Spain is one of the most beautiful countries in Southern Europe. So it is no wonder that millions of tourists visit this place every year. The global pandemic did put traveling on hold. However, Spain will always be a wonderful place to visit. As soon as the situation improves, we are sure tourists will once again return. But if you want an authentic experience, try exploring Spain like a local.
Globe trotters who are eagerly waiting to hit the road again could start preparing right now. For instance, we all use public Wi-Fi when traveling, and that could be dangerous. So to protect your data from a potential security breach, give a VPN a try. Some of you might already know what a VPN is. Essentially, it is a tool that encrypts your connection and protects the information you send or receive. Therefore, it is handy when traveling abroad.
Without further ado, let's see how to experience Spain like a local!
1. Choose a Right Destination
Tourists mostly flock to well-known cities like Barcelona, Tenerife, and Marbella. Those places are indeed outstanding and worth visiting. But if you want to see more of Spain, try to find a destination that is not super popular among tourists. Besides avoiding crowds of tourists, you can also save up some money. Less popular destinations are more affordable.
From mountains to the gorgeous coast, Spain has it all. For instance, if you have already been to Barcelona, why not go to Madrid this time? Or perhaps Santander and Córdoba? You can learn a lot about the culture there and have a relaxing holiday. Plus, there is plenty to see in these cities as well.
2. Visit the Markets
Almost every city in Spain has a local market. There you can find both second-hand treasures and fresh produce. If you are a foodie, markets are the place to be. For instance, Mercado de Santa Caterina in Barcelona offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in this part of Spain. Besides that, the market has its restaurant where you can try various Catalonian delicacies.
Mercado de San Fernando in Madrid is located in the Lavapiés neighborhood. Its architecture is a perfect blend of old and new. Likewise, you can find both local and international food here. And don’t forget to drop by a nearby flea market.
3. Don't Skip the Attractions
Experiencing Spain like a local doesn't mean you should avoid tourist attractions. Instead, plan your visit a bit better. Many popular locations offer tickets online. If you purchase the tickets in advance, you will not be stuck in a waiting line for hours.
Some museums have timed entrances which can be inconvenient. Check Google to see the popular hours, and go to a museum when it is not crowded. There are also free museums, which can be an excellent sightseeing idea, especially when traveling on a budget.
4. Enjoy the Siesta
It is easy to spot a tourist in Spain because they get up earlier than the locals. People of Spain have a slightly different schedule than everyone else. They eat lunch around 01:00 PM and have dinner around 10:00 PM. You might be wondering why they eat so late. The answer is siesta – a cultural phenomenon dating back hundreds of years.
When temperatures rise in summer, locals like to take afternoon naps. It is a great way to avoid heat. Cities do come alive in the evenings, and restaurants are usually full after dark. You might also notice that many shops and cafes close during siesta, so it is better to go back to your room and recharge the batteries.
5. Learn Some Spanish
There is no need to take an advanced course in the Spanish language. But knowing a couple of useful phrases can get you a long way. You will feel more confident when ordering food or drinks in bars. Locals do appreciate the effort. Focus on useful words such as greetings and terms for specific meals you know you like.
Mastering basic phrases can help you out when exploring the city as well. Ask the locals for direction in Spanish, and you might make a new friend. Remember that your pronunciation doesn't need to be perfect. The goal is to have fun and enjoy this wonderful country authentically.