Valencia Travel Tips

Title: Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Valencia, Spain

General Etiquette

  1. Greetings: Spanish people are generally friendly and open, but formal when meeting new people. Use “Hola” (Hello) followed by the person’s title (“Señor”, “Señora”, or “Señorita”) and their surname until invited to use their first name.

  2. Dress Code: While Valencia is a modern, cosmopolitan city, it’s always respectful to dress smartly when visiting churches, museums, or upscale restaurants.

  3. Punctuality: Spanish people value punctuality. Arriving late is often considered disrespectful, so plan accordingly.

Dining Etiquette

  1. Mealtimes: Lunch (La comida) is usually taken around 2-3 PM and dinner (La cena) between 8-10 PM. Snacks are consumed in the late afternoon.

  2. Table Manners: Use your utensils correctly. Knife on the right, fork on the left, and spoon if needed in the center. Wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

  3. Tipping: Service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but it’s still common to leave small change. If no service charge is added, a 10% tip is customary.

Cultural Etiquette

  1. Siesta: Many shops close between 2 PM and 5 PM for the siesta. Plan your shopping around this time if necessary.

  2. Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions, particularly during religious holidays such as La Tomatina (Tomato Fight) or Fallas (Valencia’s famous festival).

  3. Asking Directions: When asking for directions, it is polite to say “Perdone” (Excuse me) before your question.

  4. Personal Space: Spanish people typically have a closer personal space than in other Western cultures. However, always respect individual preferences.

  5. Gift Giving: If you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner, bring a small gift such as wine, chocolate, or flowers. Avoid giving 13 as the number of gifts, as it is considered unlucky.