Spain isn't a country where you need to travel with a guide to etiquette under your arm. Locals are accustomed to tourists, and a minor mistake is unlikely to cause an international scandal.

However, there are a few customs and practical rules that, if you know them, can save you from disappointment, a closed restaurant door, a parking ticket, or the nervous search for a phone that was lying on the table a moment earlier.

What to watch out for in Spain and what it's best to avoid? We explain without scaring you, repeating stereotypes, or telling you that the entire country takes a three-hour siesta every day.

1. Don't assume that all of Spain looks and functions the same

Spain is incredibly diverse. Everyday life in Madrid is different from that in a small town in Andalusia, and still different on the Costa Blanca, the Basque Country, or the Canary Islands.

Differences exist not only in weather and cuisine, but also in language, opening hours, local holidays, and lifestyle. Besides Spanish, some autonomous communities also have co-official languages, including Catalan, Valencian, Galician, and Basque.

So there is no point in saying: "It's always like this in Spain...", because the experiences in Barcelona do not necessarily have much in common with everyday life in Torrevieja or a small town inland.

2. Don't plan your entire day according to Polish hours

One of the most common mistakes tourists make in Spain is trying to eat lunch at 12:00 and dinner at 17:00, especially outside the large resorts.

Restaurants typically serve lunch between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., and dinner from around 8:00 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. In large cities and tourist towns, it's easier to find a place open earlier, but in smaller towns, the kitchen may simply be closed during this time.

This doesn't mean you have to immediately reset your biological clock to Spanish mode. However, it's worth checking the opening hours of a specific restaurant beforehand, rather than assuming that an open dining room also means an open kitchen.

3. Don't treat siesta like a nationwide shutdown in Spain

Online, you might get the impression that every day between 2pm and 5pm, Spain closes its blinds, puts away its phones, and falls asleep.

The reality is much more ordinary.

Many shops, especially in large cities, shopping malls, and tourist destinations, operate nonstop. Spain's official tourism website states that shops often open from around 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., although some smaller establishments do close in the middle of the day, especially during summer.

What not to do during siesta? Above all, don't assume it exists. Before visiting a small shop, office, workshop, or family restaurant, check the opening hours.

There's also no general rule stating that you shouldn't call anyone during these hours. It's more a matter of the nature of the relationship, the type of matter, and simple common sense than a single rule that applies to over 49 million people.

4. Don't leave your phone and wallet "just for a moment"

Spain is considered a safe tourist destination, but pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Be especially vigilant on public transport, at train stations, airports, beaches, city centers, and popular tourist attractions.

Don't leave your phone on the edge of a table, your purse on the back of a chair, or your documents in the car. Only take essentials to the beach, and don't leave them unattended while swimming.

This isn't about walking around Spain with a backpack chained to your waist. Just take the same precautions as you would in any heavily crowded tourist destination.

In case of emergency, there is a free emergency number throughout Spain 112.

5. Don't move the beach to the supermarket and restaurant

A swimsuit is appropriate at the beach, by the pool, and in the immediate vicinity of a swimming area. In a shop, restaurant, office, or place of worship, it's advisable to wear a T-shirt, dress, or other covering.

This isn't always a result of a ban. Sometimes it's a local rule, sometimes a local regulation, and sometimes it's simply common sense.

In seaside towns, the sight of someone in a bikini walking along the promenade isn't particularly surprising. Entering a posh restaurant in the same outfit might result in refusal of service.

Before visiting a church or religious building, it is also worth covering your torso and shoulders and avoiding typical beach attire.

6. Don't assume tipping is mandatory

Tipping in Spain doesn't work the same way as it does in the United States. There's no mandatory percentage that's automatically added to the bill.

For good service, you can leave a small amount, round up the bill, or donate 5-10%, especially in a restaurant. However, this is a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation on the customer.

So you don't have to frantically search for a bill after you've had your first cup of coffee. On the other hand, leaving a few dozen cents on the table won't be considered an insult.

Also, check your bill before paying. For larger groups, some venues may add their own service fee.

7. Don't try to haggle at every opportunity

Spain is not a country where every price is an invitation to negotiate.

In supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants, and most regular markets, prices are fixed. Trying to lower the price of bread, olive oil, or a dress might result in surprise rather than admiration for your negotiating skills.

Haggling can occur at some flea markets, when buying used items, or when the seller himself indicates that the price is negotiable. It's best to ask politely rather than starting the conversation by offering half the advertised price.

8. Do not ignore the rules in force in the apartment and in the estate

The pool, visible from the terrace, isn't always open 24 hours a day. The development may have specific hours for use of common areas, a ban on glassware near the pool, waste sorting regulations, and noise regulations.

This applies to both owners and guests renting a holiday property.

What not to do in Spain while staying in an apartment? Don't assume that vacations suspend the rules of coexistence with neighbors. Loud music, moving furniture at night, or having a party on the terrace could result in a complaint, administrative or police intervention.

Quiet hours and detailed rules may vary between cities and housing communities, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the regulations of a specific facility.

9. Don't automatically greet everyone with two kisses

Two kisses on the cheek are a common form of greeting in social situations in Spain, but this does not mean that you should greet every person you meet this way.

In professional relationships, a handshake or simple verbal greeting is natural. Among acquaintances, the form of greeting depends on the relationship, age, region, and situation.

The simplest rule is: let the other person set the tone. This will help you avoid both being too distant and awkwardly diving headfirst into the cheek of the person who's reaching out.

10. Don't expect to communicate in English everywhere

In hotels, tourist attractions, and popular resorts, knowledge of English is common. In a small shop, local office, clinic, or outside the tourist center, the situation may be different.

It's worth learning a few simple phrases:

Buenos días - good morning

Por favor - please

Gracias - thank you

La cuenta, por favor - the bill, please

No hablo español - I don't speak Spanish

Even an imperfect attempt at communicating in Spanish usually works better than starting a conversation in Polish, only much louder.

11. Don't compare every custom to Poland

"We do it differently here" can be an interesting conversation starter. However, repeated over and over again, it quickly becomes tiresome.

A later dinner, slower service at the local restaurant, or a store closed at noon don't necessarily mean someone is doing a bad job. Often, they simply indicate a different daily rhythm.

The best part of traveling is the opportunity to see what life is like outside of your own daily routine. You don't have to like everything, but it's worth understanding before you try to improve the entire country.

What to watch out for in Spain? The most important rules at a glance

Spain doesn't require tourists to know a complicated code of conduct. The most important thing is to pay attention to local opening hours, keep an eye on valuables, respect establishment regulations, and accept that not all regions operate identically.

Don't treat stories about siestas, loud Spaniards, or mandatory kisses as constitutional principles. Observe your surroundings, ask questions, and check local information.

Spain is usually forgiving of minor blunders. However, it doesn't always forgive an unattended phone, a poorly parked car, or trying to order dinner from a kitchen that won't open for another three hours.

FAQ – what not to do in Spain?

Is siesta mandatory everywhere in Spain?

No. Some small shops and businesses close in the middle of the day, but many remain open non-stop, especially in large cities, shopping centers, and tourist areas.

Is tipping mandatory in Spain?

No. Tipping is voluntary and depends on the quality of service and the customer's decision. It's common to leave a few percent of the bill in restaurants, but this isn't a mandatory rule.

Is Spain safe for tourists?

Yes, Spain is considered a safe destination. However, you should be wary of pickpocketing, especially in crowded places, on public transport, and in popular tourist areas.

Can you walk around the city in a swimsuit?

It's safest to limit swimwear to the beach, pool, and their immediate surroundings. Venues and individual cities may have their own rules, so it's a good idea to wear a cover-up when not on the beach.

What time do you eat dinner in Spain?

Dinner is usually eaten later than in Poland. Restaurants typically start serving around 8:00 PM, and in many places, the kitchen stays open until late in the evening.