Meal times
All of SpainIn Spain lunch moves into the afternoon and dinner into the night. Kitchens close in between, so walking into a restaurant at the hour you are used to may get you a drink and nothing else.
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Everyday etiquette
All of SpainGreetings matter and you are expected to greet people as you walk into a shop. In the middle of the afternoon small shops may close for a few hours; plan your shopping around it.
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Getting around
Everything in the center is within walking distance and the historic core is closed to traffic anyway. The tram is one short line and the metro a single line. The airport is linked to the center by bus.
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Heat and clothing
The summer heat is extreme by European standards; staying in the shade at midday is not optional. Winter is mild and the most comfortable season for sightseeing.
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Money and cards
All of SpainThe currency is the euro and cards work almost everywhere. In small bars and markets a little cash is still practical. Tipping is not obligatory.
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Practical notes
All of SpainSockets are type C/F at 230 V, so no adapter is needed. Tap water is drinkable though hard-tasting in some cities. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross.
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Safety and the busy weeks
The city is safe and pickpocketing is nowhere near Barcelona levels. What needs attention is not crime but the weeks when the city fills completely.
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