😴 Take the Siesta
You can't bring home jamón, but a siesta is a souvenir that lasts a lifetime
Summer is coming, and with COVID-19 receding into the background, travel is booming again. Spain is one of the hottest destinations in Europe—literally and figuratively—poised to surpass its record-breaking tourism numbers from 2023. Lucky for me, this means my friends' travel plans will take them to and through Madrid—I’m beyond excited to see and squeeze them!
People often ask me what to see and where to eat in Spain, and I’m very happy to share my ever-expanding list of favorite places. But if I were pressed to share only one piece of advice, I’d say the single best way to enjoy life in Spain is to take the siesta.
Adopting the Spanish schedule, including a midday rest, can transform your vacation into an immersive adventure and boost your social life. A friend and I agreed that visitors who adapt to the local rhythm enjoy their trip more. Those who stay out all morning and afternoon often end up exhausted and sunburned by 9 PM—just when it’s time for dinner.
I hear some of you saying, “Who the hell are you to tell me how to spend my time?” and I hear you—schedule autonomy is one of my most cherished core values. Your time is your own and you get to decide how to spend it.
But hear me out: embracing the siesta aligns your body with cultural rhythms and enhances your travel experience. It breaks up your day, making travel more manageable and enjoyable, like turning a marathon into an interval workout.
Resting on vacation might seem impossible with a bustling city outside your door. For those of us who were born and raised in cultures steeped in Protestant Work Ethic values, napping can feel counter-intuitive, especially on a short trip. Before moving here, I let FOMO dictate my itinerary and looked tired in every photo. Now, no matter where I travel, I have a better time—and get more flattering photos—when I take a siesta.
Many guides tell you where to go in Spain, but few explain a typical day. Following the local Spanish schedule will allow you to experience a refreshing new rhythm, balancing sightseeing with relaxation.
I know, I know—you have reservations to book, so let’s get into it! Here’s a general schedule to build your Spanish travel days around, especially during the hot summer months.
How to Live Your Best Spanish Life as a Tourist
08:00 to 10:00—Sightsee in the Morning: Start your day early. The mornings have far fewer crowds and more humane temperatures. Grab a coffee and head outside. Please note: I don’t recommend this for your first morning after a long travel day. Sleep in, and don’t forget to lower your persianas (Spanish roller shades) before you go to sleep to maximize the darkness.
10:00 to 11:30—Enjoy Breakfast like a Local: Find a nondescript local bar, often referred to as an "old man bar" or any café for a desayuno (breakfast). If you see zinc countertops, locals, and lottery machines, you’re in the right place. Elbow your way up to the bar, be assertive, and, enjoy a second coffee (you can order descaffeinado (decaf) if you're a one-coffee person like me) and traditional Spanish breakfast. Most of these places don't have a menu, but typical options include:
pan con tomate y aceite y jamón (toast with grated tomato, olive oil, and cured ham)
bollería (pastries—usually croissants or muffins)
un pincho de tortilla (a piece of tortilla)
fresh-squeezed zumo de naranja (orange juice)
11:30 to 13:30—Beat the Heat: If it’s hot or the UV index is high, visit a museum or another indoor spot to take advantage of the air conditioning. If you must stay outside, be smart with your hat and sunscreen use and seek shade.
13:30 to 15:30—¡A Comer! (Time to Eat!): Have lunch between 1:30 and 3:30 PM. Unlike North America, most places are not open for lunch at 12:00 noon—if you get hungry, have a snack. Monday through Friday is perfect for trying the menú del día (menu of the day), a fixed-price menu ranging from €10-15 that lets you choose a first and a second course and often includes a drink, a dessert or coffee. This is an authentic way to try lots of traditional Spanish food—portions can be large, so ask for containers para llevar (to take away) if you want to finish your meal later.
15:30 to 17:30—Take the Siesta: A midday break is part of Spanish life as you’ll quickly discover—shops and restaurants from 4 PM to 8 PM. If committing to a nap is too much too soon, just “close your eyes for a few minutes" like my husband does (who often ends up napping). Change into your pajamas, relax with a series, review photos, scroll social media, read, or do something quiet indoors. Set an alarm if you’re worried about disrupting your sleep schedule. The goal is to reset, as you'll need your energy later for...
17:30 to 19:30—Late Afternoon Activities: Feel free to continue your siesta here if it’s scorching, but 5:30 PM can be a good time to venture out. This is my favorite time to go shopping and visit museums because the crowds are minimal—save for ice cream shops, which are filled with families enjoying merienda (late afternoon snack).
19:30 to 20:30—Get Ready: Pick your outfit, get dressed, and freshen up for...
20:30 to 23:59—Dinner Time: In Spain, la cena (dinner) starts around 9:00-11:00 PM. Meals are leisurely, often filled with lively conversation, usually about food. If the vibe is right, you might head to a nearby bar afterward. With a siesta under your belt, you'll be ready to fully enjoy Spain's social and culinary delights.
One of my favorite aspects of living here is the emphasis on slowing down and savoring simple pleasures. While Spain's rich food, history, and culture may draw you in, I hope you experience its more intangible benefits. Unlike jamón (Spanish cured ham), the siesta is a souvenir you can take home and enjoy for a lifetime.
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