Eating and Shopping

Food and Dining

Typical Spanish food includes fresh vegetables, meat, eggs, chicken and fish cooked with olive oil. Breakfast is non-existent by U.S. standards and generally consists of a light meal of coffee, bread and jam, or crackers. A substantial meal is eaten at about 2 p.m. (3 p.m. in Madrid), usually including a soup, salad, fish or meat, side dish and then fresh fruit. Dinner is eaten around 9 p.m.

If you dine out, keep in mind that service is slower and begins later than you may be accustomed to. Restaurants will not serve dinner before 9 p.m.

The food service industry in Spain is quite different than in the US. Servers do not rely on tips alone to survive—they are paid much better wages. Consequently, they will not ask you every two minutes if you need anything else. Oftentimes you will have to gesture for their attention in order to get a drink, the bill, etc.

Again, because servers in Spain make better wages, tipping is not as prominent as in the US. Although it is not broken out and shown, all restaurants include a 15% service charge within your bill. It is not necessary to tip beyond this amount. Depending on the number of diners and the total bill, you may want to leave 3-4 euros. On a bill for 10 people of 200 euros, you might leave 10 euros. Restaurants may also include a bread charge, although you did not order bread. Tipping is not necessary in cafes and bars, but at a fancy restaurant it is common practice to tip.

After drink orders are placed so don’t rush to pull out your wallet as you will notice the custom here is to wait until the end to settle the tab. Most bars in Spain allow smoking, so simply be aware. If you’re looking for a smoke free environment, try to sit outside.

Shopping

Businesses are open six days a week from about 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and then from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. During siesta (approximately 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.), most shops close, except large department stores.

• < Prev
• Next >