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THIf you really want to blend in like a local here 🇪🇸
these are small things we’ve slowly picked up since moving.
No one tells you. You just notice over time. 😄
1️⃣ Eat on Spanish time.
Lunch is around 2:00–3:30 PM. Dinner starts at 9:30 PM (minimum).
If you’re sitting down for dinner at 6:30… everyone knows.
2️⃣ Never order paella for dinner.
Paella is a heavy, social, long lunch situation. Usually shared.
Seeing someone eat it at 10 PM…Instant tourist flag.
3️⃣ Don’t say “hola” say “buenas.”
“Buenas” works all day and sounds way more natural when entering a shop, café or restaurant.
4️⃣ Drinks reveal everything.
Order a beer, wine or vermouth.
Sangria is mostly a visitor thing (especially in tourist areas).
5️⃣ Your coffee order matters.
Keep it simple: café con leche or cortado.
Long, customized latte orders.. Not very Spanish.
6️⃣ Skip the tourist uniform.
Baseball caps, oversized backpacks, fanny packs, selfie sticks…
Comfortable Yes. Invisible No.
7️⃣ No shorts in March.
It may feel warm to you.
Locals are still in jackets. You show knees = outsider.
8️⃣ Don’t shout across the table.
Spaniards can be loud, but usually within their group.
If people 3 tables away can clearly hear your story… you stand out.
9️⃣ Please… don’t default to McDonald’s.
Spain has incredible local food on almost every corner. Act like you know that.
💫 Bonus: commit to the accent.
Roll your R’s. Maybe lean into a tiny Spanish “distinción”.
Confidence sells it 😎
None of this is about pretending to be someone else. 😄 You just slowly adapt without realising it.
Save this for later if Spain is on your mind 🇪🇸
Follow @thortheswedes for more everyday life and honest insights from living here 🩵
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@thortheswedes
