Spain: Complete Travel Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about traveling to Spain: best cities, food, budget, transport and practical tips.
Why Visit Spain
Spain is the second most visited country in Europe — and for good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Mediterranean beaches, world-class food and cities packed with history, this country has it all.
From Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona to flamenco in Seville, pintxos in San Sebastian and the festivals of Valencia, every region has its own identity.
Best Cities to Visit
Barcelona
The Catalan capital is a must. Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Las Ramblas and Barceloneta Beach make this city an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the Gothic Quarter and its medieval alleyways.
Daily budget: 80-120€
Madrid
Spain's capital offers the Prado Museum, Retiro Park and unmatched nightlife. Gran Via, Puerta del Sol and the Malasana neighborhood are essential stops.
Daily budget: 70-110€
Seville
The capital of Andalusia charms visitors with its Alcazar, Giralda tower and Triana neighborhood. Best visited during the April Fair or Semana Santa.
Daily budget: 60-90€
Granada
The Alhambra is Spain's most visited monument. Granada also offers free tapas with every drink — a tradition travelers love.
Daily budget: 50-80€
Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences, Las Fallas festival, authentic paella and urban beaches. Valencia is perfect for a 3-4 day getaway.
Daily budget: 60-90€
Spanish Cuisine
Spanish cuisine is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here are the must-try dishes:
- Paella Valenciana — The star dish with rice, saffron and chicken/rabbit
- Jamon Iberico — The world's best cured ham, aged for years
- Tortilla Espanola — Egg, potato and onion (eternal debate)
- Gazpacho — Cold tomato soup, perfect in summer
- Pintxos — Gourmet mini bites on bread from the Basque Country
- Croquetas — Crispy outside, creamy inside
- Pulpo a la Gallega — Galician octopus with paprika
- Churros con Chocolate — The classic breakfast/snack
When to Go
| Season | Months | Weather | Prices | |--------|--------|---------|--------| | High | Jun-Aug | 30-40°C, sunny | High | | Shoulder | Apr-May, Sep-Oct | 20-28°C, pleasant | Moderate | | Low | Nov-Mar | 10-18°C, rainy | Low |
Our pick: April-May and September-October. Great weather, fewer tourists and reasonable prices.
Getting Around
- AVE (high-speed train): Connects Madrid to Barcelona (2h30), Seville (2h30), Valencia (1h40) and Malaga (2h30)
- Domestic flights: Ryanair and Vueling offer cheap flights between cities
- Buses: ALSA covers routes trains don't reach
- Car rental: Essential for Andalusia's white villages and coastal road trips
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 15-30€ | 50-90€ | 100-200€ | | Food | 15-25€ | 30-50€ | 50-80€ | | Transport | 5-10€ | 15-30€ | 30-60€ | | Activities | 5-10€ | 15-25€ | 25-50€ | | Total/day | 40-75€ | 110-195€ | 205-390€ |
Practical Tips
Tip
Dinner in Spain is late — restaurants open at 9 PM. Lunch is the main meal, served between 2-3:30 PM.
Info
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives EU citizens access to public healthcare. For others, travel insurance is essential.
- Siesta is real — Many shops close between 2-5 PM
- Tipping — Not mandatory, but 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated
- Language — English is spoken in tourist areas, but basic Spanish goes a long way
- Safety — Watch for pickpockets in Barcelona and Madrid, especially in the metro
- Plugs — Type C/F (European), 230V