11 Things You MUST DO In Spain!

This video is about what you MUST DO in Spain. I've lived here for 8 years and these tips will help you have a truly local experience in this country! Venga, let’s go! 🥝

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MORE ABOUT THIS VIDEO 😃
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Recently Yoly and I made a video about things you MUST NOT do in Spain. And it was really popular, as well as a little controversial.

So we decided to follow it up with something more positive - the things you have MUST DO in Spain if you want to have a truly local and authentic experience.

11. Read a great book before you come!
Before I moved to Spain, reading really helped me get a grip on this country and in the end have a much more local experience.

10. People watch during the evening paseo!
People watching is a real cliche, but it can be an amazing way to discover a place. So how do you do it right in Spain?

9. Explore the neighbourhoods as well!
Don't just limit yourself to the historic centre - hit the barrios where the locals are and see that side of life!

8. Explore lesser-known parts of Spain!
Of course you want to visit Barcelona, Seville, Madrid etc. But why not hit the rural areas? Or lesser know regions?

▶ In this video Yoly and I head to the beautiful rural Jerte Valley

7. Eat a menú del día in an old man bar!
These bars are full of locals who are going about their busy day and stop to eat a big lunch. Such an amazing way to get a glimpse at everyday life in Spain.

6. Make time for a lengthy 'sobremesa'!
Once you've finished lunch, be sure to make time to chill out with a huge gin and tonic!

5. Drink local wine!
Don't just still to Rioja and Ribera del Duero - make sure you check out local wines too.

▶ In this video Yoly and I head to rural Granada and drink local wine:

4. Eat paella like a local!
First you want to make sure you eat non-frozen paella. But then, you also want to eat it WHEN the locals eat it.

3. See an AMAZING flamenco show!
I'm not really into dance... but flamenco is so much more than that. And I adore it!

2. Eat Spanish delicacies that scare you!
I'm talking blood sausage, sweetbreads and pigs ears. Get into it - it's the local food!

1. Talk to a stranger in a bar (or somewhere else)!
In Spain we very easily and quickly strike up conversations with strangers. So even if you don't have much Spanish, go for it!

WHO ARE WE? 🥝
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Hola, Spain lovers! We're James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenido!

*This description contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you use them 🙏🏻

[spainrevealed]

What else would you recommend people visiting Spain should do to have a truly rich and local experience? Let us know below!

[MrJimbo]

I've traveled extensively in the US and I look for the same experiences when in Spain. Stay out of the tourist traps, visit the local bars and try to go "native." Last year, in Cadiz, I wandered into a pub where several patrons were playing guitar and singing Flamenca. Just hanging out, drinking, and having fun. Made some friends from Ireland and met an old man who talked about being expatriated during the Franco Era. History, culture, and friendship in a bar that could seat 40 people at most. One of the highlights of my trip.

[mistreated]

7. Eat a menú del día in an old man bar!

Oh, yeah! Love doing this. Old dudes playing cards at the back table, slot machine in the corner and simple, honest food coming off the grill. After lunch, we sit around, read the paper and plan our evenings. Highly recommend this. Great advice.

[andrewmoore]

When you are travelling through Spain, leave the car behind and take a long train journey.It's a fantastic way to see rural Spain! An eiht or nine hour train journey from Costa Blanca to northerm Spain costs about 150€. The traons are clean punctual and seats have lots of legroom. It's truly a wonderful journey and it adds an extra dimension to your holiday....it's not about getting from A to B...

[RicardoElCorrazonDeLeon]

Boy, is your advice correct! My first time in Barcelona I began interacting with others by stating, "Lo siento pero no puedo hablar catalan." From that moment on, people were falling over themselves to help me and make sure I was going to enjoy Catalonia and had somebody with whom to talk. Although I am an American, people in the U.S. always tell me that I am slow and pokey. I learned in Spain that what I prefer to do - enjoy the surroundings and the people, is not a negative quality. Needless to say, travel in Spain has been one of the greatest travel experiences of my life.

[supertren]

Tienes un amor por nuestro país que de verdad nos honras. Yo soy español y quiero decirte de corazón: Muchas gracias James de parte de los españoles!. Te puedo preguntar: te sientes medio español?, piensas que un poquito de tu corazón es español?.

[turbobrick]

I agree 💯 and would add: road trip through the countryside. Last summer we drove Barçelona, Toledo, Sevilla, Madrid, Castelldefels and you can't help but to fall in love with Spain. The windmills, the olive groves, the sunflower fields, the shadow bulls, then the el Tío Pepe statue that greets you. Traveling from Sevilla to Madrid we drove through the Extremadura and absolutely loved the villages along the way. Take the time to be a local! You're spot on with this list!

[luluq]

You guys are so cute! I am watching you more and more. I live in the US but I am Cuban born from grandparents who emigrated to Cuba. I was forced to leave Cuba at 10 years old, but while growing up there, I was immersed in Spanish culture. Our food, our customs, everything that revolves around my grandparents was like living in Spain. You bring back so many memories. Thank you.

[helenvwalker]

Thank you for mentioning Murcia. I live there. Many guidebooks ignore this authentic part of Spain. Why are people so afraid to chat with the locals? For me this has been the best bit of advice you have ever given. Just a tiny effort to do this can prove SO rewarding!!!! P.s. loved the dress you wore for the wedding Yoli .

[jimmurihiku]

I recommend as a green Kiwi, the (Camino de Santiago)
I did this and had the most memorable life experience visiting and exploring local villages and meeting a wide variety of people.
Sometimes I woke up and thought I was in New Zealand with the different landscapes, in some areas just like New Zealand.
I have to say, visit the cathedrals. Absolutely magnificent.

[josealvarez]

Great Video. I am a native that has lived in the USA for 40 years. My wife and children are all american. I love my country and I am in the process of trying to convince my wife to retire in Spain. My family is from Asturias, although I was born and grew up in Madrid. Asturias has a special place in my heart, and that is where I would love to retire.

[campurriana]

I love when James says "we had a fascinating history, we had civil war" and he says "we" including himself as a Spaniard!!! It's very funny to me but I love that you feel that way. You are more than welcome here!!

[bernardeta]

That was a great list. I have been going from US to Spain/Galicia all of my life and here is my list (what do you think? :) ) Would love to see you both experiencing Galicia.


My Top 12 To Do In Spain
:
1) Tapeando with friends (bar hopping and eating tapas)

2) During mercado days in Galicia you can eat octopus made in a large caldron outside
3) Experience a procession during Semana Santa (a shock to most Americans)
4) Go to La Boqueria in Barcelona (or an indoor market). Seeing fish and pig heads is an experience
5) Got to the beach and eat pipas (sunflowers seeds)
6) Visit a cathedral like Sagrada Familia
7) Get invited to a big event to experience the 5+ hours eating at a table with at least 5 courses
8) Take a boat trip to eat recently caught mussels in O Grove, Galicia
9) Have breakfast at a pasteleria. Must have the thick chocolate with the pastries
10) Go for a nature walk
11) Visit a Carefour (huge grocery store)
12) Experience the day-to-day life of a farmer in Galicia

[yiolaalexiou]

i cant believe it ! The moment i was waching your video i was eating (snacking ) sunflower seeds !!! And i live in Greece ! Imagine that! My daughter is a student in Spain though so your videos are a MUST

[monicawilliams]

I used to live in Spain when I was little and loved eating pipas and used to live in a small village !! I am so excited to come back to Spain next week! Long haul from NZ but well worth it!!

[marcgarrigosmane]

If you visit Barcelona you should come to Gràcia! it is an old village that was incorporated into the city, and today still has the village atmosphere. There are not many cars, the streets are full of historical sites and it is perfect for walking with the family or the couple.

[jyfromcq]

LOVE all your tips! Totally agree with #1 recommendation. I was on a train from Madrid to Barcelona last year and had a wonderful conversation the whole way with a local. I learned so much about Spain just through him and I'm sure he did as well about where I live and where I'm from. The Spanish people are so hospitable. I have to say that was one of my best travel experiences ever.

[michaelthatcher]

Last year I walked the Camino del Norte from Irun to Santiago and I can honestly say the very best food I enjoyed was in the Basque Country. The Menu da Dias were amazing, usually about 10 euros but that INCLUDED a whole bottle of the great local wine (usually Branco) with something like baked merluza.

[honestguy]

Explore the neighbourhoods as well! Best advice ever but not only for Spain. I like to see how people live so I avoid crowded downtowns...

[gabrieleangelocalvillo]

Each time i see one of your videos, I'm more sure that Spainiards and us Italians are brother nations...Not twins, but sure bros!