Shift your meal times
Many restaurants serve a set lunch until mid-afternoon, then close until dinner. If you want one important meal, make it lunch; dinner before 8pm is early by local standards.
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Where to stay in Spain
Late dinners, strong neighbourhoods and a day that runs on its own clock.
Spain rewards the traveller who adapts to its hours. Lunch is the main meal, dinner starts late, and the middle of the afternoon can be quiet. Cities are compact and walkable, with excellent public transport; the best days mix a market, a long lunch and an evening walk. Pick a neighbourhood to sleep in rather than a single central hotel, and expect street noise at night.
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Spain
02
2 city guides
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- City guide
- Barcelona · Madrid
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- Europe
- On the desk
- Seville · Valencia · Granada
City guide
2 city guidesCity guides in Spain
One city, deeply mapped — more are being researched.
Before you book
The country-level things that change the stay.
Spain · Country hub
Watch for pickpockets
Barcelona and Madrid have skilled pickpockets in tourist areas and on the metro. Keep phones and wallets in front pockets or zipped bags, and do not leave bags on chairs or the floor.
Respect the siesta in small towns
In smaller towns, shops and offices may close for several hours in the afternoon. In big cities the rhythm is more continuous, but checking hours is still wise.
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Not sure which city to start with?
Tell me how long you have and what you want from the trip. I’ll help you choose the city and the base.
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Ask about your routeA note from the editor
“I’d rather tell you which area to skip than sell you another list of ‘best hotels’.”
The guides are independent. Booking links may earn a commission; they never change the shortlist.
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