is ideal. 

Step 3: Research the Best Time to Travel to Spain

Figuring out the best time to travel to Spain depends on the climate, festivals, and popular travel seasons. 

Northern Spain (Galicia, Basque Country, etc.) has a generally cooler and wetter climate than Southern Spain (Andalucía).

Summer in Southern Spain can be dangerously hot (over 104°F/40°C every day). On the flip side, it’s the perfect place for a winter break.

Easter is always a special time to travel to Southern Spain with lots of religious festivals and celebrations. La Tomatina in Valencia and The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona are two other popular festivals you may want to check out.

To strike a balance between climate, affordability, and crowds, travel in Spain’s shoulder seasons. These are from April – June and September – October. 

But if you’re planning a family trip to Spain and you have school-age kids, you’ll have some restrictions on the times you can travel.

At least you have the information to make an informed decision about what you can expect when traveling in Spain at certain times of the year!

Step 4: Choose Your Spain Destinations

Alright, let’s get to the fun part of Spain trip planning and choose where you want to go in Spain!

Some of the best cities to visit in Spain for first-timers include Madrid , Barcelona , Valencia, Palma de Majorca , and Granada.

They all have busy international airports with the best infrastructure for tourists as well as lots of cultural and fun activities.

Plus, they all have lots of fun day trips you can take while using these cities as a base.

If you’re planning a 7-days in Spain itinerary or a 10-day trip to Spain, city-hop or road trip around a whole region! You could easily see the best of Catalonia in seven days or Andalucía in 10 days.

Step 5: Create a Budget for Your Spanish Vacation

The cost of a trip to Spain depends on a lot of factors. Your travel style (budget, comfort, or luxury), who you are traveling with, the length of your trip, and the time of year will affect how much you will spend.

Not including flights, most guides agree that a family of four spends the equivalent of $1,000 per week on a trip to Spain.

Want to know how to plan a trip to Spain on a budget? Beaches cost nothing! 

Book as much as you can (flights, accommodation, etc.) months ahead of time for cheaper deals. Stay in short-term rental accommodation outside of historic centers so you can cook some of your own meals.

Step 6: Book Your Flights to Spain

When planning a vacation to Spain from the US, it helps to be aware of which airports offer direct flights to Spain.

New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Dallas offer direct flights to Madrid and Barcelona. Some also offer direct flights to more seasonal Spanish destinations like Seville , Granada, and Valencia.

Spain is an incredibly popular destination for Europeans traveling from colder climates like the UK and Scandinavia.

So if you can’t find direct flights from your local airport, you can often fly to another European city that offers good connections.

Step 7: Plan Your Spanish Vacation Itinerary

How to plan a trip to Spain itinerary will depend on where in Spain you’re going! Here are some suggestions and tips for popular Spanish destinations:

• How to plan a trip to Barcelona – Book the top attraction, La Sagrada Família, in advance and visit the other attractions (Barcelona Cathedral, Park Güell) earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Don’t miss Mount Tibadabo’s amusement park!
• How to plan a trip to Madrid – Take a walking tour of the top sites and plan lots of day trips . Toledo and Castilla La Mancha (Don Quixote Country) are both great.
• How to plan a trip to Andalucía – Plan a city-hopping trip to big cities like Granada, Málaga, and Seville so you can take day trips to Rhonda, Córdoba, and Cádiz.
• How to plan a trip to the Balearic Islands – Pick one of the main cities or towns as a base and enjoy cultural activities, beaches, and outdoor sports all over the island.

Use this Spain travel planner as a guide to make your own trip itinerary, but keep it flexible. 

Do as the Spanish do and leave a few hours free in the afternoon to take a siesta.

Step 8: Book Accommodation in Spain

From villas to resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rental apartments, you will find a range of accommodation options in Spain!

Here are our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Madrid and Barcelona .

Some regions in Spain, but not all, charge a nightly per-person tourist tax up to a maximum of seven nights. These regions are Barcelona, the wider Catalonia region, and the Balearic Islands. 

The amount varies depending on region and style of accommodation. For example, tourists staying in the Balearic Islands during the low season will only pay around €0.25 per night. 

But if you’re staying in a five-star hotel in Barcelona, you’ll pay more than €5 per night.

Step 9: Book Transport or Rent a Car

If you’re traveling to a few different destinations in Spain, you will need to book transport. Two of the best options are bus and rental car.

Spain does have a good intercity rail network, but only for major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Buses are the way most locals travel around Spain, but it’s understandable if you’d rather not travel by bus if you have big suitcases!

Renting a car is best for traveling around more rural areas like Andalucía.

Step 10: Purchase Attraction Tickets and Plan Activities

You’ve spent a lot of time creating your dream Spain itinerary so you need to make sure you turn that dream into a reality.

Avoid standing in long lines to the busiest attractions in Spain in the baking heat by booking tickets ahead of time.

These are landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada and La Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Alternatively, book guided tours so you can skip the lines too.

Plan cultural activities for the appropriate part of Spain that you’re visiting. You wouldn’t watch a rodeo in New York City, so don’t book a flamenco show in Madrid! Flamenco originates in Southern Spain and Valencia is the best place to taste paella.

Luckily, you can find great tapas restaurants everywhere. Note that small plates are called ‘pintxos’ in northern Spain, not tapas.

Step 11: Get Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Spain

Most travel insurance providers recommend getting travel insurance just after you book your flights. This means you can claim at any point during the planning process as well as when you’re on your trip.

But travel insurance covers much more than just canceled plans and stolen belongings, it covers any emergency healthcare you need abroad. As long as you take out a policy before your trip, your most valuable asset (your health) will be covered.

Check if you get travel insurance as part of your credit card benefits.

Step 12: Figure out Phone, Credit Card, and Currency

Organizing your money when you travel is easier than ever as you can use your credit card for the majority of purchases. Just make sure you have a travel-friendly credit card and aren’t getting hit with high exchange fees!

Bring some euros to carry with you for the few occurrences where you can’t pay with a card, as there are still some vendors in Spain that prefer cash.

It’s a good idea to get an eSIM so that you have data during your trip to Spain. Some cafes and attractions have WiFi, but not all and the quality is inconsistent. 

If you’re planning a trip to Spain and Portugal , make sure you get data coverage in both countries.

Step 13: Watch Movies and Read Books Set in Spain

Once you’ve completed most of the planning for your Spain vacation, you can spend the rest of your time watching movies and reading books set in Spain. This will make you feel even more excited for your trip!

Some recommendations are Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart, Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes, and the movie The Way (2010).

Step 14: Go To Spain!

Once you’ve finished planning your trip to Spain, all you need to do now is pack and go.

Stay safe and healthy in the Spanish sun by staying in the shade as much as you can and drinking plenty of water. You didn’t plan a trip to Spain to get heatstroke!

Planning a Trip to Spain FAQs

How do i prepare for a trip to spain.

There are some easy things you can do to get to grips with how to prepare for a trip to Spain before you go. 

Prepare to eat a little later than you do back home and learn a few handy Spanish phrases. Invest in a comfortable pair of shoes and light, sweat-wicking clothing. 

How much is a trip to Spain?

The exact cost of a trip to Spain is dependent on lots of factors: your travel style and budget, when you travel, and how many people you are traveling with.

But there are a few average costs you can use as a guideline. Trip.com states that a round-trip economy flight from the US to Spain costs $500 to $1,500 depending on where you’re located and some other factors.

Budget Your Trip states that the average couple on a week-long trip to Spain spends around $2,286 in total.

How much money do I need to take to Spain for a week?

The Spanish government states that all international tourists should be able to prove that they have €100 (or the equivalent) for every day of their trip. 

It’s very, very unlikely that you will actually have to prove this! But it’s important to be aware of this rule.

Statista states that international tourists spend approximately €162 per day in Spain, but you could easily spend more or less than this depending on your travel style.

How To Plan a Trip to Spain Wrap Up

It couldn’t be easier to learn how to plan a trip to Spain with the right guide.

You won’t make the mistake of not booking Alhambra tickets in advance, or seeing a flamenco show in Madrid.

All that’s left do to is pack your Spanish phrasebook and high-SPF sunscreen!

Looking for more Spain travel resources? Check out my top Madrid travel tips , things to do in Barcelona with kids , Barcelona travel tips , day trips from Madrid by train , Barcelona day trips , things to do in Madrid with kids , Europe travel tips , Seville tourist attractions , day trips from Benidorm , and Mallorca travel tips !

Unlock Your Free eBook

Our exclusive eBook, Top 10 Unforgettable Family Adventure Destinations , is your ticket to a world of wonder and excitement. Get your free copy today!

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• Travel to Spain Activities

Spain Travel Guide: 21 Ultimate Tips (by a Local Travel Agent)

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If you are planning a trip to Spain, you must look for many itinerary ideas to help you plan. But when planning the cities and activities, you should remember that you are going to a completely different culture and might need a guide to navigate new waters.

From visa requirements to etiquette rules, I have listed the 21 most important tips to guide your journey through Spain.

After reading this list, you will know the details that make a huge difference when traveling.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents ▼ ▶

Types of Visas and Entry Requirements to Travel Spain

1. Always check your country’s agreement with the European Union before traveling to Spain.

I will leave a big chart with all the countries that need visas and those that don’t, but before I do so, I want to explain the three types of travelers. Three categories of travelers want to visit Spain: EU/Schengen citizens, free-entrance countries, and Schengen visa countries.

EU/EEA/Schengen

Travelers from the European Union, Schengen Area, or European Economic Area can go in and out of Spain as frequently as they would like without a visa or permit.

Free-entrance

Travelers of countries with free entrance are those whose nations have agreements with the European Union and are free to travel and stay in EU countries for a maximum of 90 days (during any period of 180 days). After that period, people who wish to stay longer must justify their time and get a residence.

Nevertheless, from 2024, the EU will ask people from these countries to register and pay for the ETIAS permit to track who enters, travels, and leaves the EU.

I have created a full guide to apply for the ETIAS permit. Check it out, and if you have any questions, leave us a comment: How to Apply for ETIAS in 4 Easy Steps (Spain 2023)

Schengen visa

The third group of travelers is those from nations that must apply for and pay for a Schengen visa. The visa usually lasts one or two more days than those traveling.

2. If your country is listed in the Schengen Visa category, download the requirements and review them before attending your appointment.

Visa screening providers are very strict, and you must provide everything listed in the requirements. I want to emphasize health insurance because many visas get denied because travelers don’t hire the right insurance. 

Make sure that you get international health insurance with the following characteristics:

• A minimum coverage of medical costs: at least 30,000 EUR (equivalent to 33,100 USD as of August 2023).
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area.
• Cover any expenses arising from repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment or death.

The latter point means that your insurance must cover bringing your body back to your home country in case of death. Sounds awful, I know, but it is a requirement. 

We have a full guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa, I will link it down below👇🏻: Travel Visa Spain 2023: Requirements & Tips by a Lawyer

3. Bring your passport and a copy of the bookings, tours, and activities you made for your trip.  

The passport might seem obvious for those with free-entrance and Schengen visas, but EU citizens often travel with their national identity cards (sometimes even a driver’s license); still, bringing the passport with you is always recommended. 

Regarding the bookings, tours, and details of your trip, this is an important tip for Schengen visa travelers in case customs officers have any questions regarding your stay in the country. 

Best Time to Visit Spain

4. Book ahead to travel during Spain’s best seasons.  

The peak seasons for tourism in Spain are  Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) . 

June, July, and August are usually popular with Spaniards, and the busiest places are the coasts and the islands. Spanish people are fans of their beaches and islands, and the most crowded are usually Costa Barva, Ibiza, and Mallorca. 

🌞 Check out the best beach destination for each season: 15 Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Spain (by season)

5. When you choose your travel dates, consider local and national holidays.

Travelers should be aware of the days Spanish people have holidays because it is very probable that on that day, only a few stores, landmarks, and attractions are open to the public or function with a regular schedule.

So, if you can avoid national holidays such as the 12th of October, Spain’s National Day, you will save yourself from any disappointment, delay, or re-scheduling.

🗓️ Here you have a list of all the holidays in Spain: [List of Public Holidays in Barcelona [2023 and 2024]](/barcelona-holidays/) List of Public Holidays in Madrid (2023 and 2024 calendar) List of Public Holidays in Mallorca (2023 and 2024 calendar) [List of Public Holidays in Seville [2023 and 2024]](/seville-holidays/)

6. Know where to travel in each season

Just like I mentioned before, in Summer, the busiest places are in la Costa Brava (Catalunya), Costa de Azahar (Valencia), Costa Blanca (Alicante), most beaches in Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands.

So, during Summer, try traveling to the North of Spain; places like Galicia, Santander, Cantabria, and the Basque Country have spectacular beaches and way better weather than the South. 

In Spring (March to May)and Autumn (late September and early October), try places in Andalusia, Valencia, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands. Prices won’t be as high as in Summer, temperatures won’t burn you alive, and beaches won’t be as crowded. 

For Winter, go anywhere! Anywhere! The North will always be colder than the South, but all of Spain is enjoyable in Winter. 

☃️ For more details and tips of the best time to visit Spain, check the following article: Best Time to Visit Spain: Monthly Guide & What to Expect

Accommodation Recommendations

🛌🏼 In the articles below, we have listed our top recommendations for hotels in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Mallorca: 9 Best Hotels in Madrid: Luxury, Unique, Budget & Backpackers 9 Best Hotels in Mallorca for the Vacation of a Lifetime Top 9 Hotels in Seville: From Budget to Luxury The 9 Best Hotels in Barcelona: From Budget to Luxury

7. Make a list of your preferences and budget before looking for the hotel

Booking a hotel is always a tricky business. We want our accommodation to fit our needs and preferences as best as possible.

So, before even opening the Booking website, be sure to write down what you need your hotel to have, how far from the city center you are willing to know, what is your maximum price per night, and more. Having these things clear is best, so it is easier to look for a hotel.

8. Book ahead of time if you don’t want to pay the high price of a regular hotel

The closer you get to the travel date, the more expensive the hotels will be. TripAdvisor made a study that proved that booking  two months in advance  can help you save some money, so if you want to get a good hotel for a fair price, do your research and book before it is too late!

9. Book a hotel that is close to public transport

Additionally, I always recommend staying close to a metro or bus station so it becomes easier for you to move around and be familiarized with public transport.

On most occasions, it will save you from very expensive taxis!

Transportation Options

10. Travel by train and bus for convenience and comfort

It is best to travel by train or bus to travel from one region to another. Booking these land transports is cheaper and more convenient than taking a flight, as the stations are close to the city center.

I would call these transport efficient for closer. Trips such as Barcelona-Madrid, Madrid-Seville, Seville-Cordoba, Madrid-Valencia, etc.

11. Travel by plane for time-saving

However, taking a flight for longer distances and saving time is best. Nevertheless, you must know that depending on the destination, flights can be more expensive than the train or the bus.

For example, going from Santiago de Compostela to Santander is better by plane than train because there is no direct line between these cities. 

12. Use your feet!

The best way to move inside the city is by foot! Cities in Spain are compact, and you get to know them better on foot. 

Using your feet is how you discover the hidden gems and cute streets that will make the memories of the trip even better. And, if one day you are too tired for that, ride the metro and bus to feel the actual vibe of the city.

🚃 Discover how to get around Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Mallorca: How to Get around Barcelona + 8 Tips I wish someone told me How to Get Around Madrid + 8 Tips I Wish Someone Told Me How to Get Around Mallorca: 9 Tips I wish Someone Told Me How to Get Around Seville + 3 Tips I wish Someone Told Me!

Cultural Etiquette in Spain

13. Be prepared to start dinner between 8 and 9 pm (at the earliest!)

When people visit Spain, they are usually surprised at their life schedules. Spanish people wake up a bit later and eat very late. 

Their dinner time is usually between 9 pm and 10 pm, which is sleeping time for other European countries like the Netherlands.

14. Tipping is not mandatory in Spain

Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, and unlike the US, there is no minimum amount you should leave at the table.

For Spanish people, tipping is a sign of being happy or not with the service you just received, and the amount is voluntary. 

💸 Read more about this etiquette rule in our article: Is Tipping in Spain Mandatory? When and How Much?

Safety and Emergency Contacts in Spain

15. Be careful with pickpockets in the bigger cities

In bigger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, travelers should be careful with pickpockets. 

Especially in crowded places like the metro, pickpockets can be dangerous to your assets like passports and wallets.

16. Always put your valuable stuff where you can see it

What do I mean by this? If you like putting your stuff in a backpack, don’t carry it in your back!

I have seen people getting their stuff stolen because they couldn’t feel that someone else was stealing their wallet. These are facts!

I was walking Gran Vía with my aunt when a gut suddenly screamed: “Stoped there! I am the police”. We thought it was a joke, but the guy who screamed that (a regular tourist) stopped a family from getting pickpocketed by two girls. 

A girl from the family was getting her wallet carefully picked by two young women. The guy spotted them and warned them that if they didn’t give back the wallet, he was calling the police. 

The woman gave back the wallet and ran away.

My aunt and I were right next to the victim’s family, so that it could have been us!

The lesson of the story? If you have a backpack, wear it in front of you. If you wear a purse, ensure it’s closed, and never leave your stuff on the ground.

Currency and Payment Methods in Spain

17. Bring euros from your home country

Spain’s currency is the euro, and it is best to make any conversions before from your home country. 

The airport and Money Exchange houses usually have higher tariffs than your home bank, so it’s best to bring some euros already. 

18. Bigger cities have credit-card-only stores

The bigger and most tourist cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville will usually accept credit cards on most occasions, but be ready to use some cash in smaller towns and villages.

19. If you pay with a credit card, make the payment in euros.  

I have always been told that it is better for you to choose to pay in euros at the moment than in dollars or your home country’s currency because it is cheaper. This is because  it allows your bank to set the exchange rate , which will always be a better option. If you pay in dollars, you get the worst exchange rate from the merchant.

Language Considerations in Spain

20. You can visit bigger cities with little Spanish knowledge

Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia have levels of English good enough for you to visit without knowledge of Spanish. Nevertheless, practicing some basic phrases to help you have a smoother trip is best.

21. Enjoy your trip and be open to Spain’s culture! I am sure you will fall in love!

There you have it! Twenty-one tips to make your trip to Spain as lovely as possible. These tips will come in handy for your journey and help you get through any situation.

If you have any doubts, let us know! We love reading you. Happy travels!

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Spanish for Travel – Learn Essential Spanish Vocabulary and Short Phrases for Your Next Trip

This post includes:

• Spanish travel phrases cheat sheet as PDF download
• Audio to correct your pronunciation
• Exercises to practice, 3 infographics, 2 podcast episodes, and an explanation video
• A recommendation for the best travel apps to make the most of your trip to Spain

Table of Contents

Introduction.

1.1 Essential Spanish conversational phrases

• Means of transportation   2.1 At the airport   2.2 Baggage related phrases 2.3 Buying tickets 2.4 At the train or the bus station 
• At the car rental  3.1 Types of cars 3.2 Prices 3.3 Car information 3.4 Returning the car and emergency situations 3.5 Useful verbs

At the restaurant

At the hotel.

• Basic Spanish directions 6.1 Asking for directions 6.2 Receiving directions
• Essential phrases in Spanish for emergencies
• The most commonly used verbs
• Best apps for traveling in Spain

Looking to spice up your Spanish skills? From must-know verbs for your travels to nifty phrases that’ll make locals swoon, we’ve got you covered.

With our helpful Spanish phrases and words , you’ll be like a linguistic chameleon, seamlessly blending in wherever you go. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico, basking in the Spanish sun, or even just soaking up the lively atmosphere of Miami, these phrases will be your secret weapon.

Here’s the secret sauce: ¡practice makes perfecto! Use these words and phrases until they flow effortlessly from your tongue until ordering tapas feels as natural as breathing. 

Let’s dive into our blog and unlock the language of adventure! ¡Vamos!

Essential Spanish Conversational Phrases

A big part of traveling abroad is meeting new people. It doesn’t matter where you meet them, it only matters what you say to them.  To have a broader picture check out our blog post about Greetings, Common Phrases and Most Common Questions in Spanish . The blog post was prepared for you by our experienced Spanish teachers.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-blogpost-travel-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Hola, ¿qué tal? – Hello, how are you?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-blogpost-travel-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Estoy bien, gracias. – I’m fine, thank you. 

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-blog-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] No estoy muy bien. / No estoy bien. – I’m not too well. / I’m not well.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Spanish-travel-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Buenos días. Buenas tardes. Buenas noches. – Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening./Good night.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Adiós. Buenas noches. – Goodbye. Good night.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes ayudarme? – Can you help me?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-8.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes hablar más despacio? No entiendo.   – Can you speak slower? I don’t understand. 

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-9.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Hasta mañana. / Hasta luego. / Hasta pronto. – See you tomorrow. / See you later. / See you soon.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Disculpa-perdona.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Disculpa/Perdona. Por favor. Gracias. De nada. – Excuse me. Please. Thank you. You’re welcome.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-11.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Sí, por favor. No, gracias. – Yes, please. No, thanks.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿Como-te-llamas_-Me-llamo.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cómo te llamas? Me llamo _____  – What’s your name? My name is _____

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿Donde-vives_-Vivo-en-____.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde vives? Vivo en ____. – Where do you live? I live in ______.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-ttravel-14.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Encantado de conocerte. ¿De dónde eres? – Nice to meet you. Where are you from?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-15.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Soy de _______. – I’m from _________.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿Cual-es-tu-profesion_-Soy-.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es tu profesión? Soy ______. – What’s your job? I’m a(n) _______. 

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/audio-travel-17.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono? Mi número de teléfono es _____ Llámame. Este es mi número de teléfono. – What’s your phone number? My phone number is… Call me. This is my phone number.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/correo-electronico.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es tu dirección de correo electrónico? Mi dirección de correo electrónico es_____. Envíame un correo electrónico. Esta es mi dirección de correo electrónico. – What’s your email address? My email address is… Email me. Here’s my email address.

The first step of traveling is planning. It can be fun but also quite stressful. It’s up to you to decide. In our podcast we talk about planning vacations in Spanish. You can listen to it on different platforms!

Planning Vacations in Spanish: Listen to Our Podcast!

Means of transportation.

First, we need to get started with the transport   vocabulary . Have a look at the infographic you’ll find bellow. 

At the Airport

If you are taking your first flight to Spain , you should be prepared for all the different dialects and accents you will hear and see on your trip. To smooth your experience, we provide you with a list of common words and phrases used at the airport in Spanish .

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el mostrador de facturación? – Where is the check-in counter?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el control de seguridad? – Where is the security checkpoint?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el autobús de enlace que lleva al hotel? – Where is the hotel shuttle bus?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la aduana? – Where are the customs?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-5.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? – Where is the bus stop?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la terminal? – Where is the terminal?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Travel-for-spanish-blog.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el baño/servicio/aseo ? – Where is the toilet?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿A-que-hora-sale-el-avion_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué hora sale el avión? – What time does the plane leave?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-9.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué hora llega el vuelo? – What time does the flight arrive?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-10.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es el número de vuelo? – What is the flight number?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-airport-11.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es el teléfono de la compañía aérea? – What is the airline’s phone number?

Baggage Related Phrases

Buying tickets.

Here you have some essential phrases and vocabulary  to buy tickets in Spanish. We know how stressful is to purchase tickets for buses, trains, airplanes or any event that you want to attend. But don’t panic! We are here to make your life easier.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿Hablas-ingles_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Hablas inglés? – Do you speak English?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-tickets-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ( Quería) un billete a Barcelona. – I want a ticket to Barcelona.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-tickets-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Un billete de ida a Santiago, por favor. – One way ticket to Santiago, please.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-tickets-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuánto cuesta el billete? – How much does the ticket cost?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-tickets-5.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuándo sale el avión/autobús/tren? – When does the plane/bus/train leave?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-tickets-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuándo llega el avión/autobús/tren? – When does the plane/bus/train arrive?

At the Train or the Bus Station

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuánto cuesta el billete? – How much does the ticket cost?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Un billete de ida a Valencia, por favor. – One way ticket to Valencia, please.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué hora sale el tren para ___? – What time does the train to … leave?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús número 11? – Where is the stop for bus number 11?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-5.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuándo llega el tren de ____? – When does the train from … arrive?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es la próxima parada? – What is the next stop?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuántas paradas más hay hasta ____? – How many more stops until…?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-train-8.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuánto dura el viaje? – How long is the journey? 

While traveling in Spanish-speaking countries it’s necessary to know the numbers and dates . Even if you know how to ask “ How much does it cost? ” – it doesn’t mean that you will understand the answer (yes, I’ve been there).

For this reason, we have created a complete post for Numbers in Spanish . If you have difficulties with long numbers or find yourself frustrated with 5, 15, 50, and 500, then you should definitely check it out.

At the Car Rental

• Client : Buenos días. Quiero alquilar un coche. - Good afternoon. I would like to rent a car.
• Renter : Hola. ¿Tiene una reserva? - Do you have a reservation?
• Client : Sí/no tengo una reserva. - Yes, I have/No, I don’t have a reservation
• Renter : ¿Para cuántos días / cuántas semanas? - For how many days/weeks?
• Client : Para ____ días/semanas. - For ____ days/weeks.

Did you know that the word ‘car’ in Spanish can be said in many different ways depending on the country you’re in? Here you have a few examples. 

Types of Cars:

Car information:.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-car-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y” ¿El  coche  es manual o automático? – Is the car manual or automatic?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿El-coche-tiene-aire-acondicionado_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿El  coche  tiene aire acondicionado? – Does the car have air conditioning?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-car-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está la rueda de repuesto? – Where is the spare tire?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/travel-at-car-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Qué tipo de gasolina utiliza? – What kind of fuel does it take?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿Cuantos-litros-por-kilometro-consume-este-coche_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuántos litros por kilómetro consume este coche?  –  How many miles/kilometers does this car get to the gallon/liter.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¿El-precio-incluye-el-seguro-y-el-kilometraje_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿ El precio incluye el seguro y el kilometraje?  –  Does that price include insurance and mileage?

Returning the Car and Emergency Situations:

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/devolver-el-coche.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde y cuándo tengo que devolver el coche? – Where and when do I have to return the car.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/devolver-el-coche-con-el-deposito-lleno.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Tengo que devolver el coche con el depósito lleno? – Do I have to return the car with a full gas tank?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/llamar-en-caso-de-accidente-o-averia.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué número tengo que llamar en caso de accidente o avería? – Is there anyone I can call in case of accident or breakdown

Useful Verbs:

Do you know how to order in a restaurant in Spanish? What would you say if the waiter only spoke Spanish? Or if he did not understand your language or was rude? Usually the waiters (camareros) don’t speak English or they don’t speak the language very well. So, we advise you to take a closer look at the Basic Spanish Vocabulary for Restaurants .  There you will find basic and important vocabulary. 

If you want to book your accommodation the old fashioned way, with a phone conversation, you can use these phrases. Keep in mind that you can write down all your requests in the reservation form on the hotel’s website.

Here you will find useful phrases for booking a room in Spanish .

The phrases you might use while checking-in :

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Hola, tengo una habitación reservada.  – Hi, I have a reserved room.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Me gustaría hacer el check-in. – I’d like to do the check-in.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Está lista la habitación? – Is the room ready?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-4.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde puedo dejar mis maletas? – Where can I leave my luggage?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-5.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde puedo aparcar el coche?   – Where can I park my car?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-6-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿En qué planta/piso está la habitación? – On which floor is the room?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿A qué hora es el desayuno? – What time is breakfast?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-8.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Cuál es el horario de la piscina? – What are the swimming pool hours?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Quiero-pagar-la-habitacion.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Quiero pagar la habitación. – I’d like to do the payment for the room.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-10.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay by card? 

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/spanish-efectivo.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo? – Can I pay in cash? 

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hotel-12.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puede llamar un taxi, por favor?   – Can you please call me a taxi?

For booking a hotel room, describing a place or an object in Spanish, we created a podcast episode that you can listen to and enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills.

On Vacation in Spain: Listen to Our Podcast!

Basic spanish directions.

This section will help you navigate through the streets of Mexico City, Barcelona or a little village of Peru.

Check out our detailed blog post about Useful Spanish Directions!

Asking for directions:

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Disculpa_Perdona-¿la-plaza-Mayor_.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Disculpa/Perdona, ¿la plaza Mayor?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Busco-la-estacion-de-metro-mas-cercana.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Busco la estación de metro más cercana. – I’m looking for the closest metro station.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-3-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Estoy buscando un cajero automático. – I’m looking for an ATM.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-4-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Dónde está el Museo de Arte Moderno? – Where is the Museum of Modern Art?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Directions-5-.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Hay un hospital cerca de aquí/por aquí cerca? – Is there a hospital around here?

Receiving directions:​​

Remember! If you don’t understand something, ask the person to repeat: ¿Cómo? (How?) . Usually Spanish people speak fast so you might need to slow them down a bit – just say:  ¡Despacio, por favor! Slowly, please!

Essential Phrases in Spanish for Emergencies

Hopefully, you won’t need this part of our blog post, but it’s important that you know some basic phrases in case you need help!

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-1.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Puedes ayudarme? – Can you help me?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-2.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Necesito ayuda . – I need help.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-3.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Estoy perdido . – I’m lost.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¡Llama-a-la-policia-.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¡Llama a la policía! – Call the police!

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¡Llama-a-una-ambulancia.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¡Llama a una ambulancia!   – Call an ambulance!

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-6.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¡Ten cuidado! – Be careful!

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-7.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Ha habido un accidente. – There’s been an accident.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/¡Por-favor-rapido.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¡Por favor, rápido!  – Please hurry!

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-9.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] ¿Estás bien?  – Are you OK?

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-10.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Me han robado. – I’ve been robbed.

[mp3j track=”https://letsspeakspanish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Emergencies-11-.mp3″ title=”” ind=”n” volslider=”n” flow=”y”] Me han atacado.  – I’ve been attacked.

The Most Commonly Used Verbs

In this part you can refresh or learn new Spanish  verbs for traveling .  

Best Apps for Traveling in Spain

1. Maps.me – a perfect alternative to any online maps. Before going to your destination, download an offline map and you will never get lost. You can also search for restaurants, supermarkets, and cultural landmarks without being connected to the internet. 

2. Cabify – it’s like Uber but a Spanish version.

3. Triposo – a different kind of a TripAdvisor. It’s more user friendly and it has a lot of information about any destination. Create bucket lists and add favorite places. You can also find mini-guides gathered by the  community.

4. Spanish Dict – although Google Translate is an excellent tool, we suggest this app for traveling through Spanish-speaking countries.

5. El Tenedor (The Fork) – the app has information about over 30,000 restaurants in Spain. You can discover what is around your location, choose the preferred cuisine and book a table. You can see the full menu in an app, which is handy. The app also offers discounts and some great deals.

6. Idealista – website and app for finding accommodation for longer periods. It offers apartments and houses to rent or buy.

7. Wallapop – similar to eBay, but in Spain. You can sell or buy stuff through the website or the app.

We hope this blog post answered many of your questions. Now, you’re ready for your adventure in Spain or South America. If you’re interested in more educational blog posts, visit our Learner’s Blog or check the FREE options to learn Spanish. 

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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25 Top Tips for Travelling in Spain for the First Time

Idyllic islands, whitewashed villages, green landscapes, iconic monuments and incredible food culture make Spain an excellent European destination.

Spain is very diverse, but not everyone is aware of it. It’s often sold as a beach and warm destination, but you need to know that Spain has more than beaches, sangria and flamenco.

At the same time, there are more incredible destinations than famous cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and you’ll be surprised.

If this is your first time visiting the country, there are a few things you want to know to enjoy an authentic experience in the country and avoid any disappointments.

If you’re asking yourself, “What should I know before visiting Spain?” keep reading to discover tips for travelling in Spain from a Spaniard.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

Table of Contents

Tips for travelling in Spain

1. don’t assume the weather is sunny and warm everywhere.

Although it’s quite common to see photos and videos of sunny Spain, the truth is that the weather is different from region to region, and this is something essential to consider when choosing the right destination for you.

If you want a beach holiday, visit Southern Spain or the islands, but if you’re looking for a hiking adventure, Northern Spain is the best choice for you.

If you aren’t sure about the destination you plan to visit, do some research so you can also pack appropriately and plan activities according to the weather.

2. Pack appropriate clothes

As I mentioned before, the weather in Spain varies from region to region, and the last thing you want to do is pack clothes that you aren’t going to wear because it’s too hot or it’s a bit chilly.

To avoid this, I always check the weather forecast before I travel to any destination.

Generally, if you visit Spain in spring or early autumn, you should be fine with light clothes and a jacket, but this can be different from person to person.

Spain in winter can be cold in certain locations, particularly in the north, and you can even see the snow , so you’ll need to pack more than a light jacket.

3. Visit off-the-beaten-path destinations

Barcelona , Madrid and Sevilla are some of the most popular city breaks in Spain, and there is no doubt that these destinations are unique in their own way.

La Sagrada Familia and all of the Gaudi pieces of art are to admire, the lively atmosphere of Madrid is unbeatable, and the Andalusian culture in Sevilla is something you want to experience.

Whilst these cities must be on your Spain bucket list , there are other unique and magical places that are worth visiting.

When you visit these less touristy destinations, you have a more authentic experience in Spain; you get to know a bit more about the culture and experience the place without crowds or queueing to visit attractions.

One of my favourite towns is Nerja in the Costa del Sol. Visiting this whitewashed town is incredible because you can enjoy some of the best coastal views in Southern Spain and relax at less frequented beaches .

4. Sightsee during the low season

Summer in Spain is very warm, especially in the south where temperatures reach up to 40 degrees Celsius which makes sightseeing a bit difficult. If you’re travelling to Spain to explore must-see attractions instead of a beach holiday, visit the country during the low season.

The low season is perfect for sightseeing because there are no crowds, and you can often find cheap flight and hotel deals. However, you can save money on accommodation all year round by doing a house swap. I recommend the Holiday Swap app .

The downside of visiting Spain during the low season is that some attractions may not be open since they are only open for the summer season (June to September), and you can also experience some rainy and cloudy days.

5. Tipping isn’t a thing in Spain

Whilst tipping in many European countries is the norm, you won’t see Spanish people tipping in a restaurant or bar, and if you see any locals doing so, they won’t tip a 5 euro note but a very small change.

That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, but don’t be surprised if the waiter is surprised.

6. Avoid restaurants in the tourist areas

When you’re a tourist, it isn’t always easy to tell whether a restaurant is good. 

It’s pretty often that restaurants or bars located near main attractions don’t offer authentic traditional food. Those that have a menu poorly translated into several languages won’t offer authentic dishes either.

In addition to this, if you see too many tourists, it probably isn’t going to be a good sign. 

Having a meal with a stunning view of Sagrada Familia can be lovely, but the food isn’t the best.  

To avoid this, do some research before visiting the destination. Have a look at Tripadvisor and blogs to see food recommendations from other travellers, or even better, ask a local if you know one.

7. Attend ferias and traditional events

Immersing yourself in the culture is a unique travel experience and for many travellers, like me and maybe you, discovering the local culture is essential.

A great way to learn more about Spain and its people is by attending the local fairs ( ferias ) and traditional events. You don’t necessarily need to attend a popular event like Las Fallas in Valencia to experience one; there are many small towns that have their own feria .

Before travelling to your destination, look at the city’s or town’s event calendar to ensure you aren’t missing a fun or interesting event.

Popular events in Spain

• Semana Santa . Easter is a big celebration in Spain. During the Holy Week, you can see the processions in which men carry heavy floats carefully decorated with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary figures representing scenes from the last days before its death. Even if you aren’t a religious person, it’s quite interesting seeing it.
• San Fermín . This is a very controversial festival that happens in Pamplona in early July. San Fermin consists of a festival in which bulls run after you. The truth is that it is very dangerous and unethical, so I wouldn’t recommend attending this event.
• La Tomatina . This is the famous tomato festival in which people throw tomatoes at each other! It takes place in Buñol (Valencia) on the last Wednesday in August.
• Las Fallas . Another popular event from Valencia is Las Fallas, held from 15th to 19th March. This is celebrated by burning artistic monuments of all sizes and colours in the tradition of ancient Valencian carpenters.
• Feria de Sevilla . Seville’s Fair is one of the most known in Spain. It begins two weeks after the Semana Santa, and here you’ll immerse yourself in the Andalusian culture. Expect lots of fun attractions, flamenco dancing and food.
• Carnaval . The carnival isn’t as big as other events, but it’s still celebrated. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Cadiz are among the best cities to experience the carnival. Locals are very passionate about it, and not only do they dress up but also sing chirigotas , satirical songs about daily life, politics, and other topics about society.
• Nochevieja/Año Nuevo . Have you ever heard of the 12 grapes that need to be eaten just before 12 o’clock? Nochevieja is one of my favourite events because you gather with family and friends to celebrate the New Year. If you want to spend New Year’s in Spain, you must go to Puerta del Sol in Madrid.

8. Many shops and attractions close in the afternoon

Something worth knowing before visiting Spain is the fact that many shops and attractions close in the afternoon because it’s lunchtime (2-3 pm) and siesta time for some people. So it’s not surprising to see that places close at 2 pm and reopen at 5 pm.

Knowing this can make a big difference, especially when visiting a city for a short period, and you want to tick off as many places as possible.

If in doubt, double-check the opening and closing times of the attractions you have in your itinerary before turning up there.

9. Book attractions in advance

Are you visiting a popular destination like Madrid or Barcelona? Make sure to book your attractions in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Instead of booking them a few days in advance, I’d recommend booking them two weeks in advance if possible, as many of them sell out or may not have the time slot you want to choose.

Not only does this apply to these two big destinations, but to other big cities as well. This becomes even more important if you’re travelling to Spain during peak season.

10. Learn basic Spanish words and sentences

If you’re wondering if you really need to know Spanish to travel around Spain, the answer is probably no.

However, this depends on the places you plan to visit; let’s say you go to Costa del Sol , then you won’t find many issues with the language if you’re in the touristy area; however, if you go to a less popular town or village, then it may be good to know the basics.

Regardless of the city you’re visiting, it’s always good to know a bit of the language. You’ll feel better, and the locals will appreciate your effort to speak the language.

Basic words in Spanish

• Hola – Hello
• Adiós – Bye
• Gracias – Thank you
• Por favor – Please
• Lo siento – Sorry
• Sí – Yes
• No – No
• ¿Puede ayudarme? – Can you help me?

11. There’s more than paella

Who doesn’t like paella? This dish from Valencia is the most well-known Spanish dish in the world. There are so many different types of paella to keep everyone happy. You can have a vegetarian paella, a traditional Valencian paella, a chicken and prawns paella, and the list goes on.

Although paella is incredibly delicious, Spain has other incredible dishes too. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love tasting the different regional dishes across the country.

If you go to Andalusia, gazpacho (cold tomato soup) and fried fish are traditional Andalusian dishes to try; if you go to Madrid, bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) needs to be on your list, and let’s say that you go to Mallorca, ensaimadas are mouthwatering pastries you’ll fall in love with.

12. Be careful with alcohol

Alcohol in Spain isn’t measured, and if you go to a beach club or any club, you’ll see the waiter directly pouring the alcohol into your glass, so if you don’t want a strong drink, make sure to tell them to stop.

In other countries, there’s no way that they would do this, and alcohol is carefully measured. Therefore, you end up buying more drinks. This is one of the reasons why some tourists get drunk very quickly in Spain. If you don’t want to get drunk, just be aware of this.

Those who love a drink will be very happy with this and will save money at the same time.

13. Go party late

If you’re planning a night out during your trip to Spain, you need to know that clubs open late, and by late, I mean from 11:30 pm onwards.

If you go early, there are two possible scenarios: the club is still closed, or you turn up and there’s no atmosphere because there are no people.

At the same time, clubs close quite late, and locals sometimes stay all night and have breakfast as soon as the cafes open before heading home.

14. Don’t go to the beach on a Sunday

If you’re visiting Spain in the summer, you’ll want to head over to the beach. This is a great activity considering how warm it is in most places in Spain during this time of the year.

However, one of my best tips for traveling to Spain in the summer is don’t go to the beach on a Sunday. The reason behind this is very simple. Many people don’t work on a Sunday and may not have a swimming pool, so the best place to be is the beach.

Families and friends gather together at the beach; it isn’t unusual that they set up a tent with tables, chairs, and towels. Some of them meet up early so they can ensure a spot at the beach. As you can imagine, the beach is full, and if you don’t want crowds, opt for an alternative activity.

If you can cope with warm temperatures, it may be worth visiting some outdoor attractions so you can have it to yourself or go to a museum.

15. Spanish isn’t the only language

Did you know that there are 5 different languages in Spain ? Spain is rich in culture, and this can be seen in the languages and dialects you’ll find across the country.

The 5 official languages are Aranese, Basque, Catalan, Galician and Castilian (Spanish), and on top of these, there are many dialects like Andalusian. All of them are complex in their own way, but if you’re a traveller, you won’t need to know any of these languages.

However, if you plan to move to Spain , you’ll need to learn Spanish and get used to the dialect of the area. Let’s say you move to Barcelona; there is no need to learn Catalan, as well as locals who will speak to you in Spanish.

16. Check out the mealtimes

Mealtimes in Spain are completely different from other European countries, which can be a cultural shock for many travellers.

Breakfast is anytime between 8 am and 10 am, lunch is between 2 pm and 3 pm, merienda (afternoon snack) is between 5 and 6 pm, and dinner is anytime from 9 pm. These times may slightly change from place to place and season. For example, locals have dinner later during the summer months.

When you visit Spain for a few days and even weeks, you don’t have to adapt to their mealtimes. However, you need to be aware of them as restaurants and bars will serve food at their normal times, different from yours.

The truth is that many restaurants in cities like Malaga and Barcelona accommodate their times to tourists, but these places aren’t the type of food places where you’ll get authentic Spanish dishes.

17. Watch for pickpockets in popular destinations

Pickpocketing is common in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona , and you just need to keep an eye on your belongings, especially on crowded streets.

Although I haven’t experienced pickpocketing in Spain, I know other travellers have, and you don’t want to be in that situation.

The best way to avoid pickpocketing is by not taking valuable objects and lots of money with you. If your hotel has a safe, lock your belongings there.

If there isn’t a safe or you need to take important things with you, it’s worth looking at some items to prevent pickpocketings, such as pickpocket clips, a security belt or even an anti-theft bag .

If your hobby or job is photography related, it’s completely fine to take your camera with you. The only advice is if you’re travelling solo, don’t use a tripod to take your photos in a busy area. Otherwise, you’ll be a target for pickpockets.

18. Flights can be cheaper than train

Travelling around Spain will allow you to see how diverse the country is. Despite Spain being an affordable country to visit in comparison to other countries, moving around Spain isn’t always cheap.

Let’s say you want to go from the south of Spain to Madrid. You can go there by many ways of transport – car, coach, train or plane.

If you don’t drive, a coach is often an economical option, but you spend lots of hours on the road, and you may want to arrive in Madrid as soon as possible to make the most of it, or maybe you don’t like long bus rides.

A train may sound like a great idea, but it’s worth knowing that train tickets are often more expensive than flights, so before booking your train tickets, have a look at cheap flights with airlines like Ryanair or Vueling.

19. Drive on the right side of the road

If you come from the US, you won’t have any issues driving in Spain. However, if you come from countries like the UK or Ireland, you’ll have to get used to driving on the right side of the road.

Going on a road trip around Andalucia or other parts of Spain is a great opportunity to explore cities at your own pace, but also to access remote towns, beaches or mountains which you may not be able to visit if you use public transport.

Other important things to know if you’re renting a car are seatbelts are required for all passengers, you can’t use your phone while driving, and you never park on a yellow line (these are only for residents, and they may call the tow truck.)

However, traveling through Spain isn’t complicated.

20. Don’t forget to go island hopping in Spain

Ibiza is the most popular island in Spain, and other nearby islands are forgotten or less visited by international travellers.

Island hopping around the Balearic Islands is a unique experience. There are a total of 4 main islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera, and it’s completely possible to travel between them.

Each island has something to offer, but all of them will guarantee you pristine beaches like Playa De Alcudia and Cala Agulla.

Another alternative is to visit the beautiful Canary Islands. There are plenty of hidden gems and incredible natural landscapes there too.

21. Pack sun cream

You can’t forget to add sun cream to your suitcase regardless of the season you visit Spain. It’s very important to use sun cream for your skincare all year round.

However, it’s even more important in summer when the sun is really strong, and you can end up with sunburns and be in pain for several days.

Another good reason to buy it before travelling to Spain is to save money, but in case you forget to pack it, don’t get your sun cream from a convenience store near the beach area because you’ll pay double the price. Instead, go to a supermarket where you’ll have more selection and better prices.

22. Have cash with you

Many supermarkets and restaurants have become cashless, and you need to pay with your card. However, there are still small shops and even public transport that requires cash.

I remember when I visited Santander, and I was about to take the bus from the city centre to the airport, and the bus driver told me I couldn’t pay by card, so I had to rush to a cash machine to get some money out.

To avoid any situation like this, make sure to have some cash with you, even if it’s 10 euros.

23. Explore the countryside

Beaches in Spain are incredible, but many travellers don’t know how beautiful the Spanish countryside is. Depending on the region you visit, you’ll see different types of landscapes and wildlife.

If you love outdoor activities like hiking, have a look at AllTrails to find hiking routes near the city you visit. You’ll be amazed by all the options you find. One of the most famous hiking trails in Spain is Camino de Santiago.

In addition to this, did you know you can also ski in Spain? Sierra Nevada, located in the province of Granada , has the highest point in the country, and you can ski there from November to May.

24. Expect things and people to be late

Although many people love the laid-back culture, it’s also negative. If you make friends in Spain, there’s always someone late, and that isn’t great. They’ll come up with a silly excuse (blaming someone else) on why they’re late.

Similarly, when you go to a restaurant or bar, your food sometimes can take ages, especially if it’s busy.

In the case that you move to Spain , it’s also important to know that bureaucracy is very slow, so if you need to get important documents, don’t leave it for the last minute, book an appointment to sort out your documents as soon as possible.

25. Greet like a local

If you’re travelling to Spain for the first time, you may not know that locals greet each other with two kisses on the cheeks. This only happens between woman and man, and woman and woman (men give hugs to each other or shake hands.)

This can be a cultural shock because you may be wondering why two strangers kiss each other, right? In your culture, this may sound a bit crazy, but it’s the norm in Spain, so don’t be surprised if they greet you like this.

Conclusion on Spain travel tips for first-time visitors

I hope this Spain travel guide has helped you learn more about Spain and be aware of a few things to make the most of your time in my country.

If you have any questions about visiting Spain or planning a trip to Spain, you can always reach me via email or Instagram. I’m happy to help!

Did you enjoy reading these top tips for travelling in Spain for the first time? Do you know any other Spain tips? Let me know in the comments.

Safe adventures!

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Things to do before visiting Spain

• Are you looking for places to visit in Spain? Have a look at this travel guide about the best city breaks in Spain.
• Find and book cheap flights to Spain here .
• Book the best accommodation for you with Booking.com .
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Spain if you’re making a road trip.
• Book travel insurance. This is a must for any trip! SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible health and travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Spain for the first time

When is the best time to travel to spain.

It depends on the activities you want to do during your time in Spain. No matter when you go to Spain, every season has something to offer!

If you want to sightsee, late spring and early autumn are perfect because temperatures are pleasant.

If you want to swim in the sea, go in July and August as these are the warmest months, but be aware that it’s peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices for accommodation and flights.

Winter is a great option if you travel on a budget because you’ll find cheap flights and accommodation. Also, you’ll find fewer crowds, and although you may experience rain and cloudy days, some areas of Spain have a mild winter, which means pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and swimming for those who are brave.

Examples of warm places in Spain during winter are the Canary Islands, Malaga and Cartagena.

What shouldn’t I do in Spain?

Some of the things you shouldn’t do in Spain are:

• Assume everyone knows English.
• Don’t wear swimming wear outside the beach.
• Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with two kisses.
• Get involved in difficult conversations such as politics, bullfighting, etc. Some people are very passionate about these topics and won’t stop trying to convince you about their point of view, which can be annoying! I know this from experience as a local.
• Not keeping an eye on your belongings in busy areas.
• Don’t generalise about Spain.
• Not researching for places to avoid in Spain or a specific city. You don’t want to stay in a conflicting neighbourhood. Most cities have a few areas to avoid.

Is getting around Spain easy?

Yes! Public transport is often modern, safe and well-connected. Many cities are walkable, which means you won’t need to use public transport; however, if you need to use it, you’ll find cheap buses and underground fares.

If you want to explore off-the-beaten-path places in Spain, you’ll need to rent a car. You can find many convenient rent a car places outside large airports and big cities, but if you want to save some money, have a look online to compare prices.

How do you plan a trip to Spain on a budget?

– Travel off-season to get the best flight and accommodation deals. – Be flexible with your travel dates. – Eat in bars rather than restaurants. – Check for free attractions. For some museums and art galleries, you often need to pay, offer free admission dates, and have a look at their website to find out when these dates are.

Other travel guides about Spain

• The Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers
• Best City Breaks in Spain You Should Add to Your List
• 50 Bucket List Experiences in Spain You Won’t Forget
• 35+ Hidden Gems in Spain You Need to See
• The Most Romantic Places in Spain
• Beautiful Landscapes in Spain
• Incredible Reasons To Visit Andalucia
• 9 Reasons to Visit the North of Spain

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Hola, I’m Cristina, the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling. I was born and raised in Malaga (Costa del Sol), and I’m passionate about showing you my hometown and other beautiful Andalusian destinations. I help other travellers plan their trips to Spain by providing local advice and unique insights.

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Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 28 mins read
• Post last modified: February 26, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

I traveled to Spain as an Erasmus student and visited many places from the north to the south. After that, I lived in Spain for 2 years . While I learned Spanish later on, it became a lot of fun connecting with locals in Spain while speaking Spanish.

In the beginning, I didn’t have any Spanish skills . As a tourist who only knew English in Spain, I quickly learned it was easy to get around . I didn’t have any issues, and I’m sure you’ll get by with only English, too.

So in this article, I’ll give you all the information about the English level of people living in Spain and how you can even learn a few Spanish words before your trip.

Stay tuned!

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? Answered!

No, you don’t need Spanish to travel to Spain. Locals in Spain speak English , so you can get by with only English. You’ll be fine speaking English in bigger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao, where locals are used to tourists.

If you go to remote areas , such as small villages in central or southern Spain, locals speak less English . But you can still get by only speaking English.

Is It Difficult To Get Around Spain Without Speaking Spanish?

No, it’s easy to get around Spain without speaking English. There are also English signs, menus in restaurants are often translated into English, and locals speak English when booking major attractions or getting on trains and buses.

Can You Live In Spain Without Speaking Spanish?

Yes, you can live in Spain without speaking Spanish, mainly in bigger cities. My family moved to Spain with my little brother; no one spoke Spanish , and they only spoke basic English.

They still managed to communicate with basic English while living in Spain.

Do People In Spain Speak English?

Yes, locals in Spain speak English pretty well. According to  EF English Live , Spain has a moderate level of English and ranks #35 out of 119 countries in English proficiency. It’s better than Italy, Russia, or Turkey.

Spain English-Speaking Percentage

About 30% of all Spain speaks English . These 30% of people who speak English mainly live in bigger cities in Spain .

Where Do They Speak The Most English In Spain?

Locals in Spain speak the most English in bigger cities with many tourists, such as Barcelona , Madrid, Valencia, Murcia, Seville , Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, Toledo, Bilbao, Santander, San Sebastian, A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela, and Salamanca.

Locals have adapted to the rise of tourism in Spain , especially in these big cities, and learned English pretty well, so you won’t have any language issues in these places.

What Other Languages Are Spoken In Spain?

Spain has 4 official languages: Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Basque (Euskera), and Galicia. Castilian Spanish is spoken all over Spain, so if you can speak a few words, you don’t have to learn any other language.

It’s called Castilian Spanish because locals in South America also speak Spanish, but that one is called Latin Spanish. It has a few different words, and the accent is also slightly different from Castilian Spanish.

So that’s why locals invented the word Castilian Spanish to refer to Spanish that locals speak in Spain.

The other languages are spoken in Spanish regions: the Galician language is used in Galicia (northwestern Spain), the Basque language is spoken in the Basque country (northern Spain), and the Catalan language is in Catalonia (northeastern Spain).

So, besides Spanish, when you come to these regions , you’ll also hear locals speak these languages.

5 Tips For Traveling To Spain Only Speaking English

If you only know English and want to explore Spain, here are my top tips for getting around and how to get by only using English.

I use these hacks all the time when I travel to a country where English isn’t the main language:

✅ Speak slowly ✅ Be aware of an accent ✅ Use your body language ✅ Be nice ✅ Learn basic Spanish

✅ Speak Slowly

When speaking English to people in Spain, take it easy and speak slowly . Use clear language and articulate . This way, locals will feel more confident in speaking English with you.

I experienced it when I traveled to Spain and wanted to speak Spanish. I appreciated it when locals spoke slower to me so I could catch the words and process the meaning of sentences.

✅ Be Aware Of An Accent

People in Spain and Spanish-speaking people generally have accents when speaking English.

So be prepared for it – the English they speak might sound slightly different from what you’re used to back home, especially if you’re a native English speaker from the UK, Austria, New Zealand, or the USA and Canada.

So adapt to the accent and catch the English words they use to talk to you.

✅ Use Your Body Language

If you’re in remote areas in Spain where people speak less English, use your arms and mimics. It always helps to point out things or show what you mean with your body.

I often did this when traveling through German and Spanish-speaking countries and couldn’t remember the local word. I just used my body language, and it worked most of the time.

When ordering food or interacting with locals in Spain as an English speaker, they’ll naturally respond to you easier in English if you’re friendly and understanding.

Show that you’re fine if it takes more time for them to understand what you say. Be willing to repeat your sentences, and locals will feel more comfortable around you speaking English.

✅ Learn Basic Spanish

I love learning languages , and I highly recommend you learn a few Spanish words before traveling to Spain. You don’t have to be fluent . Knowing the basics is a lot of fun because you can practice.

Locals understand your mistakes and always appreciate it when you speak a local language. It’s one of the most rewarding things while traveling. So try to learn a few words before your trip.

I also find that when you speak a bit of Spanish, you can avoid scams from locals. Sometimes, they might charge you more in a restaurant in tourist cities because they know you’re a tourist. But if you speak at least a few words of Spanish, they perceive you more as a caring tourist .

Why Should You Learn Spanish To Visit Spain? Benefits

Knowing a few Spanish words when traveling to Spain has many advantages . I highly encourage you to learn basic Spanish. I’ll greatly help you.

I’ve experienced these benefits myself when I learned Spanish. Afterward, I traveled through the entire of Spain , walked the Camino de Santiago twice, and had a much better experience than if I didn’t know any Spanish.

Here are the benefits of knowing Spanish when traveling to Spain.

🔅 Connect with locals 🔅 Be sustainable traveler 🔅 Avoid tourist scams 🔅 Have better experience 🔅 It’s rewarding when you speak the local language 🔅 You get to do more things 🔅 Travel is more comfortable 🔅 You can rely on yourself as a solo traveler

How To Learn Spanish Quickly Before Your Trip

I recommend  breaking the language into topics/categories  within which you’ll learn words: airport, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and transportation. Then,  learn a few words within each category  to get by easily.

Take one topic  and think about all the words you might need to be able to communicate in Spain. After,  write these words down in your native language.

Once you have all the words,  translate them into Spanish.  Then, use some of  these tips to learn vocabulary  for basic Spanish words.

This way, you’ll  catch a few words when you’re in Spain  and understand the signs and words around you.

➡ Practice your Spanish skills with native speakers via iTalki here.

Basic Spanish Vocabulary For Your Trip To Spain

To help you start learning basic Spanish for your trip, here are a few words I recommend you learn at the beginning.

You can use these essential words even if you don’t want to learn more Spanish. Locals will appreciate it if you use them:

BONUS: How To Learn A Language For Travel: 7 Basic Steps

Have I convinced you to learn the basics of Spanish before your trip? Let me help you even further. You might already know how much I love learning languages for travel . That’s why I’ve developed a method for how to do so.

I’ve written a separate article about the steps for learning a language for travel . Follow it and learn Spanish easily and in a fund way before you travel to Spain.

Guide To Order Food & Drinks In Spanish

I’ve also created a detailed guide on how you can order food and drinks in the Spanish language. Download it for free and learn it so you can practice when you’re in Spain.

It contains exact dialogue in a restaurant , what the waiter might say, and what you should reply to order what you want. I’ve also included exercises so you can practice the words and sentences.

I’ve also answered frequently asked questions about traveling to Spain without speaking Spanish. So check my answers below:

What Percentage Of People From Spain Speak English?

About 30% of people in Spain speak English, mostly in big cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Bilbao, Santander, San Sebastian, Valencia, and Granada.

Spain is a huge country , and most of its area isn’t inhabited . So that’s why the percentage might seem a bit low.

Do They Speak English In Barcelona?

Yes, locals speak English in Barcelona . Since it’s a major tourist city, locals speak English very well, and you can get by only speaking English in Barcelona.

Do They Speak English In Madrid?

Yes, locals speak English in Madrid . Most of the people in Madrid speak English very well. Although they have a Spanish accent when speaking English, you don’t have to learn Spanish to travel to Madrid.

Which City In Spain Speaks The Most English?

Madrid speaks the most English in Spain. It’s the capital city, and many expats speak English very well.

Barcelona also speaks English well, but since locals also speak Catalan and are proud of being Catalans, you might find that they like to use Catalan more than English.

How Much Spanish Do I Need To Travel To Spain?

You need to be a beginner Spanish skills to travel to Spain . There is no need to learn intermediate or advanced Spanish to get around.

Basic words to order food, get tickets for attractions and trains and understand the signs will be enough for you to get by .

Why Do Many Spaniards Want To Speak English?

Because they want to get better-paying jobs in English-speaking countries and see more opportunities in their life when they speak English.

I met many Spaniards in Spain and Latin American countries whose teenagers learned English and went abroad to work to earn some extra cash as their economies aren’t the most supportive. Getting a well-paying job is more difficult, especially in Latin American countries.

Do You Think Tourists Should Make An Effort To Speak Spanish?

Yes, I think so. I think it’s always great to show respect towards local people and try to communicate in their language.

They’ll treat you better , and you’ll have a great experience if you can speak to them in their language. It’s rewarding , and locals appreciate it.

WRAP-UP: Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain?

This is how Spanish people speak English. They’re used to the tourists and know English pretty well. So you won’t have any problems . My biggest tip is to speak slowly so they can understand you. And be aware of their accent.

I recommend learning at least a bit of Spanish , as ordering food or drinks in the local language is very rewarding. Locals in Spain will appreciate it even if it’s not 100% correct.

If you have any questions or want to learn the Spanish language for travel, check out my article in my language learning section. Or contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com and tell me what you like to learn or where you struggle.

Happy Spanish learning and travels!

More Tips For Spain Travel & Spanish Learning

Looking for more tips to learn Spanish or places to visit in Spain? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain

Best Of Barcelona Itinerary: 3 Days With Tips

Top 9 Spanish Books For Beginners: Fun With Spanish

Top 9 Spanish Language Magazines: Fun With Spanish

5 Best Spanish Podcasts For Beginners

Is French Or Spanish More Useful In Europe? Revealed!

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SPAIN : Interested in more articles about Spain? Check out my Spain Travel Page :

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Can you travel to Spain without speaking Spanish?

Though a trip to Spain may be had without knowledge of the language, not knowing any will make communication more complex and potentially restrict what you get out of your time there. Even though English is commonly spoken in Spain's tourist hotspots and large cities, the language is otherwise less broadly spread throughout the country than in other European countries. Additionally, many native speakers in less populous urban and rural regions may benefit from learning English. And spoilers to the question: Can you travel to Spain without speaking Spanish? The answer is Yes!

If you are not fluent in Spanish and plan to visit Spain , it might be wise to learn a few essential phrases and vocabulary before you arrive. The journey will go more smoothly if you express your fundamental demands in advance. Here are a few phrases that will come in handy:

• Hola (hello)
• Adiós (Goodbye)
• Por favor (please)
• Gracias (thank you)
• Lo siento (sorry)
• ¿Hablas inglés? (Do you speak English?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)

It's also wise to bring along translation tools or phrasebooks while exploring Spain. This is especially useful if you are trying to converse with someone who does not speak English or if your demands are more complex.

If you don't know Spanish , it may be harder to get around Spain , but you may still have a wonderful time there. Spanish is optional to fully appreciate Spain's rich culture, gorgeous beaches, and excellent food, which attract many non-native speakers of the language each year. Also, remember that most Spaniards are kind and eager to assist visitors, despite the language barrier.

In conclusion, while it is possible to travel in  Spain  without speaking Spanish, it may be more challenging and limit some of your experiences while in the country. Therefore, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some basic Spanish phrases and to have a translation app or phrasebook with you while travelling in Spain. However, despite the language barrier, having a great trip and enjoying all Spain offers is still possible.

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