Spain travel guide

Overview

Spain covers a lot of ground, both geographically and culturally — Barcelona's Gaudí architecture, Madrid's museums and nightlife, Andalusia's Moorish palaces in Seville and Granada, and coastal stretches like the Costa Brava and Costa del Sol. Regional identity runs deep; Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Andalusia each have their own distinct character, language influences, and food.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, particularly in the south, where summer heat can be intense. Many businesses in smaller towns still pause for an afternoon siesta, though this is less common in major cities.

Getting around

• AVE high-speed trains connect Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and other major cities quickly
• City metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona are extensive and easy to navigate
• Regional buses fill gaps the train network doesn't cover, especially in Andalusia and along the coast
• Renting a car is worthwhile for exploring smaller Andalusian towns or coastal areas at your own pace

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for Spain before your trip, and install before you fly so you're connected from the airport onward. If your itinerary includes other European countries, weigh a regional plan against a Spain-only one.

• Coverage is strong across cities and the coast; rural and mountainous inland areas can have more variable signal
• Navigation apps are genuinely useful for Spain's older city centres, where street layouts can be dense and winding
• Keep your data line on to access restaurant menus, transit apps, and translation tools as you travel

Practical tips

• The currency is the euro; contactless payment is widely accepted
• Meal times run later than in much of Europe — dinner often starts at 9pm or later
• Many smaller shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon in towns outside major cities
• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving small change is common

FAQs