10 Taboo or Offensive Things to Avoid Doing in Spain
10 Taboo or Offensive Things to Avoid Doing in Spain 🇪🇸🚫
Spain is a warm, friendly, and laid-back country, but that doesn’t mean anything goes! While Spaniards are known for their easygoing attitude, there are a few cultural no-nos that can raise eyebrows—or even offend. 😬
If you want to blend in like a local, avoid these 10 major faux pas on your Spanish holiday! ✈️
1. Don’t Expect Dinner Before 9 PM 🍽️⏳
Think you’ll be sitting down for dinner at 6 PM like back home? Not in Spain!
🇪🇸 Spaniards eat late, often after 9 PM, with some restaurants not even opening for dinner until 8 PM.
💡 What to do instead: Adjust your schedule! If you’re hungry earlier, have a merienda (snack) around 5-6 PM—a coffee and a pastry, or some tapas, will keep you going.
2. Don’t Wave or Point at People with Your Index Finger ☝️
In many cultures, pointing is normal, but in Spain, it’s rude and aggressive. Waving your index finger to call someone over? Even worse! It can come across as bossy.
💡 What to do instead: To beckon someone, palm down, fingers curled inwards—a subtle and polite Spanish gesture.
3. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks Spanish 🇪🇸➡️🏴🇦🇺
Spain has multiple regions with their own languages! In Catalonia (Barcelona), the Basque Country, and Galicia, many people speak Catalan, Basque, or Galician first.
💡 What to do instead: If you’re in these regions, don’t call their language “just a dialect.” Say a friendly “Hola” in Spanish, and if they reply in the regional language, don’t worry—most people still speak Spanish too!
4. Don’t Be Shocked by Personal Space (or Lack of It) 🤗
Spaniards are affectionate people—hugs, kisses on both cheeks, and close talking are normal. Standing too far away can feel cold to locals.
💡 What to do instead: When greeting someone, expect a kiss on both cheeks (right side first)—even when meeting for the first time. Men usually shake hands but close friends might hug.
5. Don’t Split the Bill Like a Mathematician 🧾❌
Asking for separate bills in Spain can be awkward. Spaniards usually split bills evenly or take turns paying. Calculating every euro down to the cent? Not the norm!
💡 What to do instead: If you’re with locals, just divide the bill equally. If you really must split, say:
👉 “¿Podemos pagar por separado?” (Can we pay separately?)
But don’t be surprised if it’s met with a little eye-rolling. 😅
6. Don’t Skip ‘Dos Besos’ (Two Kisses) When Greeting Someone 😘
In Spain, handshakes are formal. Kisses on both cheeks are the usual greeting, even between men and women who’ve just met.
💡 What to do instead: Follow their lead! If someone leans in for a kiss, don’t back away—just lightly touch cheeks while making a kissing sound.
7. Don’t Complain About the Siesta 💤
Yes, some businesses still close in the afternoon, especially in small towns. Complaining about it? That’s a big no-no.
💡 What to do instead: Embrace it! Use siesta time to relax like a local—have a long lunch, take a stroll, or grab a coffee. Large cities have fewer siestas, but rural Spain still loves the tradition.
8. Don’t Expect a Quick Coffee Grab-and-Go ☕🚶♂️❌
In Spain, coffee is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Forget grabbing a takeaway cup—Spaniards sit down and take their time.
💡 What to do instead: Order your coffee at a café and stay for a bit. If you really need it to-go, say:
👉 “Para llevar, por favor” (To take away, please).
But expect small cups, not giant takeaway mugs!
9. Don’t Start Eating Before Everyone is Served 🍽️🚫
Dining in Spain is a social event, not just a quick meal. Starting before others is bad manners—waiting for everyone is a must!
💡 What to do instead: Wait until everyone has their food, then say “¡Que aproveche!” (Enjoy your meal!) before tucking in.
10. Don’t Get Offended by Directness 🤨💬
Spaniards are blunt and direct—they’ll tell you if you’ve gained weight or if your outfit isn’t great. It’s not rude, it’s honest!
💡 What to do instead: Don’t take it personally! Laugh it off, joke back, and embrace the straightforwardness.
Final Thoughts: Blend In & Enjoy Spain Like a Local! 🇪🇸✨
Spain is an amazing, vibrant, and friendly country, and avoiding these cultural faux pas will help you fit right in.
💬 Which of these surprised you the most? Have you made any Spanish etiquette mistakes before? Drop a comment below! 👇
