12+ Avoidable Tourist Mistakes in Spain

Ah Spain - gorgeous historic sites, delicious paella, endless sangria, and that shimmering Mediterranean - it's a tourist's dream! And, of course, like any worthwhile tourist destination, it's also crowded with other tourists and the common ails that befall them!

Madrid (JSB)

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What do I need to know before I go to Spain?

Royal Palace, Madrid (JSB)

As I'm always saying, tourists flock to certain spots, not necessarily because "everyone else is doing it" (sometimes, that is the case), but because these places are incredible. And Spain certainly is that. It's is the second-most-visited country in Europe, and unfortunately home to the worst pickpocketing in Europe.

If you're planning a trip to Spain, there are a few things you need to know before you go! What are the most common mistakes tourists make in Spain? Let's get to it!

Not packing the right clothes

Many first-time tourists are surprised by the weather in Spain - it's brutally hot in the summer (hence the siesta) and really quite pleasantly warm even in winter, at least to this American! Obviously, owing to its prime location on the Mediterranean, the weather in Spain is markedly different from most of the rest of Europe.

Be sure to do some quick weather research before you go, to be sure you have the right clothes in that suitcase, and remember - that Spanish sun is hotter than you'd expect, regardless of season. Here's my guide on What to Wear in Spain in Winter.

I’ve learned that a lot of these “mistakes” come down to being underprepared—especially when it comes to what you wear and carry during the day.
If you don’t want to overthink it, I’ve linked everything I actually use for Europe trips here →
And if you’re planning outfits, you can learn all about how to build your own full Europe capsule wardrobe here →

my Europe capsule wardrobe ->

Our first day in Barcelona (JSB)

​Not taking pickpockets seriously

Before and during your trip to Spain, everyone you meet will tell you to be careful because of the pickpocket problem in Spain, especially in Barcelona. You'll casually shrug, say of course you're always careful, and go on about your day.

Then, you'll arrive in Barcelona, expecting a "normal" European experience (I mean, you should always beware of pickpockets), and get taken into your hotel room and told by the concierge that it's a serious problem.

It is. I personally know people who have been pickpocketed in Barcelona. And it can happen to anyone. While unfortunately you can't 100% protect yourself, you can at least be thoughtful and take precautions.

So, keep these tips in mind to evade pickpockets in Barcelona:

• Carry only essential items on your person during the day. Keep your passport, most of your cash, and anything of actual value in your hotel safe while you're out and about. 
• Keep valuables in your front pocket. AND keep your hand on them.
• Carry an anti-theft crossbody bag that closes completely, preferably with multiple barriers between your valuables and thieves, like this crossbody from Arden Cove.
• Do not take your purse off. Not even in a nice restaurant. Just leave it on.
• Do not talk to strangers. As my favorite travel guru Rick Steves says, assume any commotion is a ruse to distract you while accomplices pickpocket you.
• Be vigilant. No one should be getting weirdly close to you. Ever. Just walk away.

shop cute pickpocket-proof purses:

The ever-present cross-body purse in Barcelona

​Not embracing Spanish ham

Spain loves ham ("jamón"). There are just so many incredible variations - try it out. The Spanish take incredible pride in their ham, and with good reason - ask them to tell you about it. And, it's not even that expensive! Spain, in general, can be much cheaper for tourists than a lot of other countries in Europe - enjoy!

Thinking you can eat dinner at 5 PM

"Afternoon" tapas in Barcelona!

5 PM is basically still lunchtime in Spain. Having traveled extensively in Europe, I assumed, wrongly, like many travelers that "some places" could get me a proper dinner nice and early, as I eat at those times certainly in the US and also in France, the U.K., etc. It may not be the most glamorous time to eat, but well there you are.

In Spain, this is not the case. While you'll be able to grab some tapas (read: heavy appetizers), actual "dinner" aka waiters and normal meals, genuinely doesn't even start to be served until around 9 PM.

While we maintained grandiose notions of staying up that late, when we're walking 20,000 steps a day, sadly that just wasn't in the cards. Tapas snacking it was - and you know what, it was great. So snack on some tapas - just don't go to an icky tourist place and end up with the worst meal of your life, just to eat at 5 PM.

Not learning the world una "jarra"

One of the more interesting things I learned in Spain, gastronomically at least, was how the Spanish love tiny beers and beers without alcohol (gasp!!). If you just order "beer," you'll almost always receive a caña - a small beer of about 10 ounces, sometimes less. So, if you're interested in doing any drinking in Spain, check out How to Order a Beer in Spain.

Not using the high-speed train

Madrid's Atocha Station (JSB)

Day trips from Madrid and Barcelona are incredibly easy, thanks to Spain's high-speed trains. We visited Toledo (from Madrid) and Girona (from Barcelona) and both trips were only about 35 minutes on the high-speed train. Definitely the easiest day trips we've taken in Europe!

Interestingly, it's worth noting that Spanish train stations are different from some I've experienced in other countries, especially the UK. You will have to go through slightly less stringent airport-style security, and you'll have an assigned seat, even for those short jaunts. Don't plan to arrive 3 minutes early and hop right on a train!

Girona, Spain (JSB)

For more on train travel in Europe, check out the full post!

​Not buying tickets in advance

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Been dreaming of visiting Sagrada Familia on your trip to Barcelona? What about the Picasso Museum? Or Park Guell?

Buy those tickets in advance. I cannot stress this enough. I have friends (one of whom is...me...) who have missed out on each of the aforementioned top tourist spots in Barcelona because they didn't buy their tickets in advance. These in-demand sites sell a maximum number of tickets per day, including via their online sales, and even during "down" times of year, the tickets regularly sell out. Because I know you're wondering, for us, it was the Picasso Museum - we just weren't "sure" we were going to go, so we figured we'd buy tickets on a random day during our visit. Nope! We stopped by, only to find the dreaded "sold out" sign on the door. Got some lovely tapas nearby as consolation, but the reality is it could be many years before we're able to make it back! Plan ahead!

Just skimming the surface of what Spain has to offer

Toldeo Cathedral

Spain is a large country, with a very rich history and a lot of tourists. Oh, and did I mention it can get wildly hot? Don't try to see too much. Actually take time to dig into the places you visit. And be reasonable with your schedule and remember to account for tourist exhaustion, large crowds, deviations from the plan, and that toasty weather. For more on how to plan a trip to Europe, check out the full post!

​Not learning about Catalan Independence

Yellow independence flags in Girona (JSB)

It's worth spending some time reading about Catalan Independence before your trip, and especially if you'll be spending time in the region. Our first trip to Spain was in late 2019, during a peak of separatist activity. In Barcelona, the capital of the region, and myriad cities throughout Catalunya, you'll see people sporting little yellow ribbons and flying independence banners from balconies. Keep an eye out for demonstrations - though generally not a cause for concern, if you see a "parade" in Barcelona (and it's not Christmas), maybe just pop one street over, in accordance with the US government's Travel Advisory for Spain. This movement isn't as active now as it was, but that can always change.

Wondering where to stay in Barcelona? Check out my review of the Mercer Barcelona

Not researching Spain's bank holidays

Barcelona Cathedral (JSB)

Like all European countries, Spain has more public holidays (what the English call "bank holidays," so the Spanish often use that term when speaking to English speakers) than the United States. Depending on the day, a "bank holiday" may not affect tourists too much, as many restaurants, public transit etc., are still open (unless it's Christmas), but be sure to check in advance.

​For example, New Year's Eve in Spain is very unlike NYE in the U.S. Everything is closed during the evening, so that staff can either attend to private parties or return home for dinner with their families. Many places open up (so I'm told) at and after midnight, but we were well asleep by then. Additionally, the Spanish exchange gifts on Epiphany (aka January 6), which is like second Christmas. Surprise!

Thanks for Stopping By!

(SPC)

I hope you learned some info that will help you plan your trip to Spain! I know you'll have as wonderful a European adventure as we always do. And, while you're here, I hope you'll take time to subscribe to my newsletter and explore the many free resources I've created to help you plan a trip to Europe!

Wondering what to wear on your trip? Check out my Europe travel capsule wardrobe ->

I’ve linked, and constantly update, everything I actually use for Europe trips here →
 Or, you can learn all about how to build your own full Europe capsule wardrobe here →

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