Europe
Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.
I entered this country using my Finnish residence permit, which allowed entry without a separate visa.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
| S.No | Date | Details (Notes) | Category | Unit | Cost / Unit | Amount | Currency | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | ~35/night | Accommodation | — | — | — | — | 105.00 |
| 2 | — | ~25/day | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 75.00 |
| 3 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 26.00 |
| 4 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 5 | — | Free | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | — | Free | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | — | Free exterior only | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | — | — | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 30.00 |
| 9 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 11.35 |
| 10 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 45.00 |
| 11 | — | ~30/night | Accommodation | — | — | — | — | 60.00 |
| 12 | — | ~25/day | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 50.00 |
| 13 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 15.00 |
| 14 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 12.00 |
| 15 | — | Free | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | — | Free | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | — | — | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 14.00 |
| 18 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 19 | — | — | Connectivity | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 20 | — | — | Insurance | — | — | — | — | 35.00 |
| 21 | — | — | Miscellaneous | — | — | — | — | 30.00 |
| 22 | — | — | Miscellaneous | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 23 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 12.00 |
| 24 | — | — | EUR 525.35 + USD 35 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 560.35 |
Last updated 5 days ago
Pickpocketing is very common in Spain, especially in Barcelona, Madrid, and on public transport. Thieves work in teams using distractions like fake petitions, bracelet gifts, or staged spills. Carry minimal cash, keep valuables in a money belt, and hold bags in front of you.
Many shops and restaurants close for siesta from roughly 2 PM to 5 PM. Spaniards eat lunch around 2-3 PM and dinner after 9 PM. Plan activities around these hours. Tourist areas in major cities are less affected, but smaller towns observe siesta strictly.
Tipping is not mandatory in Spain. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for excellent restaurant service is common. A service charge may already be included at fancier restaurants. For coffee or small orders, leaving loose change is sufficient.
Alhambra tickets in Granada sell out weeks in advance, especially for the Nasrid Palaces which have timed entry slots. Book online at the official site at least 2-3 months ahead. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona also requires advance booking.
Spain's AVE high-speed trains connect major cities quickly: Madrid to Barcelona in 2.5 hours, Madrid to Seville in 2.5 hours. Book early on Renfe.com for the cheapest fares. The metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona are efficient and affordable.
In Granada, many bars serve a free tapa with every drink ordered. This tradition also exists in parts of Seville, Leon, and Salamanca. Order a beer or wine and receive a complimentary small dish. Bar-hop to enjoy a full meal of free tapas.
Spain uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted but carry cash for small bars and markets. Power plugs are Type C and F with 230V at 50Hz. US travelers need a European adapter.
Last updated 5 days ago
📍 Madrid
Explore Madrid starting at the Royal Palace, the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, and the nearby Almudena Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at the world-class Prado Museum viewing masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco. In the evening, join locals for tapas hopping around the La Latina neighborhood and stroll through the lively Plaza Mayor.
📍 Toledo
Take a short train ride to Toledo, the ancient walled city perched above the Tagus River where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures blended for centuries. Visit the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcazar fortress, and the Church of Santo Tome housing El Greco's masterpiece. Wander the narrow medieval streets and try mazapan, the famous Toledo marzipan confection, before returning to Madrid.
📍 Seville
Take the high-speed AVE train to Seville and visit the stunning Real Alcazar palace with its lush gardens and intricate Mudejar tilework. Climb the Giralda tower of the Seville Cathedral, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for panoramic city views. Explore the charming Santa Cruz quarter and attend an authentic flamenco show in the Triana neighborhood.
📍 Granada
Travel to Granada and spend the morning exploring the Alhambra, the extraordinary Moorish palace complex with its Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba fortress. Walk through the narrow winding streets of the Albaicin quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Moorish neighborhood with whitewashed houses. Enjoy free tapas at a bar with a view of the Alhambra lit up at night from the Mirador de San Nicolas.
📍 Barcelona
Fly to Barcelona and marvel at Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia basilica, with its towering organic spires and stained glass flooding the interior with color. Stroll down La Rambla to the Gothic Quarter and explore the Barcelona Cathedral and Placa Reial. Visit Park Guell for whimsical mosaic terraces overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
Saffron-infused rice dish with seafood, chicken, or vegetables, originating from Valencia.
Small shared plates ranging from patatas bravas and jamón to gambas al ajillo and croquetas.
Chilled tomato soup blended with peppers, cucumber, and olive oil, a refreshing summer classic.
Thick potato and egg omelette cooked slowly until golden, served in wedges.
Fried dough sticks served with thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.
Dry-cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, thinly sliced and savored as a delicacy.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece and the world's most famous church under construction since 1882, now targeted for completion around 2026. The exterior is a forest of towering spires and intricate stone carvings, but the interior is the real revelation — tree-like columns branch toward the ceiling while stained glass windows flood the space with rainbow light. Book tickets well in advance as it's Spain's most-visited monument.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A breathtaking Moorish palace and fortress complex perched on a hilltop overlooking Granada, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop. The Nasrid Palaces feature some of the finest Islamic art in the world — delicate stucco carvings, geometric tilework, and the famous Court of the Lions with its marble fountain. The Generalife gardens offer peaceful terraced walks with fountains and fragrant flowers. Tickets sell out weeks ahead.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A grand 17th-century arcaded square in the heart of Madrid, surrounded by elegant red-brick buildings with 237 balconies overlooking the cobblestone plaza. Once used for bullfights, markets, and royal ceremonies, it now buzzes with outdoor cafes, street performers, and artists. From here, explore the nearby Mercado de San Miguel for gourmet tapas, or walk to the Royal Palace and Puerta del Sol.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A stunning royal palace still used by the Spanish royal family, blending Mudejar, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture across centuries of expansion. The intricate tilework, carved stucco walls, and lush courtyard gardens rival the Alhambra in beauty. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the Water Gardens of Dorne. The surrounding Santa Cruz neighborhood has narrow flower-draped alleyways perfect for an evening tapas crawl.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A coastal Basque city with arguably the best food scene in the world — more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else. La Concha Beach is a perfect crescent of golden sand framed by green hills and Belle Epoque architecture. The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is packed with pintxos bars where the counter overflows with bite-sized culinary creations on toothpicks. Hike up Monte Urgull for sweeping bay views.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Last updated 2 weeks ago
A glimpse into our favourite moments from Spain.
Transit through Madrid — checking in at the Avianca counter in Barajas Airport
